Somerville to Host 'Community Conversations' Series on Race and Racism

SOMERVILLE TO HOST ‘COMMUNITY CONVERSATIONS' SERIES ON RACE AND RACISM
Residents invited to share their experiences, concerns, ideas

SOMERVILLE -The City of Somerville will host a new round of its Community Conversations Series, focusing on race and racism in light of ongoing national conversations surrounding this topic, beginning on Oct. 5, 2015, Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone announced today.

Organized by the Office of Health and Human Services, ‘conversations' will be held in each of the City's seven wards. Residents are invited to join these small-group discussions to share their experiences and learn from their neighbors.

"We, as a city, must do our part to move the national conversation on race forward," said Mayor Curtatone. "Somerville can and should lead the way in showing how a city can reflect on itself and take action against injustice. I look forward to hearing from our residents and working with the community to ensure everyone has the same opportunities and is treated fairly."

Each conversation will be led by a trained facilitator and light refreshments will be served. Child care and translations services will be provided by request to enable more Somerville residents to participate in the dialogue.

"Systemic racism is a complex challenge that will result in various approaches, initiatives, and public conversations," said the Mayor. "We will be using this time to listen to the experiences of residents and use that feedback to guide us moving forward."

Community Conversations are scheduled for:

• Mon., Oct. 5, 6-8 p.m., at Clarendon Hill Presbyterian Church, 155 Powder House Blvd.
• Tue., Oct. 6, 6-8 p.m., at the Visiting Nurses Association, 259 Lowell St.
• Wed., Oct. 7, 1-3 p.m., at UCC, 89 College Ave.
• Wed, Oct. 14, 6-8 p.m., Greater Works Church of God, 12 Marshall St.
• Tue., Oct. 20, 12:30-2:30 p.m., at La Cantina, 247 Washington St.
• Thur., Oct. 22, 10 a.m.-12 p.m., at Connexion, 149 Broadway
• Mon., Oct. 26, 6-8 p.m., at Arts at the Armory, 191 Highland Ave.

If you would like to participate in the Community Conversations, please RSVP to Director of Human Services Nancy Bacci at nbacci@somervillema.gov or 617-625-6600 x2250. When you RSVP, please note if you will need child care, translations services, or any ADA accommodations.