About the Department of Racial and Social Justice
The Department of Racial and Social Justice (RSJ) leads the City of Somerville’s equity efforts and collaborates with city departments, constituents, and stakeholders to eliminate the institutional and structural systems that create racial inequities, social disparities, and injustices.
Contact Information
Amanda Nagim-Williams
Director
617-625-6600 x2063
anagimwilliams@somervillema.gov
Steven Flythe
Deputy Director
Office: 617-625-6600 x2060
sflythe@somervillema.gov
Haakon Brooks
Public Information Officer
Office: 617-625-6600 ext 2066
hbrooks@somervillema.gov
Beth Beaverson
RSJ Investigator
(617) 625-6600 x2067
bbeaverson@somervillema.gov
Adrienne Pomeroy
ADA Coordinator
(617) 625-6600 x2059
apomeroy@somervillema.gov
Elijah Booker
Project Specialist
(617) 625-6600 x2064
ebooker@somervillema.gov
Leonor Galindo
Community Engagement Specialist
(617) 625-6600 x2061
lgalindo@somervillema.gov
Hours
Monday - Wednesday
8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Thursday
8:30 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Friday
8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
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Neighbors Talking to Neighbors
About Neighbors Talking to Neighbors
Neighbors Talking to Neighbors (N2N) is a new City initiative aimed at strengthening community connections via open, respectful conversation. The dialogue series will be led by Somerville’s Department of Racial and Social Justice (RSJ) and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and will offer a series of facilitated dialogues, trainings, and panel discussions focused on building understanding across different lived experiences.
The pilot series will focus on four pressing topics to both Somerville and the US at large:
- Race
- Immigration
- LGBTQ+ Community
- Interfaith Relations
Session topics were identified based on feedback from multiple City departments and partners, including the SomerViva Office of Immigrant Affairs, Somerville Public Library, Somerville Public Schools, and the Somerville Police Department.
How It Works
Each of the four sessions will be professionally facilitated and open to all residents. Participants will agree to shared community guidelines designed to foster a respectful, welcoming environment. All sessions are free to attend, but registration is required. Some topics will have separate times for youth and adults to facilitate age-appropriate conversations.
Attend An Upcoming Session:
- Session Topic: Race
- Date: Wednesday, May 7
- Place: Virtual
- Time:
- Youth Session: 3 – 4:30 p.m. Due to low registration, this session will be rescheduled for a later time.
- Adult Session: 6:30 – 8 p.m. RSVP here
- Session Topic: Immigration
- Date: Friday, May 9
- Place: Virtual
- Time:
- Youth Session: 3 – 4:30 p.m. Due to low registration, this session will be rescheduled for a later time.
- Adult Session: 6:30 – 8 p.m. RSVP here
- Session Topic: LGBTQ+
- Session Topic: Interfaith Relations POSTPONED — STAY TUNED FOR FURTHER DETAILS
- Date: Wednesday, May 28
- Place: Somerville High School Highland Forum (81 Highland Ave.)
- Time: 7:30 – 9 p.m. RSVP here
If you have questions about N2N, contact the Department of Racial and Social Justice at rsj@somervillema.gov
The City of Somerville is committed to eliminating institutional and structural racism and its intersections with other forms of oppression. The work of the RSJ Department has prioritized five key areas:
- Public Safety for All
- Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
- Commissions (SCPD, SCW, HRC)
- Hate-Bias Incidents Complaint Process
- Creating Structures for Equity
Accessibility Services & ADA Compliance
The City's ADA Division, which leads and manages the City in policy-setting, coordination, and training for ADA compliance, and proactively ensures the City's programs and services are compliant with Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act and other applicable state and local disability rights laws. This division also acts as the City staff liaison to the Commission for Persons with Disabilities and key City staff.
The RSJ Department oversees and supports the work of the Human Rights Commission (HRC), the Somerville Commission for Women (SCW), and the Somerville Commission for Persons with Disabilities (SCPD) through staff attendance and participation in monthly meetings, activities, and events.
1) Contact us: Text the RSJ Department at 781-808-7502 or email rsj@somervillema.gov.
2) Sign up for the City Newsletter for announcements and updates.
Programs & Initiatives
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