Bridgewater Communities for Civil Rights
BCCR is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization Like us on
Bridgewater Communities for Civil Rights
A Thought For February
It has almost always been the creative, dedicated minority
that has made the world better.
It has almost always been the creative, dedicated minority
that has made the world better.
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Excerpt from Draft of Chapter VI, “A Knock at Midnight,” by Martin Luther King, Jr. Source: Stanford University: The Martin Luther King, Jr. Research and Education Institute Click here |
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Black History
Month??!! Wait a minute! What about the other 337 days of the year? |
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Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Belonging
Committee
The DEI&B Committee is looking for volunteers
The mission of the DEIB Committee is to ensure that all town initiatives, policies, and procedures demonstrate a commitment to centering principles of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging while serving as a driver of social change in the Town of Bridgewater.
Click here for more details about the committee
Click here to go directly to the application page
Click here for more details about the committee
Click here to go directly to the application page
Pen Pal Opportunity w/Bridgewater State University Students
Many Bridgewater State University (MA) students are requesting a pen pal. It's your choice (and your pal's) to write via email or snail mail.
If you're interested in "pen-palling," please Click on the above image or Click on our Contact tab at the top of the website!
Please provide your contact information (email and/or text), and we'll get back to you.
If you're interested in "pen-palling," please Click on the above image or Click on our Contact tab at the top of the website!
Please provide your contact information (email and/or text), and we'll get back to you.
February is Black History Month
Know the past, shape the future
Stand out with us in Bridgewater Center
2/11/23 from 10:00-11:00 a.m.
Know the past, shape the future
Stand out with us in Bridgewater Center
2/11/23 from 10:00-11:00 a.m.
Modified for this page Black History Vectors by Vecteezy
February 11, 2023 from 1:00-2:00 p.m.
Black History Heroes, Soldiers and Spies
Middleborough, MA Town Hall
Black History Heroes, Soldiers and Spies
Middleborough, MA Town Hall
Join us in honoring Black History Month with a Bright Star Touring Theatre presentation of "Black History Heroes, Soldiers, and Spies" at the Town Hall on Sat., Feb. 11 from 1-2 p.m.
Experience, celebrate, and learn about forgotten heroes and soldiers of Black History, including the Buffalo Soldiers, the Tuskegee Airmen, and Union spies during the Civil War. All ages! No registration required.
Please click here
Image credit: Middleborough Public Library
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February 12, 2023
1st Parish UU Bridgewater Land Acknowledgement Dedication and Black Lives Matter Film |
Land Acknowledgement
The First Parish Unitarian Universalist Church Bridgewater will be dedicating a framed Land Acknowledgement recognizing the original ownership of the land where the church building stands. The content has been approved by Dr. Joyce Rain Anderson, Coordinator of Bridgewater State University's Native American and Indigenous Program.
When: 10:30 a.m. worship service on 2/12/23
Black Lives Matter Film
In conjunction with the Land Acknowledgement, the film Mekko will be shown. Mekko is about Indigenous life in the U.S.
When: Approximately 12 p.m. (after the 2/12/23 service)
Where: Both events will be held at the church's physical location, 50 School St.,
Bridgewater, MA
The First Parish Unitarian Universalist Church Bridgewater will be dedicating a framed Land Acknowledgement recognizing the original ownership of the land where the church building stands. The content has been approved by Dr. Joyce Rain Anderson, Coordinator of Bridgewater State University's Native American and Indigenous Program.
When: 10:30 a.m. worship service on 2/12/23
Black Lives Matter Film
In conjunction with the Land Acknowledgement, the film Mekko will be shown. Mekko is about Indigenous life in the U.S.
When: Approximately 12 p.m. (after the 2/12/23 service)
Where: Both events will be held at the church's physical location, 50 School St.,
Bridgewater, MA
BCCR Meeting Tuesday, 2/14/23, 6:30 p.m.
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.
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.
February 21, 2023 from 4:00-7:00 p.m.
BSU's African American Studies Program 5th Anniversary
Note: You can click here or on the flyer image to go to the registration page.
To receive info on all BSU African American Studies Program public events, sign up for our mailing list here
To receive info on all BSU African American Studies Program public events, sign up for our mailing list here
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Wednesday, 2/22/23~7:00-9:00 pm
Dock C. Bracy Center for Human Reconciliation https://www.dcbcenter.org/ Monthly Book Discussion A Country of Strangers: Blacks and Whites in America by David K. Shipler |
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February 2023
Taunton, MA
2023 Black History Month "Deeper Than Skin" Celebration
Taunton, MA
2023 Black History Month "Deeper Than Skin" Celebration
Hosted by T.R.U.E, The "Deeper Than Skin" celebration is a partnership among Taunton Diversity Network, Trescott Street Gallery, Applause Academy, and the City Of Taunton.
Reggie Harris "Deeper than Skin"
Saturday, February 18~7:00-9:00 PM
Applause Academy MA Inc
21 Main Street, Taunton, MA 02780
Click here for Eventbrite link to tickets
Every Saturday Night in February
Discussions, cultural performances, music, food, multidisciplinary art, and in conclusion a cultural gala.
For more info:
Click True Diversity Events Page
Now Through February 28th
Exhibit: Civil Rights Era Political Cartoons by Herb Block
Bridgewater Public Library, 15 South Street, Bridgewater, MA
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?
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
Standout for Black Lives Matter & Martin Luther King
January 14, 2023
Brrr!
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BCCR stood out against Antisemitism December 10, 2022 in Bridgewater Center |
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December 4, 2022
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Thank you to my granddaughter Carson for suggesting my sign for our first Kindness Standout in 2021:
In a world where you can be anything, BE KIND.
In a world where you can be anything, BE KIND.
BCCR supported the Veteran's Festival at the Launch, by having a table at their 10/22/22 event, which was put on by the Fire for Effect Foundation.
Some BCCR members are seen in this photo.
The weather was beautiful and, as the saying goes, "a good time was had by all."
Thursday, October 13, 2022
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Monday, October 10, 2022
Standout and Celebrate
Town of Bridgewater's
First Annual Indigenous Peoples Day
10:00 a.m. in Bridgewater Center
Did you know:
At least 20 MA municipalities have named the Second Monday In October
Indigenous Peoples Day
Find out more here
Standout and Celebrate
Town of Bridgewater's
First Annual Indigenous Peoples Day
10:00 a.m. in Bridgewater Center
Did you know:
At least 20 MA municipalities have named the Second Monday In October
Indigenous Peoples Day
Find out more here
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Town of Bridgewater Resolution The 2nd Monday in October is officially Indigenous Peoples Day Click on the video to hear remarks by Dr. Joyce Rain Anderson - BSU and to hear the Council's unanimous vote. |
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A Delightful Orange Shirt Day Story
As I was standing with an Orange Shirt Day sign, a few children approached me and enthusiastically and animatedly asked me about Orange Shirt Day. I briefly told them the story of Phyllis Webstad, "editing" the tale for children,
I explained that Phyllis was angry when she arrived at the Indian Residential School and was told she couldn't wear the beautiful orange outfit her grandmother had bought her. We chatted a bit about the importance of being able to speak your own language, say your own prayers, and dress in your own clothing. I told them Phyllis vowed that when she grew up, she would wear orange to remind people of how important these things are.
All the children were excited and showed me the orange they were wearing: an orange undershirt, orange on a sneaker, orange as part of a symbol on a shirt. One little girl was sad that she didn't have orange, until we found some burnt orange on her jacket. They walked away happy to know about Orange Shirt Day and planning to wear an orange shirt next year on September 30th.
I explained that Phyllis was angry when she arrived at the Indian Residential School and was told she couldn't wear the beautiful orange outfit her grandmother had bought her. We chatted a bit about the importance of being able to speak your own language, say your own prayers, and dress in your own clothing. I told them Phyllis vowed that when she grew up, she would wear orange to remind people of how important these things are.
All the children were excited and showed me the orange they were wearing: an orange undershirt, orange on a sneaker, orange as part of a symbol on a shirt. One little girl was sad that she didn't have orange, until we found some burnt orange on her jacket. They walked away happy to know about Orange Shirt Day and planning to wear an orange shirt next year on September 30th.
9/28/22
BCCR Participated in a Standout in Support of Iranian Women
Thank you to Vernon for obtaining Enterprise Press Coverage
and to photographer Mark Jarret Chavous
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9/20/22 Get Out The Vote
Collaboration between BCCR and Bridgewater State University
Standout on BSU Campus beside MRISJ Statue and at Rondileau Student Union
Great response from University Students
BSU estimates approximately 120 students either checked their registration status or registered.
Many more took the fliers to do it on their own time.
Don't forget to vote! Tuesday, November 8, 2022!
Successful Park Revitalization at Town River Landing 9/18/22
Led by Fire For Effect Foundation Inc
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Goal: Restore the park back to its proper footprint
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Standout for Peace--Bridgewater Town Common 9/18/22
In Recognition of International Day of Peace 9/21/22
September 3, 2022
Get Out The Vote Standout
8/6/22 BCCR Stood Out for Reproductive Justice
It was a hot day in Bridgewater on 8/6, but some committed individuals attended the Reproductive Justice Standout.
The MA Legislature has passed and the Governor has signed a bill to further protect access to reproductive healthcare services in MA.
Photo by Gayatri Malhotra on Unsplash
3 Simba African Dance Workshops were held at Stanley Ironworks Park in August
Sponsored by Bridgewater Cultural Council and BCCR
Sponsored by Bridgewater Cultural Council and BCCR
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Participants expressed appreciation for Instructor Chefiatou Tokou's approach:
...a wonderful learning experience
...fun and energizing
...classes were great
...your enthusiasm and energy are inspiring and motivating
...had a wonderful time learning the dances and the significance of the steps
Interested in learning more about Chefi and what she has to offer? Here's her contact information.
Phone: 786-393-3718 email: ssimdaca@gmail.com website: www.simdaca.com
...a wonderful learning experience
...fun and energizing
...classes were great
...your enthusiasm and energy are inspiring and motivating
...had a wonderful time learning the dances and the significance of the steps
Interested in learning more about Chefi and what she has to offer? Here's her contact information.
Phone: 786-393-3718 email: ssimdaca@gmail.com website: www.simdaca.com
Around the 4th of July it's important to Remember our Rights
Including Voting Rights!
BCCR Stood Out on Saturday, July 2, 2022
BCCR Stands Out for Reproductive Justice
Saturday, June 25, 2022
Bridgewater Communities for Civil Rights believes in ALL civil rights, including Reproductive Rights, or, more broadly, Reproductive Justice.
We stood out on 6/25, one day after the Supreme Court overturned Roe V. Wade.
We stood out on 6/25, one day after the Supreme Court overturned Roe V. Wade.
Second Annual Juneteenth Celebration June 18, 2022
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BCCR and First Parish UU Bridgewater held our Second Annual Juneteenth Celebration on Saturday, June 18, 2022. Click here or click the image to learn more and watch a video with highlights of the event! |
On June 19, 1865, enslaved African Americans in Galveston, TX were told they were free--2 ½ years after the Emancipation Proclamation.
Juneteenth is about education, commemoration, and celebration.
Juneteenth is about education, commemoration, and celebration.
BCCR's First Annual Juneteenth Flag Raising, June, 15, 2022
Photos courtesy Jeanne Oliver-Foster
Juneteenth Flag Statement
On June 19, 1865, enslaved African Americans in Galveston, TX were told they were free—2 ½ years after the Emancipation Proclamation.
The town of Bridgewater denounces any form of racism, discrimination or intolerance as a threat to the safety and well-being of the public and has designated June 19th as a town holiday.
Photos courtesy Jeanne Oliver-Foster
BCCR's Second PRIDE Flag Raising took place on June 1, 2022
PRIDE Flag Statement
The Town of Bridgewater has a diverse LGBTQ+ community who should be able to live without fear of prejudice, discrimination, violence or hatred based on gender identity or sexual orientation.
The Town of Bridgewater is committed to creating an inclusive, safe and compassionate community through supporting its diversity and its LGBTQ+ community.
More Photos!
The Enterprise June 3, 2022 "Bridgewater kicks off Pride Month celebration with flag raising ceremony. Click here.
The Town of Bridgewater has a diverse LGBTQ+ community who should be able to live without fear of prejudice, discrimination, violence or hatred based on gender identity or sexual orientation.
The Town of Bridgewater is committed to creating an inclusive, safe and compassionate community through supporting its diversity and its LGBTQ+ community.
More Photos!
The Enterprise June 3, 2022 "Bridgewater kicks off Pride Month celebration with flag raising ceremony. Click here.
5/28/22 Standout After Uvalde, Texas School Shooting
- According to President Biden, there have been over 900 incidents of gunfires reported on school grounds since the Sandy Hook Elementary school.
- According to USA today, Firearms became the leading cause of death among children and teens in the U.S. in 2020.
- For a horrific look at the list of school shootings, read this Wikipedia article titled School Shooting in the U.S. by Death Toll
5/17/22 Standout for Buffalo
BCCR Members held a standout in support of Buffalo, NY, after the horrific mass shooting there at a Tops Friendly Markets store on May 14, 2022. The standout was attended by others, including our Town Council President.
The shooter, in his written manifesto, said he's a white supremacist and supports the "Great Replacement" theory, a white nationalist conspiracy theory.
BCCR Mission Statement:
Bridgewater Communities for Civil Rights is a community-based organization dedicated to defending the rights of all persons, while fostering open communication, providing opportunities to examine issues of social justice, and advocating for the elimination of bias and racism.
To read more about BCCR, take a look at our About page.
The shooter, in his written manifesto, said he's a white supremacist and supports the "Great Replacement" theory, a white nationalist conspiracy theory.
BCCR Mission Statement:
Bridgewater Communities for Civil Rights is a community-based organization dedicated to defending the rights of all persons, while fostering open communication, providing opportunities to examine issues of social justice, and advocating for the elimination of bias and racism.
To read more about BCCR, take a look at our About page.
5/7/22 BCCR Standout for Ukraine
It may be May, but it felt like a winter day!!
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Standout for Climate Change
Friday, April 22, 2022 |
Earth Day is April 22, 2022. Members of BCCR and the First Parish UU Church Bridgewater held a standout on 4/22 and participated in a cleanup of Bridgewater's Stanley Ironworks Park on 4/16. Scroll down to see photos of the park cleanup where Scout Troop #31 also participated.
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Standout for Yom HaShoah
Tuesday April 19, 2022
Tuesday April 19, 2022
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The full name of this observance day is
"Yom HaShoah Ve-Hagevurah." Because the date on the Hebrew calendar differs each year on our Gregorian calendar, some congregations in the U.S. observe Yom HaShoah every year on the 19th of April, the anniversary of the Warsaw Ghetto uprising, April 19 - May 16, 1943. |
Successful Ironworks Park Cleanup
on Saturday April 16, 2022
on Saturday April 16, 2022
Park Steward Steve Black led a successful cleanup at Stanley Ironworks Park.
Cleanup Crew consisted of Boy Scout Troop #31 under the leadership of Ryker Gibson, Eagle Scout Candidate and Senior Patrol Leader, BCCR Members, First Parish UU Bridgewater Members, and other environmentally active citizens.
Click on the photos to enlarge them.
Cleanup Crew consisted of Boy Scout Troop #31 under the leadership of Ryker Gibson, Eagle Scout Candidate and Senior Patrol Leader, BCCR Members, First Parish UU Bridgewater Members, and other environmentally active citizens.
Click on the photos to enlarge them.
3/22/22 at 1:00 p.m.
Medical and financial donations were collected to support Ukraine by rally hosts
First Parish UU Bridgewater and BCCR
Medical and financial donations were collected to support Ukraine by rally hosts
First Parish UU Bridgewater and BCCR
BCCR Standout In Support of Ukraine
Tuesday, 3/1/2022 at 2:00 p.m.
Bridgewater Town Center
Attendees from BCCR, 1st Parish UU Bridgewater, and BSU brought homemade signs:
Support for Peace, not War
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Transgender Standout 2/19/22
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Martin Luther King, Jr. Day 1/17/22
It may have been 11 degrees, with a minus 3 wind chill, but that didn't stop some BCCR members from standing out in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr.'s life and legacy.
We remember his years of work toward civil rights and we commemorate the efforts of Dr. King and others, work that led to the 1964 Civil Rights Act and the 1965 Voting Rights Act.
What happened in 2021?
Christmas on the Common
Did you catch BCCR at Bridgewater Business Association's 28th Annual Christmas On The Common in Bridgewater Center?
Our BCCR elves, dressed for the North Pole, garnered interest, with several people picking up information sheets and signing up to be on our mailing list.
What's that? You want to be added to the list? Click on the Contact tab above and provide your information. We'd love to have you join our group!
Did you miss our most recent Community Forums? We have you covered! Click on the links below to hear the recordings.
October, 2021 Forum: Remembering Bridgewater's Native and African American Residents, 1700-1850
Explore Bridgewater's multiracial history.
Hear untold stories of people buried in First Cemetery.
Honor a past that has been deliberately erased.
December, 2021: Meet the Chiefs
A discussion with the Police Chiefs from Bridgewater, Raynham, and Bridgewater State University.
October, 2021 Forum: Remembering Bridgewater's Native and African American Residents, 1700-1850
Explore Bridgewater's multiracial history.
Hear untold stories of people buried in First Cemetery.
Honor a past that has been deliberately erased.
December, 2021: Meet the Chiefs
A discussion with the Police Chiefs from Bridgewater, Raynham, and Bridgewater State University.
Meet The Chiefs: A Discussion With Our Law Enforcement Leaders
Bridgewater Communities for Civil Rights (BCCR) and Diversity and Inclusion for Community Empowerment (DICE) invite you to join us for a panel discussion with our Chiefs of Police from Bridgewater, Raynham, and Bridgewater State University (BSU).
This is a virtual panel discussion, open to all members of the Bridgewater-Raynham community and will include important topics such as budgeting, training, equipment such as body cameras, hiring, and current police issues facing our community.
This is a virtual panel discussion, open to all members of the Bridgewater-Raynham community and will include important topics such as budgeting, training, equipment such as body cameras, hiring, and current police issues facing our community.
BCCR Standout in Support of Indigenous Peoples National Day of Mourning
Wednesday, November 24th from 2:00-3:00 p.m.
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National Day of Mourning Plaque--Plymouth, MA
Source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/merelymel/3119433076 |
Indigenous People Day - October 11 Standout
Orange Shirt Day - September 30 2021 Standout
BCCR at Autumn Fest 2021
Standout on International Peace Day 2021
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First Annual Juneteenth Slide Show (2021)
Statements on Current Issues by Our Organization
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July 23, 2021.
BCCR finds the vandalism on the property of Marlon Green, who is running for city council in Brockton, to be reprehensible, racist and totally uncalled for. We support Mr. Green and his family as they go through this trying time. As fellow Americans, we need to call out all incidents like this for what they are - a racist act of senseless vandalism. Brockton City Council candidate's driveway vandalized with urine |
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If you would like to support these activities, please go to our Donate page.