Discussions about alternative locations underway
UPDATED, July 19: As Arlington residents protest, and have important community conversations around race, the town Human Rights Commission recognizes that joy is also an act of resistance.
The commission celebrated the town’s diversity with a virtual event on Black Lives Matter Day, held Monday, July 13, at 7:30 p.m. At its height, 88 attended.
Meanwhile, Kristen Bauer, cochair, said the commission plans to propose to the Select Board that it form a committee to consider future placement of the banner and next year’s Black Lives Matter event, among other related issues. She expects this to be discussed at the board’s next meeting, Monday July 20. “We expect that the banner will likely remain up until a new display plan is developed,” she wrote July 14.
At the July 13 event, the commission invited the public to tune into a virtual showcase of poetry, art and other inspirational expressions for this theme: “Black Joy and What it is to be Black in America.”
Guest speaker was DiDi Delgado, author, activist and BLM Cambridge organizer.
In support of the worldwide movement to condemn the death of George Floyd and systemic racism, the Select Board unanimously adopted the Black Lives Matter proclamation at its virtual June 8 meeting.
At left, Police Chief Juliann Flaherty outside Town Hall on June 9, when Black Lives Matter banner was unveiled.
Banner urged to remain
Meanwhile, Elizabeth Dray, a leader of Arlington Fights Racism, urged on the Arlington email list July 10 that the banner remain after July 13, adding she had supporters for the effort.
Town Manager Adam Chapdelaine wrote to the Arlington email list July 12 that the date for removing the banner was recommended by the town Human Rights Commission as part of the resolution and the commission is working with Jill Harvey, town diversity coordinator, to develop a strategy for displaying the banner in town in various locations.
“I can assure you that this issue is not going to fade away as a priority for us,” he wrote. “We are in the midst of the Community Conversation series, and we plan to continue working with the community on ways to dismantle systemic racism in Arlington.”
Dray responded on the list later July 12: “I imagine that the Town Manager and the Select Board have the power to make their own decision about the BLM banner, despite the HRC’s recommendation …,” noting contacts to make suggestions.
“IMHO the only other appropriate place to hang the banner is the Public Safety Building/Police Department.”
Members of Arlington Fights Racism urged on social media July 16 that supporters of keeping the banner at Town Hall or placing it at police headquarters make their case at the July 20 Select Board meeting during citizens’ open comment.
If you have questions or concerns please reach out to ahrcevents at gmail.com
This news announcement was published Friday, July 10, 2020, and updated July 17.
