Bridgewater Communities for Civil Rights
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Bridgewater Communities for Civil Rights
December Is Here
I heard a bird sing
In the dark of December.
A magical thing
And sweet to remember.
"We are nearer to Spring
Than we were in September,”
I heard a bird sing
In the dark of December.
In the dark of December.
A magical thing
And sweet to remember.
"We are nearer to Spring
Than we were in September,”
I heard a bird sing
In the dark of December.
"I Heard a Bird Sing," by Oliver Herford
From Welcome Christmas! A Garland of Poems (Viking Press, 1955).
Accessed 11/28/23. This poem is now in the public domain.
From Welcome Christmas! A Garland of Poems (Viking Press, 1955).
Accessed 11/28/23. This poem is now in the public domain.
Saturday, 12/9/2023 at 10:00 a.m.
BCCR Standout Bridgewater Center
Stand out for Peace
Stand up Against Antisemitism and Islamophobia
Our meetings are held via Zoom.
Think you might be interested?
We'd love to have you attend as a guest...no obligation to join.
For the link, send email to:
BridgewaterCommForCivilRights@gmail.com
or
Click here to contact us.
Wednesday, 12/27/23 ~ 7:00-9:00 pm
Dock C. Bracy Center for Human Reconciliation
https://www.dcbcenter.org/
Monthly Book Discussion
Racism Without Racists:
Color-Blind Racism and the Persistence
of Racial Inequality in America
by Eduardo Bonilla-Silva
Dock C. Bracy Center for Human Reconciliation
https://www.dcbcenter.org/
Monthly Book Discussion
Racism Without Racists:
Color-Blind Racism and the Persistence
of Racial Inequality in America
by Eduardo Bonilla-Silva
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“Eduardo Bonilla-Silva's acclaimed Racism without Racists examines in detail how Whites talk, think, and account for the existence of racial inequality and makes clear that color-blind racism is as insidious now as ever. The sixth edition of this provocative book includes new material on systemic racism and how color-blind racism framed many issues during the COVID-19 pandemic. A revised conclusion addresses what readers can do to confront racism-both personally and on a larger structural level. Click for Source Click to Register |
Click Here for One Book One Community Reads
Scroll a bit to see what BCCR's been up to lately!
Fall 2023 Read
One Book One Community
Strange Arithmetic
by local author Kerrin Willis
One Book One Community
Strange Arithmetic
by local author Kerrin Willis
Strange Arithmetic, by Taunton, MA author Kerrin Willis, is set in Taunton and Boston and having much of the action take place in the World War II POW and recruitment camp. The Norton Historical Society has digitized some relevant maps and photos here.
The Old Colony History Museum in Taunton has memorabilia and is well worth a visit.
Click to Visit the OBOC website where more details and book-related events are posted.
Photo courtesy OBOC.
The Old Colony History Museum in Taunton has memorabilia and is well worth a visit.
Click to Visit the OBOC website where more details and book-related events are posted.
Photo courtesy OBOC.
Curious about events in the next several months?
We post them as soon as we hear about them! CLICK HERE |
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What's BCCR Been Up to Lately?
11/18/2023 - BCCR Standout
Transgender Awareness
Transgender Awareness
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Transgender Emergency Fund of MA
Programs, Resources, Info for & about the Trans Community Human Rights Campaign More Information Southern Poverty Law Center |
November 13, 2023
BCCR Members Attend MA State House Hearing
Legislation to Prohibit Native American Mascots
In MA Public Schools
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MA Indigenous Legislative Bills S.245/H.247 (current bill numbers November, 2023) request the prohibition of Native American mascots in MA public schools.
Click the S.245 and/or H.247 links above to read the bills.
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Two BCCR members stand in front of the MA State House holding flyers supporting the MA Indigenous Legislative Agenda.
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About 25 schools in the Commonwealth currently use such mascots. Academic research reveals that Native American mascots create a hostile climate for Native Americans and increase bias among non-Native people, which is clearly not educationally sound. In particular, for Native American students, exposure to these mascots decreases self-esteem and capacity to imagine future achievement, and increases negative feelings. You can find these research findings here.
email source
As requested, supporters wore purple to show support. This post is outlined in purple with a light lavender background!
email source
As requested, supporters wore purple to show support. This post is outlined in purple with a light lavender background!
11/2/23 ~ Multicultural Symposium
Moderated by Carole Copeland Thomas
Topic:
Censorship or Book Banning? ~ Has America Gone Too Far?
!Panelists include BCCR Members!
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BCCR Members Attended the
10/24/2023 ~ Interfaith Peace Vigil
Hosted by Bridgewater State University
Did you miss the vigil? Would you like to revisit it?
This event can be seen on Channel 9, during a special edition of InFocus. Airing at: Thursday at 11:30am
Saturday at 7:30pm
Sunday at 11:30am, and Tuesday at 8pm.
You can also watch & subscribe to the BTV YouTube Channel @BTV Access Corp.
Thank you to Jeff Fowler and John Luck
A vigil for peace was held at Bridgewater State University on October 24, 2023, following the latest Gaza-Israel conflict.
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Some members from BCCR held signs at the 10/24/23 Peace Vigil at Bridgewater State University.
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Speakers at the BSU Interfaith Peace Vigil represented diverse backgrounds and faiths.
10/14/23 Standout Bridgewater Center
In response to 10/7/23 Hamas Terrorist Attack on Israel
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Thank you, David, for the pix!
October 4, 2023
Hybrid Forum at Bridgewater Public Library and via Zoom
The Discussion: Book Challenges at University, Public, and School Libraries
The Discussion: Book Challenges at University, Public, and School Libraries
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Moderator - Carole Copeland Thomas
Interim Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer, Curry College Panelists Pamela Hayes-Bohanan Bridgewater State University, Senior Librarian Jed Phillips, Bridgewater Public Library, Director Kristine Richards Bridgewater/Raynham School District, Coordinator of Teaching & Learning Laura Rotolo, ACLU MA, Field Director |
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One of many signs BCCR members made for a pre-forum standout.
Left: Forum panelists in library and via Zoom. Right: Forum attendees.
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Library Director Jed Phillips and BCCR Member Beryl Domingo.
Forum moderator Carole Copeland Thomas (center)
& BCCR members.
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More photos available thanks to Marc Vasconcellos of The Enterprise
Thank you to Peter AJemian and BTV Access for recording the Book Banning Forum.
Please click here!
Thank you to Peter AJemian and BTV Access for recording the Book Banning Forum.
Please click here!
9/30/2023
Orange Shirt Day Standout
Bridgewater Center
Orange Shirt Day Standout
Bridgewater Center
Orange Shirt Day, also called National Day for Truth and Reconciliation or National Day of Remembrance, is observed yearly on September 30 in Canada and the United States.
The orange shirt is inspired by Phyllis (Jack) Webstad’s experience of having her orange shirt, given to her by her grandmother, taken away upon arrival to the Mission school. The orange color reminded Webstad of her experience and “how my feelings didn’t matter, how no one cared and how I felt like I was worth nothing. All of us little children were crying and no one cared.”
For more information about the U.S. & Canadian Residential Schools, and to listen to Phyllis Webstad, click here.
The orange shirt is inspired by Phyllis (Jack) Webstad’s experience of having her orange shirt, given to her by her grandmother, taken away upon arrival to the Mission school. The orange color reminded Webstad of her experience and “how my feelings didn’t matter, how no one cared and how I felt like I was worth nothing. All of us little children were crying and no one cared.”
For more information about the U.S. & Canadian Residential Schools, and to listen to Phyllis Webstad, click here.
9/26/23
BCCR Held a Anti-Book Ban Standout
“Each attempt to ban a book by one of these groups represents a direct attack on every person’s constitutionally protected right to freely choose what books to read and what ideas to explore,” said Caldwell-Stone. "The choice of what to read must be left to the reader or, in the case of children, to parents. That choice does not belong to self-appointed book police.”
From a March 2023 press release by the American Public Library Association
From a March 2023 press release by the American Public Library Association
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BCCR members, and Bridgewater State University President Fred Clark, hold signs as they stand out against book banning on 9/26/23.
Opening Event - 9/17/23
Third Annual Peace
in Bridgewater and Beyond
The Third Annual Peace in Bridgewater and Beyond, a week of programs, was organized by the Bridgewater International City of Peace Committee. The first day’s events, held at First Parish UU Bridgewater, were led by the First Parish Church and Bridgewater Communities for Civil Rights (BCCR).
Individuals from First Parish, BCCR, and Bridgewater State University participated in the opening event for the celebration. Special thanks to the Social Justice Choir of Southeastern Massachusetts for lifting up our spirits in song during the Peace Pole re-dedication.
The dedication included moving statements by several individuals. Subsequently, participants attended a church service, led by lay ministers and Rev. Jennifer Johnson. Finally, the group marched from the Church to the Bridgewater Common to Stand Out for Peace.
Individuals from First Parish, BCCR, and Bridgewater State University participated in the opening event for the celebration. Special thanks to the Social Justice Choir of Southeastern Massachusetts for lifting up our spirits in song during the Peace Pole re-dedication.
The dedication included moving statements by several individuals. Subsequently, participants attended a church service, led by lay ministers and Rev. Jennifer Johnson. Finally, the group marched from the Church to the Bridgewater Common to Stand Out for Peace.
August 28, 2023
BCCR Members Stand Out Against
Racism & Gun Violence in Jacksonville FL
BCCR members display signs condemning another racist shooting, this one in Jacksonville, FL on 8/26/23. "The shooter left behind several manifestos for media, his parents and law enforcement detailing his hatred for Black people, according to authorities, who said they may release the writings at a future date" (Reuters).
Signs remind passersby of previous victims and the correlation between gun violence, racism, and Black Lives Matter.
Signs remind passersby of previous victims and the correlation between gun violence, racism, and Black Lives Matter.
August 5, 2023
BCCR Members Were Present At:
A Nuclear Disarmament Standout in Bridgewater
and
A Story Hour Protest in Mattapoisett
Attend an in-person or virtual event memorializing bombing victims. For attendance info, scroll to the MAPA ARTS and PEACEBUILDING info below.
For a history of the bombings, click to read this page by History.Com editors (updated 4/18/2023).
For a history of the bombings, click to read this page by History.Com editors (updated 4/18/2023).
This sign represents some of the sentiments expressed by concerned citizens about the "See You at the Library" story hour that included a Brave Books book titled "As You Grow."
The library requested that no photos be taken, but you can see a photo and learn more about the protest by clicking here.
To see Brave Books Purpose and Mission, click here.
Thank You, BCCR Members, for your Social Justice Activism!
The library requested that no photos be taken, but you can see a photo and learn more about the protest by clicking here.
To see Brave Books Purpose and Mission, click here.
Thank You, BCCR Members, for your Social Justice Activism!
July 24, 2023 in Plymouth
BCCR Members Attend anti-Holtec Rally
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BOSTON (AP) — Massachusetts environmental regulators have denied a request by the company [Holtec]dismantling a shuttered nuclear power plant to release more than 1 million gallons (3.8 million liters) of radioactive wastewater into Cape Cod Bay.
To learn more about this topic, click here.
To learn more about this topic, click here.
Saturday, 7/22/23
BCCR was busy
BCCR Members Held a "Cluster Bombs Awareness" Standout
in Bridgewater Center
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Read this BBC article, which presents both sides:
Cluster bombs: Biden defends decision to send Ukraine controversial weapons A navy veteran walked by as I was holding my sign. She thanked us for standing out, and particularly for clarifying support for Ukraine vs. opposition to cluster bombs, expressing her dismay at that decision.
I thanked her for her service, and she said, "I served all those years so you could stand out here today." rfc |
Also on 7/22
some BCCR members joined
the Women's Alliance and the Our Bodies our Loves Coalition
at a Reproductive Justice Rally in New Bedford
These rallies in New Bedford began after the passage of the Dobbs vs. Jackson Women's Health Organization decision by the Supreme Court on June 24, 2022.
Thank you to David Ehrens and Charlie Perry for the rally photos.
Thank you to David Ehrens and Charlie Perry for the rally photos.
1 More Instance of BCCR Activism
on 7/22
Rally against sand mining in Wareham, MA
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Statement from one of our members who attended the rally (see sign on the right):
I attended the “No Sandmining” protest in Wareham on Saturday, 7/22/23, along with others from surrounding towns that have had enough of the trucks, pollution, acquifer disruption, and more, in Carver, Wareham & Plymouth. I plan to continue to support the Community Land & Water Coalition as they work constantly to protect our fragile environment from abuses by big business. |
Please click here for more background and info on this rally,
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July 4, 2023
BCCR Marched in Bridgewater's July 4th Parade
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Members of BCCR pose prior to marching . BCCR members marching -- before the rain!
2nd Annual
Juneteenth Flag Raising Bridgewater
6/15/23
Hover over each image to see a call-out of the caption.
or
Click on each image to enlarge it and to display a caption beneath it.
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Videos above right and on the left showing the American and Juneteenth Flags unfurling in the delightful June breeze. As above, to expand the video, click it, then click the double-edged arrows at the bottom right of the video. |
Saturday, 6/10/23 - LGBTQ+ Standout
Beautiful weather and a lot of supportive honks and thumbs up by passersby put smiles on our faces as BCCR members held a standout in support of the LBGTQ+ community.
Photo above: never camera shy, we gathered together for a quick snapshot.
2 photos below: individual photos taken by BCCR members. TU!
Photo above: never camera shy, we gathered together for a quick snapshot.
2 photos below: individual photos taken by BCCR members. TU!
6/1/23 ~ Third Annual
PRIDE Flag Raising Bridgewater
Click on each image to enlarge it and to display a caption beneath it.
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Play this slow motion video (on the right) of the American and PRIDE flags swaying in the breeze. Click the diagonal arrows on the bottom right of the video to make it full size. Press the ESC key when you're finished to return to our BCCR website! |
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5/13/23 Enough is Enough Rally
BCCR joined the Women's Alliance
&
Our Bodies Our Lives Coalition
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5/8/2023
Another Gun Awareness Standout
There have been two mass shootings in TX in the last 10 days, one on April 29th in a TX home, the other on Saturday, May 6, at an outdoor mall. Nevertheless, mass shootings aren't the only cause of gun violence.
The BCCR standout was to raise awareness about guns. According to some sources, the majority of registered voters are in favor of at least some gun control measures, including raising the legal gun-buying age and requiring a 30-day waiting period on gun purchases.
The BCCR standout was to raise awareness about guns. According to some sources, the majority of registered voters are in favor of at least some gun control measures, including raising the legal gun-buying age and requiring a 30-day waiting period on gun purchases.
5/6/2023 Visit to Boston
African Meeting House
&
Abiel Smith School
Our visit to the African Meeting House was a phenomenal experience. The host was beyond enthusiastic, providing time for us to explore the Abiel Smith School and then bringing us across the way, where he provided a brief history of the Meeting House. We then serendipitously were included in a presentation by Professor Kerri Greenidge from Tufts University.
For more information about the Meeting house, visit these links:
National Park Service
Museum of African Amercan History
For more information about the Meeting house, visit these links:
National Park Service
Museum of African Amercan History
The Embrace Memorial "...honors the life and legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King...."
For more information about The Embrace:
Read about the unveiling at Boston.gov
Visit the EmbraceBoston.org website
For more information about The Embrace:
Read about the unveiling at Boston.gov
Visit the EmbraceBoston.org website
BCCR members (and Sparky) attended the Family Fun Day held at the First Parish Church in Taunton. A great way to have some fun, participate as an LGBTQ+ family member or ally, and connect with other social justice orgs.
Tx to First UU Middleboro for notifying us & to South Coast LGBTQ+ Network for hosting.
Tx to First UU Middleboro for notifying us & to South Coast LGBTQ+ Network for hosting.
4/22/23
Earth Day Cleanup at Ironworks Park
Stanley Ironworks Park Steward Steve Black led a successful cleanup at this lovely parkland, located at 151 High Street in Bridgewater. BCCR Members, Boy Scouts, and other community members helped with the cleanup. See the pictures and a video with a portion of Steve providing a history and description of the park.
Learn more about the parkland here.
Many thanks to Steve for his continual care of this land.
From Steve to all participants:
" A grateful thank you to all who helped out at the Park for the Earth Day cleanup, including community members, Bridgewater Community for Civil Rights members, neighbors, and especially to the scouts of Troop 31 and their parents! You all have really made a difference in making our community a nicer place to live in!"
Learn more about the parkland here.
Many thanks to Steve for his continual care of this land.
From Steve to all participants:
" A grateful thank you to all who helped out at the Park for the Earth Day cleanup, including community members, Bridgewater Community for Civil Rights members, neighbors, and especially to the scouts of Troop 31 and their parents! You all have really made a difference in making our community a nicer place to live in!"
Earth Image by Steven Goddard from Pixabay
View a video (above) to learn a bit about Ironworks Park in Bridgewater.
Read about some other non-BCCR related environmental events here.
Read about some other non-BCCR related environmental events here.
4/15/2023
BCCR Joined in Solidarity with
Women's Alliance & Our Bodies Our Lives Coalition
The Women's Alliance SE MA and the Our Bodies Our Lives Coalition held a protest against the TX ruling on medication abortion.
BCCR joined several other advocacy groups in front of the Federal Building in New Bedford, MA.
Lots of energy and positive responses from passersby.
Click the video above to see some footage from the standout.
4/8/2023 Gun Awareness Standout
BCCR, Town Officials, community members stood together.
Our goal: bring awareness to gun violence.
We received many supportive honks and thumbs up (and a few thumbs down)
Click the play button below to play video.= of the 4/8/23 standout.
March 11, 2023
Standout Against Antisemitism
Standout Against Antisemitism
BCCR Standout February 11, 2023
Some BCCR members in Bridgewater Center joined others across the state and the country protesting the death of Tyre Nichols. Mr. Nichols died this month, 3 days after being stopped by Memphis police officers.
January 21, 2023
January 14, 2023
Standout for Black Lives Matter & Martin Luther King
Brrr!
Black Lives Matter Film Series |
Bringing People Together |
Activism
If you would like to support these activities, please go to our Donate page.