Newburyport’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Alliance Response to BLM flag destruction at FRS

• The Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Alliance of Newburyport is deeply troubled by the slashing of the
  Black Lives Matter banner at the First Religious Society church on Pleasant Street. The Newburyport DEI
  Alliance is committed to fostering and increasing awareness, and encouraging community participation
  on diversity, equity, and inclusion issues. As an Alliance, we encourage members in our community to
  stand with us and together say a resounding NO to this act.
• We believe that Black Lives Matter. This statement is not a political statement but a statement to
  support our community members. We have members in our community of all ages, including children,
  that must feel safe in their community, our community. Although some may see the slashing as
  thoughtless destruction of property, many in our community find this to be a violent act, causing harm
  to the community, to the Church and to people of color living in our community. The DEI Alliance finds
  this act of vandalism particularly concerning because of what it communicates to our youth, about what
  can be expressed or tolerated in our community.
• Importantly, we believe that these perpetrators of destruction and hate, however painful their actions,
  do not represent the majority in Newburyport. We invite you to join us moving forward as we harness
  all of our voices and energy to overwhelm these lone, divisive actors, and enable the open, inclusive,
  and vibrant energy of our great city to shine brightly.
  May 25th, is the one-year anniversary of the murder of George Floyd. In our pursuit of a world where no more lives are lost as tragically, senselessly and unjustly as Mr. Floyds, we ask you to join us for a re-dedication of the Black Lives Matter banner and a time to dedicate ourselves to a community that promotes diversity, embraces equity and strives towards inclusion. This re-dedication event is to be held at the FRSUU church on Tuesday, May 25th at 5 PM.
• Other opportunities to take action and show your support for this cause include, the upcoming Juneteenth celebration on Friday, June 18th at City Hall, or at the monthly demonstrations supporting marginalized groups on the 2nd Sat. of the month at Market Sq. from 10-noon.
• “Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.” Martin Luther King Jr.

Madeleine Clement

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