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Saturday Vigil: In solidarity with Black Lives Matter

Latest Activities

Celebrating Community in the Spirit of Kwanzaa

Celebrating Community in the Spirit of Kwanzaa

Sunday, Dec 14, 2025 at 2-5pmSecond Congregational Church, 16 Court Square Greenfield, MA with Dr. A…

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Free Talk about 20 Abolitionists you were never taught in school. Two authors pictured

In Defiance: 20 Abolitionists You Were Never Taught in School

Wed. April 16, 2025 at 6:00 – 7:30 PMGreenfield Public Library with Tom Weiner and Dr. Amilcar…

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Envisioning the World We Want

Envisioning the World We Want

Saturday, January 18, 2025 at 12:15pmSecond Congregational Church 16 Court Square Greenfield, MA

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Living & Celebrating the Nguzo Saba - Kwanzaa's 7 Principles with Dr. Amilcar Shabazz & Twice as Smart Students

Living & Celebrating the Nguzo Saba – Kwanzaa’s Seven Principles

Sunday, January 12, 2025 at 3 – 6pm First United Methodist Church 25 Church St. Greenfield, MA…

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Our Statement of Apology

Read our statement of apology for slavery and commitment to restorative action. Endorse our statement by adding your signature to the list.

Speak Out for Reparations

We offer the local and broader community a place to say why reparations are important. Read what others have said and make your own comment.

Reparations are the restorative actions that make an acknowledgement of wrong doings via an apology meaningful.

View Our Reparations Teach In

The Education Committee

A new committee has formed to focus on racial equity in the schools and education system in the Greenfield, Massachusetts area.  If you are interested in learning more about this or want to get involved, contact us using the form below.

About Racial Justice Rising


We are ordinary people
troubled by the persistent racism that plagues this country. Believing that the damage caused by racism must be repaired before our society can be whole, we work for just and respectful treatment for all. While much of our work is focused in our local area, we are connected with the broader movements in our region and the nation.

Our Mission


Our mission is twofold:

  • to help build the movement for racial justice by contributing to a deeper understanding of systemic racism and racial justice, and
  • to help to heal the racial divide and bring justice for people targeted by racism.

Mass Slavery Apology is the project that started our work. It is a statement of apology for slavery and a commitment to taking restorative action.

Our Partners


Racial Justice Rising supports

citizens gathered on the Greenfield Commens holding anti-racism signs

Weekly Vigils

Most Saturday mornings from 11 – 12
on the Greenfield Commons

Our programs are supported in part by grants from: Greenfield and Orange Cultural Councils, local agencies which are supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.