AMERICAN LEFT HISTORY

This space is dedicated to the proposition that we need to know the history of the struggles on the left and of earlier progressive movements here and world-wide. If we can learn from the mistakes made in the past (as well as what went right) we can move forward in the future to create a more just and equitable society. We will be reviewing books, CDs, and movies we believe everyone needs to read, hear and look at as well as making commentary from time to time. Greg Green, site manager

Saturday, November 03, 2018

WE ARE LOOKING FOR PARTNERS AND INDIVIDUALS TO JOIN US ON THE VERY IMPORTANT ISSUE OF RACE IN BOSTON

The New Democracy Coalition of Massachusetts<thenewdemocracycoalition@gmail.com>

11/2/2018 2:34 PM

To undisclosed-recipients:; Blind copy alfredjohnson34@comcast.net

2 attachments

Dear Leaders/Organizers,

THE NEW DEMOCRACY COALITION represents a growing effort in Boston and across the nation around addressing racial reconciliation in the city of Boston through collaborative engagement, public education and non-violent challenge. As the Boston Globe demonstrated through a series of articles about race in Boston last December, our city is starkly divided along racial lines. The plain facts of the matter are that if you are black in Boston you are more likely to be poorer, less educated, less healthy and less safe than your white counterparts. We believe that we, as a city, can be better than this.

Last year a number of community-based organizations and clergy formed what is now called the Faneuil Hall Race + Reconciliation Project. Its goal is to raise the public’s awareness -- especially among our young people -- about the possibility of substantively addressing the racial divide in our city through dialogue and reparation. We believe that justice is achieved by creating what the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King called the beloved community.

We are writing because we need your help, your impassioned voice. We have been asking the mayor of our city and members of the Boston City Council for a hearing about the feasibility of changing the name of Faneuil Hall because it is a city owned building that is connected to slavery. Research tells us that Faneuil Hall was constructed through the sale of a young black boy. We believe Faneuil Hall stands as a metaphor in our city around which people to come together in deep and engaging racial dialogue. Through dialogue, we can heal. But our elected officials have refused to host a hearing.

So, on Saturday, November 10 at 12 noon concerned Bostonians will convene at the doors of Faneuil Hall in what we a calling a “SpeakOut” for justice and reconciliation. We recently were granted a permit for this event. Will you join us as one of the speakers that we are asking to make a 1 Minute statement on the importance of an extended racial dialogue in Boston around Faneuil Hall? As an leader, you can craft your remarks around the following themes:

Boston residents deserve the right to have their voices heard about the city’s racial past in order to address its future. This should be accomplished through a citywide, City Council Meeting.

The coming and current generation of Bostonians must know the full history of Boston as a matter of civic inclusion and as a prelude to creative, non-violent interaction.

Failing to include the history of black and Native Americans, Asians, Latino and those who have been historically marginalized in Boston’s history is undemocratic.

Will you please join us a a special guest at this event to “SpeakOut” about the importance of public education around race in or for the city to address racial inequity? And will you help spread the word and invite your network? I hope so. [SEE MORE INFORMATION BELOW].

Sincerely,

Kevin C.Peterson

Kevin C. Peterson, Director

Founder, Faneuil Hall Race + Reconciliation Project

PLEASE SEE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT OUR EFFORTS BELOW.

Please find news links and collaterals connected to the black-led boycott of Faneuil Hall in Boston.

Boycotters are pushing to change the name of Faneuil Hall in Boston. Faneuil Hall is an iconic tourist destination spot for national and international visitors to the City of Boston. It is also associated with the American slave trade.

Black Bostonians have been urging Mayor Matin Walsh to host hearings to consider renaming Faneuil Hall -- which was constructed with monies derived from the sale of a slave boy.

Mayor Walsh has refused to hold hearing on the feasibility, which has led organizers to call for a boycott at Faneuil Hall.

Last week boycotters staged Civil Rights Movement style "sit in" at Faneuil Hall.

Boston organizers have appealed to the Boston City Council and Boston Chamber of Commerce to intervene in urging Mayor Walsh to commit to a hearing.

Contact: Kevin C. Peterson, 617-304-5068 OR 617-506-9028

News Paper Links

WCVB Channel 5 CItyline

https://www.wcvb.com/article/activists-call-for-boycott-of-historic-landmark/23586734

New York Times

https://www.nytimes.com/2018/06/06/us/faneuil-hall-name-slavery.html

The Guardian (London)

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2018/jul/31/faneuil-hall-boston-boycott-slavery

US METRO