August 12 – 14, 2022, 10am – 3pm virtual workshop Registration: Undoing Racism Workshop, People’s Institute Northeast (PINE) Join this two-day regional virtual Undoing Racism workshop where participants will experience a humanistic process exploring how we have been racialized, socialized and conditioned to think about race and racism, and what… Read More »Undoing Racism
Action deadline August 17, 2022 As we discussed in our news post about the proposed Task Force prompted by the “racial animus” ruling about the Greenfield Police Department, the composition of the group is currently being discussed by the city council. RJR believes that people of color should be represented… Read More »Call Mayor & Council re: Task Force
It has been a hot August! But RJR has been out and about. We tabled at the 9th Annual Pocumtuck Homelands Festival. Teegray taught visitors about the fruits of racial justice using an interactive poster. “This festival brings us back to our roots and the original people who inhabited the… Read More »August #2
Wednesday, June 8 & 15, 2022 at 6:00 pm. Outdoors, under the tent at Carnegie Public Library201 Avenue A, Turners Falls (Great Falls), MA Racial Justice Rising and the Wheeler Memorial Library co-hosted this 2-part program focusing on the experiences of three local Black people. Jeanne Hall, Gloria Matlock, and… Read More »Conversations About Racism, with Jeanne Hall, Dick Hall, and Gloria Matlock
Advocate for a National Reparations Commission. Write, call, tweet President Biden to create a Reparations Commission by Executive Order. Call for an Executive Order to carry out HR 40 by Juneteenth. Federal bill HR40 (Commission to Study and Develop Reparation Proposals for African-Americans Act). In Solidarity with the HR 40 Coalition.
Deadline, June 30th, 2022.
Please contact the State Administration and Regulatory Oversight Committee and tell them you want the Indigenous Peoples Day bill voted out favorably.
May 25, 2022 in Franklin County, MA “Black victims of police violence are not new, and George Floyd’s death has been followed by too many others. But his brutal murder opened a floodgate of outrage, demonstrations, deep reflection, and new awareness worldwide. We will not forget!” On Wednesday, May 25th, 2022,… Read More »STAND OUT FOR GEORGE FLOYD
Starting around 5:30pm there will be a gathering of Greenfield residents outside the Town Hall to demand that the City not appeal this jury’s decision and that the Mayor clean out the Police department of those responsible for the racist atmosphere.
In support of developing alternatives to policing, we invite you to support this effort from Greenfield (Massachusetts) People’s Budget (GPB) group. From GPB: For the last few months, the Greenfield People’s Budget group has had a meetup of care providers concerned about policing in care provision. (State Senator) Jo Comerford… Read More »GPB Fund Crisis Response Petition
Monday, February 21st, 2022, 7:00-8:30pm, via Zoom—An introduction to the five
components of reparations, as defined by the United
Nations. Utilizing this framework, participants will
have the opportunity to learn about and discuss
reparative actions for African Americans in the nation
and our region.
“Reparations is a process of repairing, healing and restoring a
people injured because of their group identity and in violation
of their fundamental human rights by governments,
corporations, institutions and families.”
N’COBRA: National Coalition of Blacks for Reparations in America
Saturday, February 5 at 1:00 p.m. EST, via Zoom, with Allison Lau—Anti-Asian sentiment and hate crimes against Asians in the U.S. have been increasing since the beginning of the pandemic. This violence is directly linked with the U.S’s current engagement in multidomain “hybrid warfare” with China. The only way to stop violence against Asians domestically is to stop the U.S’s aggression and hybrid war on China. China is not our enemy!
HR 40 Letter to House Leadership Urging Floor Vote (from Human Rights Watch) Greetings all, We’re just writing to let you know that we just sent this letter on behalf of more than 360 organizations to the Hill urging House leadership to bring H.R. 40 to the floor for a vote.… Read More »Support HR 40 (U.S. Reparations Bill)
Saturday, December 4, 2021 via Zoom With Orice Jenkins At this Zoom presentation, Mr. Jenkins drew from his own family records to highlight the disastrous effects of the chattel slavery in our country’s past. As he told us, “My enslaved ancestors were only listed by name as the property of other… Read More »Tracing Racism Through Genealogy
Tuesday evening, October 13, 2021 from 6:30-8:00 p.m, via Zoom A Conversation About Racism, with Gloria Matlock, Jeanne Hall, and Dick Hall The Daily Hampshire Gazette wrote about the event: Easthampton library hosts evening of racial dialogue
Monday, October 4, 2021 at 7 p.m. with Rebecca Kozak of the National Lawyers Guild—Learn about your rights and effective tactics if you have an encounter with the police!
Monday, July 26 at 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., via Zoom—The Black and Brown community has been calling for change for many years, especially with the murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Tony McDade. That is what prompted the creation of The Cambridge Holistic Emergency Alternative Response Team (HEART).
August 15, 2021 RJR is honored to have had a table at the Pocumtuck Homelands Festival again this year!Many thanks to the Nolumeka Project, who organize this beautiful annual event.
Two career educators engage in dialogue about moving diversity, equity, and inclusion from words to actions, benefiting the experiences and outcomes of both students and staff. This thought-provoking session will likely ask more questions than it answers as participants consider the experiences that have shaped their lives. Those present will gain greater cultural awareness while addressing implicit bias, resulting in greater understanding, productivity, and inclusiveness.
“Upsetting Expectations: Looking at Black Contemporary Art,” will be held Saturday at 5:30 p.m. via Zoom. Whitney Robbins, a social justice advocate, will create a discussion surrounding a selection of artwork by Black artists and how art can serve as a visual language of the oppressed.
“I’m hoping that looking at Black contemporary artists can allow us to think symbolically and metaphorically about race and racism,” Robbins said. Her goal is to get the community thinking about the past and present, challenging stereotypes and being honest about what they see the moment they view this art.
Building a Culture of Reparations examines the history, spiritual, conceptual (ethical and moral), and practical dimensions of reparations as a global movement.
Dr. Ragland will speak about the various ways ordinary people can build a spiritual and practical culture of reparative justice work. There will be time for questions, and the sponsors will send you off with several immediate, accessible, joyful actions you can take towards healing and reparation work.
Saturday, February 20 2021 via zoom Eliza Caldwell and Adam Matlock joined us to talk about Food Forests, a strategy for sustainable gardening that can serve as a model of future resilience and mitigate food desert conditions in predominantly Black and Latino communities. View the video
January 23, 2021 Racial Justice Rising and Musica Franklin present the voices of children describing how they are surviving during the pandemic. Children from Gloria Matlock’s Twice as Smart program have made two 30 minute videos during the pandemic. The most recent, made in September, is about COVID.The videos will… Read More »When We Can Breathe Again, An Update
December 3-7, 2020 Join Racial Justice Rising and Greening Greenfield, online December 3rd to 7th, to view, at your leisure, the outstanding film, Mossville: When Great Trees Fall. In this award winning documentary, a centuries-old black community is uprooted by petrochemical plants and one man stands his ground. To join us… Read More »Mossville: When Great Trees Fall
September 10-15, 2020 This free online screening of the award winning documentary The Harvest/La Cosecha, presented by Racial Justice Rising and Greening Greenfield, was RJR’s first venture into online educational programming. 64 people attended. The documentary was available for viewing via a special link over the course of 5 days. On the evening… Read More »The Harvest/La Cosecha
August 15, 2020 Several hundred, many younger folks, turned out for a well organized Peaceful Protest, by Greenfield Racial Justice, a group Racial Justice Rising is supporting. When it was announced on Facebook that there was to be a pro-Trump march and rally on Aug. 15th, 2020, Greenfield Racial Justice… Read More »Peaceful Protest to Trump Rally
March 7, 2020 Palestinians are classified as refugees by the United Nations. Topics will include a historical overview, Palestinian resistance, Israeli and U.S solidarity, and a look toward the future. This program is supported in part by grants from the Amherst, Ashfield, Buckland, Charlemont-Hawley, Conway, Gill, Greenfield, Heath, Montague, New… Read More »Palestine Solidarity
Saturday, February 21, 2020 Dr. Amilcar Shabazz, professor of history and Afro-American Studies in the W. E. B. Du Bois Department of Afro-American Studies at UMass, Amherst will address reparations for slavery. Discussion will follow. Admission, parking, refreshments are free.
January 4, 2020 A discussion about homelessness with members of Arise for Social Justice of Springfield, including Executive Director Tanisha Arena, homelessness organizer Johnie Sanders, and Arise member Levi Taylor. In the News… Greenfield Recorder 1/6/2020: Advocates For the Homeless Dispute Myths At Greenfield Forum, Editorial in Greenfield Recorder 1/22/2020:Many… Read More »Homelessness: A Discussion with Arise For Social Justice
Responding to a prompt asking them to “give center stage to the unsung climate warriors and climate heroes who are lighting the way toward a just and sustainable future,” the writers offer a diversity of perspectives and artistic approaches to telling the stories of those who are making a positive impact. Lighting the Waywas awarded an Honorable Mention by the Canadian Association for Theatre Research as part of their Patrick O’Neill Award for Best Edited Collection.
Many thanks to: Climate Change Theatre Action, Greening Greenfield, Musica Franklin and all of the performers!
Saturday, September 7, 2019 Music from Juan Pedraza, Fiery Hope, Mary Wheelan, The Visioning Bear Singers, and Musica Franklin. From the Program…
October 5, 2019, 10:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m. First Congregational Church43 Silver StreetGreenfield MA Free Admission, Donations Welcome A panel of elders will discuss how they are impacted by or dealing with one or all of these factors.We know we live in a racist and ageist society, and that our health care… Read More »Racism, Ageism, and Health Care
September 7, 2019 The LGBT Asylum Task Force supports and advocates for LGBTQI immigrants who are fleeing persecution in their home countries. The Task Force, a ministry of Worcester’s Hadwen Park Congregational Church, UCC, provides safe housing and access to pro bono legal, medical, and mental health resources for their… Read More »LGBTQI Asylum Seekers Share Their Stories
April 6, 2019 Why Do We Perpetuate Them? What Are Their Cultural Consequences?with Nai mah Muhammad and Gloria Matlock
Our occasional e-newsletter, usually published once or twice a month, with links to events, articles, videos, websites, & more relating to racism & racial justice. RJR’S EVENTS Saturday, May 4: A program on Elders Experiencing Racism in Marginalized Communities 10:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m., doors open at 9:45First Congregational Church,… Read More »Mid-April 2019
Saturday, March 2, 2019 Racial Justice Rising invites you to join Ashfield Attorney Buz Eisenberg for a presentation on the racial inequities of our criminal legal system. Attorney Eisenberg has practiced law in the region for over 3 decades and has handled a variety of criminal, civil and civil rights… Read More »Racism in the Prison Experience: An Overview from the Outside, Voices from the Inside
Saturday, February 2, 2019 A conversation with Gardening the Community Co-Executive Director Ibrahim Ali Ibrahim will speak about his understanding of food justice, the important link between hiphop and food, and how race and racism play out in his role at Gardening The Community. Learn more about Gardening the Community
Our occasional e-newsletter, usually published once or twice a month, with links to events, articles, videos, websites, & more relating to racism & racial justice. RJR’S EVENTS Saturday, March 2 RACISM IN THE PRISON EXPERIENCE: AN OVERVIEW FROM THE OUTSIDE, VOICES FROM THE INSIDE Lois Ahrens from the Real Cost of Prisons… Read More »February 18, 2018
Our occasional e-newsletter, usually published once or twice a month, with links to events, articles, videos, websites, & more relating to racism & racial justice. In observance of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday Here are a couple of articles… 11 Forgotten Martin Luther King Quotes That Show He Was… Read More »January 21, 2019
Saturday, January 5, 2019 Racial Justice Rising’s 10th anniversary. Enjoy a feat of delicious cultural dishes! 10:15 a.m.— 12:15 p.m. Doors open at 9:45 a.m.First Congregational Church, 43 Silver Street, Greenfield MA Thank you Greenfield Recorder for your article about the event. View the video! REPARATIONS RESOURCES shared during the… Read More »10th Anniversary Celebration
Our occasional e-newsletter, usually published once or twice a month, with links to events, articles, videos, websites, & more relating to racism & racial justice. RJR’S EVENTS SATURDAY, January 5: CELEBRATE! OUR 10th ANNIVERSARY Join us for a feast including authentic Mexican and Egyptian specialties and an opportunity to share a… Read More »December 23, 2018
Saturday, December 1, 2018 This documentary film by Gloria Matlock about two historically Black neighborhoods in the small city of Ravenna, Ohio, offers a lens on race in 20th and 21st century America. Greenfield Recorder article about Just Another Mile
Saturday, November 3, 2018 with Lessert Moore, enrolled member of the Ogalala Lakota Sioux, and Grandmother Nancy Ardry, a traditional native healer and storyteller of Algonquin and French heritage.
Saturday, October 13, 2018 with Strong Oak Strong Oak, executive director and founder of the Visioning B.E.A.R. Circle Intertribal Coalition, is an American Indian of Maliseet and Mi’kmaq descent. Strong Oak is coauthor of the Walking in Balance with All Our Relations curriculum, a violence prevention bystander approach based on… Read More »The Price of Rape and Racism: Rape, Racism, and the Real Cost of Food
Our occasional e-newsletter, usually published once or twice a month, with links to events, articles, videos, websites, & more relating to racism & racial justice. FOCUS ON REPARATIONS FOR SLAVERY …Event listings follow this section… Some reparations groups National Coalition Of Blacks for Reparations in American (N’COBRA) National African American… Read More »October 21, 2018
Our occasional e-newsletter, usually published once or twice a month, with links to events, articles, videos, websites, & more relating to racism & racial justice. RJR’S EVENTS SATURDAY, OCTOBER 13: RAPE, RACISM, AND THE HIDDEN COST OF FOOD with Strong Oak 10:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. at the First Congregational Church,… Read More »September 13, 2018
Saturday, September 1, 2018 with Licia Sky, Irene I-SHEA Shailkly, Adam Matlock, & Gloria Matlock and Michael Nix More about the performers: Sana and I-Shea’s band, Jam Atan Abina Gloria Matlock and Michael Nix Licia Sky Adam Matlock– An Historic– Dr. Caterwaul’s Cadre of Clairvoyant Claptraps– Adam’s YouTube Channel
A Candidates Forum on Racism and Racial Justice: Meet the candidates for the 1st Franklin district to replace Stephen Kulik Saturday, August 25, 2018 10 a.m. to noon First Congregational Church of Greenfield 43 Silver Street This event is free and open to the public. Doors open at 9:30 a.m.… Read More »Candidates Forum 2018
Our occasional e-newsletter, usually published once or twice a month, with links to events, articles, videos, websites, & more relating to racism & racial justice. RJR’S EVENTS SATURDAY, AUGUST 25: CANDIDATES FORUM 10 a.m. – noon, First Congregational Church, 43 Silver Street, Greenfield MA Join us as the candidates for the… Read More »August 14, 2018
Saturday, July 7, 2018, 10:15 a.m.—12:15 p.m. with Kate Stevens Though this country prides itself on principles of democracy and justice for all, in actuality the U.S. was founded on the practices of genocide and slavery. Stevens, who recently undertook a three-month, 6,000 mile pilgrimage to the Southern states to… Read More »The Road Home: A Spiritual Pilgrimage To The South
Our occasional e-newsletter, usually published once or twice a month, with links to events, articles, videos, websites, & more relating to racism & racial justice. RJR’S EVENTS Always free! SATURDAY, AUGUST 4: VISIT OUR TABLE AT THE POCUMTUCK HOMELANDS FESTIVAL RJR will have an information and conversation table at the Pocumtuck Homelands… Read More »July 29, 2018
Saturday, June 2, 2018 with Tem Blessed and Russ Vernon-Jones Racism and climate change are connected. Deepening our awareness of the connections will help us be more effective in eliminating both. People of color and indigenous people are already disproportionately bearing the harmful effects of climate change. In poetry and… Read More »Racial Justice – Climate Justice
August 28, 2017 with Marianna Islam Learn about what is possible when educators, students, parents and community members join forces to improve public education. Learn about the challenges and opportunities for education justice organizing in Massachusetts. Links Schott Foundation – http://schottfoundation.org/ – resources: http://schottfoundation.org/resources – webinars:… Read More »Organizing for Education Justice
June 11 & June 23, 2018 On Monday, we rallied at the state house, and then stopped traffic in the financial district for four hours, to demand a living wage and an end to the immoral situation in this country where 3 people own as much wealth as the bottom… Read More »PPC Rally in Boston & D.C.
June 7, 2018 This is urgent. On Monday, armed Kentucky State Police denied 400 participants in the Poor People’s Campaign entry into the State Capitol, including the Rev. Dr. William Barber, campaign co-chair. They were challenging the state’s first-in-the-nation work requirements for Medicaid recipients. The move by authorities to single… Read More »Kentucky State Police Deny Poor People’s Campaign Entry to State Capitol
June 4, 2018 Earlier this week, we honored veterans and people who died at the hands of police by holding America accountable to the highest standard of patriotism and insisting that this country become a more perfect union. Thank you to everyone who made it to the encampment on Boston… Read More »You Honored Our Country
May 27, 2018 Dear Movement family, As the Poor People’s Campaign: A National Call for Moral Revival prepares for our third week of direct action, the nation pauses for Memorial Day weekend. Listening to many, including veterans in this movement, we chose to focus this week on our challenge to… Read More »On Memorial Day, from Reverends Barber and Theoharis
May 28 & 30, 2018 IMPORTANT NEWS ON WEEK 4: The Eastern MA organizers of the Poor People’s Campaign has just decided to come to Springfield for Week Four of the Campaign to show their solidarity in our struggle and to help build the movement for environmental justice and health… Read More »Week 4 of PPC Campaign in Springfield
May 23, 2018 Thank you to all who came out for Monday’s Rally and Sit-in at the State House to address systemic racism, voting rights, immigration justice, Islamophobia and Indigenous rights. We’re so proud of everyone’s hard work and commitment to the movement! Over 200 of us rallied on the Boston Common, and 16… Read More »Mass State House Rally
Our occasional e-newsletter, usually published once or twice a month, with links to events, articles, videos, websites, & more relating to racism & racial justice. JOIN US for our free July program The Road South: A Spiritual Pilgrimage to the Southwith Kate Stevens Saturday, July 7, 10:15 a.m. -12:15 p.m.First… Read More »June 29, 2018
On Monday, many of you joined the more than 400 people who came to the Massachusetts State House for the Poor People’s Campaign: A National Call for Moral Revival. to launch the largest wave of nonviolent in civil disobedience in US history.
Twenty-six people trained in nonviolent civil disobedience blocked traffic on Park St. and Beacon St., and risked arrest for over an hour. Instead of arresting us, the Boston Police closed down Park st. and restricted Beacon st. This action kicks off our our six-week season of nonviolent direct action in Massachusetts.
For the first week, we focused on child poverty, women in poverty and people with disabilities. Monday’s actions come as the Trump administration pushes work requirements for SNAP recipients and seeks to cut $7 billion from a child healthcare program.
May 6, 2018 Discover the similarities and the differences that bind us and separate us. How important are the differences? How real are they? Everyone present will be included in an active exploration of the things we have in common and those we don’t. Inspired by 40 Strangers, 50 Questions… Read More »50 People, 40 Questions
Our occasional e-newsletter, usually published once or twice a month, with links to events, articles, videos, websites, & more relating to racism & racial justice. RACIAL JUSTICE RISING’S ACTIVITIES Free monthly programs Saturday, May 5, 2018: 50 People, 40 QuestionsFREE! 10:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m. at the First Congregational Church, 43… Read More »April 21, 2019
Saturday, April 7, 2018 A panel of area teens will speak about their hopes and concerns, in their lives, in their schools, & in our society. Topics may include school shootings, our education system, difficulties faced by marginalized groups, environmental issues…. Adults and youth are invited to attend. Story about… Read More »Youth Speak Out
Our occasional e-newsletter, usually published once or twice a month, with links to events, articles, videos, websites, & more relating to racism & racial justice. THE POOR PEOPLE’S CAMPAIGN: A NATIONAL CALL FOR A MORAL REVIVAL – Poor People’s Campaign launch video– 50 Years Later, A New Poor People’s Campaign,… Read More »March 29, 2018
March 17, 2018 Racial Justice Rising hosted a potluck dinner welcoming walkers from the New England Peace Pagoda’s 17th annual Walk For A New Spring. Many thanks to community members who provided a wonderful meal! In a program following the meal, we heard about these projects: We will have more… Read More »Potluck with Peace Pagoda
Our occasional e-newsletter, usually published once or twice a month, with links to events, articles, videos, websites, & more relating to racism & racial justice. RACIAL JUSTICE RISING’S ACTIVITIES Free monthly programs Saturday, April 7, 2018: Youth Speak OutFREE! 10:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m. at the First Congregational Church, 43 Silver Street,… Read More »March 9, 2018
March 3, 2018 with Strong Oak This interactive workshop has an intersectional, antiracist approach to oppression. In it, we will: Article about workshop in Greenfield Recorder
Our occasional e-newsletter, usually published once or twice a month, with links to events, articles, videos, websites, & more relating to racism & racial justice. RACIAL JUSTICE RISING’S ACTIVITIES Free monthly programs Saturday, March 3 STEP UP! BYSTANDER TRAINING Bypass your fear and be an engaged bystander in your… Read More »February #1
February 3, 2018 with Auda Gonzalez, Javier Luengo-Garrido, Bill Newman, Sister Rosa Torres Activities and resources described by the panelists are listed at end of page. View the video: < Speakers, in the order they spoke: Bill Newman, American Civil Liberties Union of Western Massachusetts Javier Luengo-Garrido, Immigrant Protection Project… Read More »Immigration and Trump: Franklin County’s Response
January 6, 2018 An in-depth look at the United States’ prison system and how it reveals the nation’s history of racism. After viewing part of the film, we brainstormed actions we can take, including: Developing skills and resources: Working for system change: Offering personal support:
Our occasional e-newsletter, usually published once or twice a month, with links to events, articles, videos, websites, & more relating to racism & racial justice. RACIAL JUSTICE RISING’S ACTIVITIES Free monthly programs Saturday, February 3, 10:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.Immigration and Trump: Franklin County’s ResponseMore info soon! Photos, video,… Read More »January 12, 2018
Our occasional e-newsletter, usually published once or twice a month, with links to events, articles, videos, websites, & more relating to racism & racial justice. RACIAL JUSTICE RISING’S ACTIVITIES Free monthly programs Saturday, January 6, 2018: A screening of 13TH FREE! 10:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m. at the First Congregational Church,… Read More »December 10, 2017
December 2, 2017 with Tim Bullock, Abrah Dresdale, Gloria Matlock, Asima Silva, and Ted Todd Links: Greenfield Recorder, 11/30/17: Greenfield Discussion To Explore Religion, Race Greenfield Recorder, 12/2/17: Panelists Explore Religion’s Role in Racial Divide Asima’s website Abrah’s website Peace Pagoda website
Our occasional e-newsletter, usually published once or twice a month, with links to events, articles, videos, websites, & more relating to racism & racial justice. RACIAL JUSTICE RISING’S ACTIVITIES Free monthly programs Saturday, December 2, 10:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.Race and Religion With Tim Bullock, Abrah Dresdale, Gloria Matlock,… Read More »November 21, 2017
Our occasional e-newsletter, usually published once or twice a month, with links to events, articles, videos, websites, & more relating to racism & racial justice. RACIAL JUSTICE RISING’S ACTIVITIES Free monthly programs Saturday, December 2, 2017: Racism and ReligionFREE! 10:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m. at the First Congregational Church, 43 Silver Street,… Read More »November 8, 2017
November 4 and 5, 2017 with Grandmother Jeorgina Larocqueman) Join Sagaligesw (Plant Woman) A Mi’kmaq, Grandmother from New Brunswick. Saturday, 10:15 a.m.— 12:15 p.m.First Congregational Church, 43 Silver Street, Greenfield MA Saturday starting at 2 & Sunday 10 a.m. -4 p.m.Deerfield Business Center, 110 N. Hillside Rd., S. Deerfield MA… Read More »Grandmother Teachings
Our occasional e-newsletter, usually published once or twice a month, with links to events, articles, videos, websites, & more relating to racism & racial justice. RACIAL JUSTICE RISING’S ACTIVITIES Free monthly programs Saturday, November 4, 2017: Grandmother TeachingsFREE! 10:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m. at the First Congregational Church, 43 Silver Street,… Read More »October 22, 2017
October 7, 2017 Film screening, with discussion circle facilitated by Strong Oak The Doctrine of Discovery, Unmasking the Domination Code was made by Dakota filmmaker and Director Sheldon Wolfchild and Co-Producer Steven Newcomb (Shawnee, Lenape), based on Newcomb’s thirty years of research and his book Pagans in the Promised Land: Decoding the… Read More »Doctrine of Discovery: Unmasking The Domination Code
Our occasional e-newsletter, usually published once or twice a month, with links to events, articles, videos, websites, & more relating to racism & racial justice. RACIAL JUSTICE RISING’S ACTIVITIES Free monthly programs Saturday, October 7, 10:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.The Doctrine of Discovery: Unmasking The Domination CodeA film by… Read More »September 29, 2017
October, 2017 THANK YOU TO ALL WHO SHOWED UP IN THE RAIN on Indigenous Peoples Day for the first Reading Circle! See below for the next circle’s readings. And thanks to Bagel the Beagle for making things sunny last time! Readings for the third circle (upcoming—see below for more). The… Read More »The Harvest: Reading Circles
Our occasional e-newsletter, usually published once or twice a month, with links to events, articles, videos, websites, & more relating to racism & racial justice. RACIAL JUSTICE RISING’S ACTIVITIES Free monthly programs Saturday, October 7, 10:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.The Doctrine of Discovery: Unmasking The Domination Code A film… Read More »September 14, 2017
September 2, 2017 with Licia Sky, Marcia Gomes, Gloria Matlock, Adam Matlock, and Arjuna Griest Learn more about: Adam Matlock– Adam’s Youtube channel– Adam’s Bandcamp page Arjuna Greist– Arjuna’s Youtube channel– Arjuna’s Last FM page Gloria Matlock– Gloria on The Song– Gloria and People’s Music Network Licia Sky– Licia’s… Read More »Voices of Dissent, Music of Activism
August 26,2017 with Marianna Islam Learn about what is possible when educators, students, parents and community members join forces to improve public education. Learn about the challenges and opportunities for education justice organizing in Massachusetts. Presenter Marianna Islam, Director of Programs and Advocacy at the Schott Foundation for Public Education,… Read More »Organizing for Education Justice
Our occasional e-newsletter, usually published once or twice a month, with links to events, articles, videos, websites, & more relating to racism & racial justice. A few about Charlottesville – We Can’t Keep Coddling White Supremacy, by Rashad Robinson at Color of Change– A Primer On Responding To Hate In Charlottesville Or… Read More »August 13, 2017
Our occasional e-newsletter, usually published once or twice a month, with links to events, articles, videos, websites, & more relating to racism & racial justice. Racial Justice Rising’s activities: Monthly programs Saturday, August 26, 2017 10:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. at First Congregational Church of Greenfield, 43 Silver Street, Greenfield… Read More »July 24, 2017
Our occasional e-newsletter, usually published once or twice a month, with links to events, articles, videos, websites, & more relating to racism & racial justice. Racial Justice Rising’s activities: Monthly programs Our FREE monthly programs are almost always held at the First Congregational Church of Greenfield, 43 Silver Street, on the… Read More »June 28,2017
Our occasional e-newsletter, usually published once or twice a month, with links to events, articles, videos, websites, & more relating to racism & racial justice. Racial Justice Rising’s activities: Monthly programs Our FREE monthly programs are almost always held at the First Congregational Church of Greenfield, 43 Silver Street, on… Read More »June 6, 2017
June 3, 2017 with Naimah Muhammad and Kathleen Anderson View our video of the program: Links Naimah’s videos: America Before Columbus: Negro Gene Pool America Before Columbus: African American Gene Pool American Deception: Who Were the Real Slaves Another View – Native Americans Kathleen’s slide show of ads, postcards, etc… Read More »The Real Story of American History: My Story, Not His Story
May 27, 2017 with Buz Eisenberg Racial Justice Rising invites you to join Ashfield Attorney Buz Eisenberg for a presentation on the racial inequities of our criminal legal system. Attorney Eisenberg has practiced law in the region for over 3 decades and has handled a variety of criminal, civil and… Read More »Racial Justice In The Courts
Our occasional e-newsletter, usually published once or twice a month, with links to events, articles, videos, websites, & more relating to racism & racial justice. Racial Justice Rising’s activities: Upcoming programs – Save the dates! Saturday, January 7, 10:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m. First Congregational Church, 43 Silver St, Greenfield FREE The Road To… Read More »December #1
Our occasional e-newsletter, usually published once or twice a month, with links to events, articles, videos, websites, & more relating to racism & racial justice. THANK YOU THANK YOU to everyone who donated to Racial Justice Rising through Valley Gives this past Tuesday. We raised $1,845 from 54 donors… Read More »May 14, 2017
August 7 & 8, 2021 – Pocumtuck Homelands Festival June 23 – Second annual Franklin County Pride Day STAR Barbecue, August 2017 Pocumtuck Homelands Festival, August 2017 Franklin County Fair Parade, September 2016 Stand Together Against Racism (STAR) Barbeque, 2011 & 2012 Photos from Other Events Mass Slavery Apology T-Shirts!… Read More »Photo Album: Everything Else
May 6, 2017 with Karmen Smith Understanding Grief in Adopted Children, with a focus on transracial adoptions Adoptees and foster children struggle with grief and loss throughout their lives . In this workshop, family , friends, and helping professionals will increase their understanding of the intersectionality of adoption, human development, and… Read More »Have You Seen My Childhood?
Our occasional e-newsletter, usually published once or twice a month, with links to events, articles, videos, websites, & more relating to racism & racial justice. We are excited to share this video about RJR with you! It’s part of our Valley Gives fundraising campaign – you’ll hear more from us… Read More »April 21, 2017
Our occasional e-newsletter, usually published once or twice a month, with links to events, articles, videos, websites, & more relating to racism & racial justice. Racial Justice Rising’s activities: Our free monthly programs are held at the First Congregational Church of Greenfield, 43 Silver Street, almost always on the first… Read More »March 30, 2017
March 4, 2017 with Tem Blessed and guests Cita Light, John Elmore, and Kalia Lydgate Tem Blessed will take us on a journey through the history of spoken word through demonstration of the art as well as lecture. Tem’s love of music, his experience, his care of the natural world,… Read More »Spoken Word, An Art With A History
Vigils are most Saturdays anytime between 10 and 12 noon for Racial Justice and Peace. Fall 2020 August 11, 2018 August 19, 2017 April 2017 March 2017 December 2016 July 2016 June 2016 March 2016
February 4, 2017 with Elizabeth Bridgewater At this program, we will explore different expressions of housing discrimination in American history. What has it looked like over the years and what does it look like now? We will also discuss community housing resources and how to best utilize them Elizabeth Bridgewater… Read More »The Evolving Face Of Housing Discrimination
January 7, 2017 with Momodou Sarr and Joan Featherman Did you know that in the 1800s, Greenfield was home to an active regional abolition group? Links The Road To Freedom, Anti-Slavery Activity in Greenfield, Massachusetts, 12-page booklet PDF Video from Channel 22 News Suggested reading The Invention of Wings by Sue Monk… Read More »The Road To Freedom: Anti-Slavery Activity In Greenfield
December 3, 2016 Capoeira has been described as a martial art, a dance, an art form, a formof self-defense, or any hybrid of these. Capoeira is a product of theextensive slave trade between Brazil and Africa.Tuzinho Demelo began studying Capoeira as a child in Brazil and hastaught it for many… Read More »Taste of Brazil: The Story of Capoeira Dance with Tuzinho
Our occasional e-newsletter, usually published once or twice a month, with links to events, articles, videos, websites, and more relating to racism and racial justice. Special Post-Election Section New Voting Restrictions in Place for First Time in 2016, from the Brennan Center for Justice Voter Suppression Targets Latinx Voters in… Read More »November #1
November 5, 2016 with Dr. Stephen A. Martin Links Why Your Doctor Should Care About Social Justice, with Mary Bassett Structural Racism and Supporting Black Lives: The Role of Health Professionals, from the New England Journal of Medicine, October 12, 2016 The Invisible Man, from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation… Read More »Racial Disparities in U.S. Health Care
October 1, 2016 Facilitated by Keyedrya Jacobs & Robert Tobin According to RJR organizers Gloria Matlock and Sherrill Hogen, “In light of recent events locally and nationally, the intention of the program is to assure Black and Brown people in the community that they can expect fair treatment and that they… Read More »Building Relationships between Our Community and the Police, A Community Forum with Greenfield Police Chief Robert Haigh
September 10, 2016 with Gloria Matlock and Keyedrya Jacobs Recent escalating violence on Black people and Black organizations, local hate-based occurrances, and how do we deal with the distress of these times? What allies can do to help. Thanks to Nur Tiven for the design of this compelling poster!
January 9, 2016 With Sister Clare Carter, Natan Cohen, Bob Cooley, Ya-Ping Douglass, Alex Fischer, Teegrey Iannuzzi, Brenda Ross. Moderated by Gloria Matlock Links Crossing the Waters Institute for Cultural Exchange Lost River Racial Justice New England Peace Pagoda Interfaith Pilgrimage of the Middle Passage
December 5, 2015 with Dr. Mulazimuddin Rasool This interactive presentation will examine the glaring contradictions in the present school system and expose cognitive dissonance as a contributing factor to the system. We will look at how the school system began, who designed it, and why. We will define education, define… Read More »Education or Miseducation: By Design or By Accident?
November 7, 2015 with David Brule and David Tall Pine White View a video of the program Links The Nolumbeka Project Mapping the Battle at Great Falls We Shall Remain, a PBS film
October 3, 2015 with Mel Motel Links Feeling for the Edge of your Imagination: finding ways not to call the police (Tumblr) The New Jim Crow by Michelle Alexander Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson “What did you like about the workshop?” …a few responses Organized, clear, appreciated assumptions instead of… Read More »Mass Incarceration & Imagining Alternatives
September 12, 2015 Young people from our community will share their experiences in local schools.We will also screen the PBS documentary A Class Divided, about “a third grade teacher who divided her all-white class into blue-eyed and brown-eyed groups, and gave them a daring lesson in discrimination,” Links A Class… Read More »Youth Speak Out: Teens of Color Talk About Their Experiences in Our Schools
with Chris Tinson August 8, 2015 Watch a video of the program: Video of program courtesy of Greenfield Community Television Part 1 Part 2 Links Handout – Final Communique: The National/International Reparations Summit from Institute of the Black World Handout: Ordinance: Reparations for the Chicago Police Torture Survivors
June 6, 2015 with Brother NorthStar View a video of the program Links Brother NorthStar’s website Link to part 2 Link to part 3 Selected comments Brother NorthStar’s style is captivating, empowering the level of information. Goes to the core of life. Appreciated his generosity of spirit & open-heated sharing.… Read More »One People, One Earth
May 2, 2015 with Annie Rodriguez This workshop will use Juan Gonzalez’s film, Harvest of Empire: The Untold Story of Latinos in America, and discussion to help participants developa deeper understanding of the realities of Latino life and history in the U. S. Links Transforming the Latino Narrative one-day workshop… Read More »Latinos In The U.S. – Colonization, Diaspora, & Racialization
April 11, 2015 with Gloria De,Layne Matlock and Adam Matlock Through conversation and performance, Adam and Gloria will share stories about their lives—as Black boy and man, as Black mother raising a Black son, and as performers, and about how historic happenings like the 1921 Black Wall Street massacre in… Read More »Black Lives/Black History
March 7, 2015 with Liz O’Gilvie & Catherine Sands What is food justice? What does it mean in our lives? Is it attainable? What are the ingredients of a more just food system? What do just systems look like? Who needs to be in the conversation? Why? Links PV Grows:… Read More »Food Justice: What is it? What does it mean in our individual lives? Is it attainable?
February 7, 2015 with BLM413 Area Black Lives Matter activists will screen a new documentary of their October trip to Ferguson, discuss their local organizing, and talk about the role of white allies in the Black Lives Matter movement, followed by a question and answer session featuring youth leaders. … Read More »Black Lives Matter: Local Activists Speak
January 10, 2015 with Angela Berkfield A look at how and why race and class are connected, including land theft, genocide, labor exploitation, & militarism. We’ll look at historical & current resistance and find out own particular place in that resistance. Selected comments: The presenter held the space really well,… Read More »Race & Class: Past and Present Connections
December 6, 2014 with Ingrid Askew, Tim Bullock, & Melinda Holm In 1998, a group of walkers left Leverett MA on the Interfaith Pilgrimage, a 13-month journey retracing the slave trade down the east coast, through the American south, then to the Caribbean and finally South Africa. Links This Far… Read More »Revisiting the Middle Passage
October 27, 2013 What is happening in our towns? How do we handle change? A screening of the film Pleasantville: Nothing is as Simple as Black and White, and and discussion led by Keeley Malone.
June 29, 2013 Join us for a screening of Mirrors of Privilige a documentary of white women and men who share their stories of how racism and privilege affected them personally and often painfully. Conversation led by Keely Malone, experienced trainer/facilitatorand anti-racist activist. Download a full size, printable (PDF) flyer
March 2, 2013 A follow up conversation on Last Chance for Eden, a film by Lee Mun Wah and Stirfry Productions, viewed at our program on January 5, 2013. Conversation facilitated by a cross-racial team of experienced trainers:Anika Nailah and Robin DiAngelo It’s recommended to watch the film before the… Read More »Part 2, Last Chance for Eden: follow-up dialog
January 5, 2013 Film by Lee Mun Wah and Stirfry SeminarsGroup discussion facilitated by Anika Nailah and Robin DiAngelo Last Chance for Eden documents a cross-racial dialog between 9 women and men over the course of two weekends. On camera for 24 hours, they struggle to find a way to… Read More »Part 1, Last Chance for Eden: film screening and dialog
