Racial Justice Rising is a small, all-volunteer racial justice organization based in Franklin County, Massachusetts.

The members of Racial Justice Rising are ordinary people who are 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 reach out to and are connected with the broader movements in our region and the nation.

The members of Racial Justice Rising believe that:

1. White people created racism to rationalize and justify the results of colonization: genocide, enslavement of free peoples, destruction of Indigenous societies around the world, and other inhuman behavior.
2. White supremacy is the cornerstone of racism.
3. Racism is one of the primary tools of social control in the U.S. and world-wide, embedded in economic, housing, education, judicial, healthcare, and other systems, and in civic and interpersonal relations.
4. Racism, which can manifest as internalized racial superiority in perpetrators or internalized racial inferiority in those targeted, causes immeasurable harm to both.

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 engage in restorative activities that help to heal the racial divide and bring justice for people targeted by racism.

Our local activities include free monthly programs and a weekly vigil for racial justice.

This website, our Facebook page, and our e-newsletter reach activists locally, nationally, and beyond with listings of racial justice resources and events.

Mass Slavery Apology, the group’s original name, is still the name of the project that started our work — our statement of apology for slavery and commitments to restorative action.

Read our most recent newsletter

Events 

Saturday, August 25 – Meet The Candidates

Meet the Candidates for the First Franklin District House Seat for a discussion focusing on racism and racial justice.

Saturday, August 25, 2018, 10 a.m. to noon at First Congregational Church, 43 Silver Street, Greenfield. Doors open at 9:30. Free and open to the public.

Please join us to meet the candidates running to represent the First Franklin district in the Massachusetts House, replacing Stephen Kulik. Discussion will focus on issues of racism and racial justice.  Come ask the candidates about your concerns related to these issues.  Click here for more information including a list of candidates participating.  Note: We will not be able to offer refreshments or childcare at this event.

Co-sponsored by Visioning B.E.A.R. Circle Intertribal Coalition and Not in Our Town—Greenfield

FREE MONTHLY PROGRAMS 

Saturday, September 1 – Voices of Dissent: Music of Activism  

10:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m., First Congregational Church, 43 Silver Street, Greenfield MA. Doors open at 9:45.
Childcare available – RSVP to email@racialjustice.org

In celebration of activism!

The performer list is still in flux, so check back for more info!

Gloria Matlock and Michael Nix
Gloria is a lifelong performer, an educator, and an active member of Racial Justice Rising.  Michael is a contemporary classical composer, and educator. Together, they have been exploring the traditions of African American music.
Link to Gloria and Michael peforming at People’s Music Network  (Starts at about 2:25)

Adam Matlock
Adam is a multi-instrumentalist and composer who performs with a number of different projects, in New Haven, New York and beyond.  
Link to Adam’s Youtube channel
Profile on NewMusicUSA

Licia Sky 
 Licia is a songwriter, performer, and workshop and retreat leader.

Learn more about her and her work on her website.

Link to Licia performing on The Song

Irene I-SHEA Shaikly 

I-SHEA is a conga artist, an eclectic performance and teaching artist, and an advocate for social systemic change.

Link to her band Rebirth’s Facebook page

EVERY SATURDAY

Join us at our Vigil For Racial Justice, co-sponsored by the Visioning B.E.A.R. Circle Intertribal Coalition — every Saturday from 9 to 10 a.m. at the Greenfield Town Common, whatever the weather.