WINTER 2022
Happy New Year.
This past year has been full of highs and lows, in ways we’ve never seen before. Starting with the insurrection on January 6th, and ending with Omicron, it’s been a year like no other.
Locally, we are encouraged by positive movement towards Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) efforts in Concord and Carlisle. Three stand out. Concord has a new DEI Commission, the Concord Public Schools and the Concord Carlisle High School have created a new position titled Director of DEI and groups in Concord who work towards DEI and human rights, including the CCHRC, have met together and are developing into a DEI Coalition to advise the DEI Commission.
Our community has also experienced negative incidents. There are reports of Black Lives Matter and Stop Asian Hate signs being stolen or damaged. Patriot Front has been back in Concord, evidenced by stickers they left on a pole in Concord Center. There were also reports of racist incidents in our schools.
We are ever hopeful that the positive will eventually overcome the negative.
Like so many other organizations this past year, the CCHRC has been meeting on Zoom and developing new events that adhere to COVID-19 protocols. With cases on the rise, we will not be able to hold our usual MLK, Jr. celebration, so instead we will be holding a food drive to benefit Open Table at Crosby’s Market in Concord Center on Monday, January 17th from 12-4pm. Information on the food drive and volunteering is below. Please stop by and support this wonderful organization.
Please also see the information below for a Zoom event sponsored by the Concord and Bedford school communities honoring MLK, Jr.
We wish you all a year of health and good fortune.
If you would like to join us in our work, please email us at info@cchumanrights.org.
Shari Barzun
Louisa Paushter
Co-Chairs, Concord-Carlisle Human Rights Council
