Category Archives: FORJ

FORJ Updates – 5.15

There have been several recent incidents of antisemitism in Newton Schools. Students and staff are engaged in learning more about how to address and prevent antisemitism, racism, bigotry and discrimination. The community events and resources provided through Newton FORJ groups, the Newton Public Schools Diversity, Equity, Inclusion Office, the City of Newton and local organizations are meant to provide opportunities to engage with others and bring understanding and respect and spark (and respond to) mutual curiosity. Check out a few of the many activities Newton and our schools are offering to bring us together – free!

Learning Minute: Palestinian-American Newtonians Event Recap

On May 10th, FORJ Newton hosted its May Citywide meeting called “In Search of Belonging: A Discussion with Palestinian-American-Newtonians”. More than 100 people attended! Discussion facilitator, Dr. Eman Ansari, a physician and Newton parent, who is Palestinian-American, described the geographic location of Palestine, also called “Occupied Palestinian Territory” between Jordan and the Mediterranean Sea. Dr. Eman also spoke about the Palestinian population in the world, stereotypes of Palestinians, and her personal experiences.

Palestinian-American Newton community members described their family histories and journeys to the U.S. between the 50s and 00s. Panelists highlighted joyous and touching family stories (including more than one person who, as children in the U.S., proudly brought their Palestinian parent for “show & tell”) and community connections and, when prompted, touched on some of the low moments of bigotry and racism they faced in Boston near Berklee School of Music, on the Newton soccer field, and in the Newton schools (and drop off lane!). They also detailed generous and kind support from neighbors, fellow parents and strangers in celebration of understanding, learning and friendship.

One panelist, Newton resident, Palestinian singer/songwriter, producer, audio engineer, composer, arranger, Oudist and Arabic rapper, Ghassan Sawalhi, is conductor of a local youth orchestra based at the Center for Arabic Culture.

Walking Tour of METCO HQ and Nubian Square
Saturdays this summer at 10am and 1pm (started May 14!)

Join METCO high school students as they uncover the past and present of Boston’s historic Nubian Square in Roxbury. This unique 90-minute walking tour highlights their research into the artistry, activism, and achievement in the backyard of METCO’s new Headquarters.  RSVP here

Lincoln-Eliot Juneteenth Celebration – Thursday, June 16th

Join FORJ and our L-E PTO as we prepare for our second annual Lincoln-Eliot Juneteenth Celebration! Mark your calendars for Thursday, June 16th from 4:30-6:30pm in the playground and our own backyard. We’ll have music and dancing, Double Dutch, craft activities, food, classroom guests and more. Contact Lanni to join the planning, lanni_harris@yahoo.com.

FAMILIES ORGANIZING FOR RACIAL JUSTICE (FORJ) is a group of diverse Newton families helping our children learn about issues of power and inequality and how to stand up for racial justice. We seek to generate understanding and curiosity about differences in our society, and to work together towards racial equity.

Newton Free Library Event: Asian Americans in Newton: Reflection and Reimagination

Did you know that our neighbors from China, India and Korea represent the three most prominent Asian American groups in Newton? Join us for a panel discussion as we explore and honor these cultures in celebration of Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month at Asian Americans in Newton: Reflection and Reimagination on Tuesday, May 24 at 7 p.m.

Panelists will reflect on the impact of current events on the Asian American community, the successes, and challenges of adjusting to life in a new country, and how we can all come together in solidarity.

Participants include: Rakashi Chand (Massachusetts Historical Society), Anping Shen (Newton School Committee), Hyeouk “Chris” Hahm (Professor, B.U. School of Social Work), Lisong Liu (Professor and Moderator), and Newton student Shiv Sawhney.

Asian Americans in Newton: Reflection and Reimagination

 

This program is part of the Overdue: Confronting Race and Racism in Newton series.

Begin registration by clicking here: https://newtonfreelibrary.libcal.com/event/8899978

Registration for this program will end two hours before the start time. The login information will be sent just after registration closes. Please be sure to check your spam folder in case it lands there.

FORJ Updates 5.8

It’s Asian American Pacific Islander month in May. Boston has many activities listed on their events page this month to honor our AAPI community!

To commemorate five years of Chinatown’s first arts, cultural, and education center, the Pao Arts Center is holding a special celebration at Mary Soo Hoo Park on the Greenway in May. The event will feature the opening of the “Year of the Tiger” installation by Cheryl Wing-Zi Wong as well as performances by Wah Lum Academy, Jennifer Lin, and accompanying dancers, Bunker Hill Community College student and alumni musicians, and more. May 14, 1-4 p.m., Mary Soo Hoo Park at the Greenway, Boston. Free. paoartscenter.org/events/2022/5thanniversary

Upcoming 5/10, at 7pm: FORJ Newton May Citywide Meeting: In Search of Belonging: A Discussion with Palestinian-American Newtonians

On May 10th, FORJ Newton will host its May Citywide meeting called “In Search of Belonging: A Discussion with Palestinian-American-Newtonians”

This event will offer attendees a valuable opportunity to meet and learn from members of the Newton community who are often invisible or misunderstood.

Attendees will hear Palestinian-American-Newtonians talk about their experiences in Newton, which are varied and complex, and hear their responses to questions raised by the audience.

If you are interested in joining this conversation, please register here!

Citywide Diaper Drive Now Through 5.13, Pick up on 5/14

One in three families struggle to afford diapers, making it even harder for them to buy food and other necessities. Support local families who need diapers!

Sizes requested: newborn — 6
Open boxes are welcome, but please put diapers in labeled plastic sleeves or bags.

Donate diapers at:
1. FamilyACCESS of Newton (492 Waltham St, West Newton)
Drop off inside the front doors from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm when the building is open. Look for a table with a diaper dropoff sign. NO weekend dropoffs.

  1. FUUSN church (1326 Washington St, West Newton)
    Drop off 9:00 am – 12:00 pm Monday-Friday. Enter the back door, and turn left. Follow hallway to Children’s Chapel (last door on the right before entering Parish Hall).
  2. American Legion Nonantum Post 440 (295 California St, Nonantum)
    Drop off in the main office 7 days a week from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm. From the parking lot, enter the glass doors, up the steps, and turn left.
  3. Porch dropoff (33 Hamlin Road, Newton Centre)
    Leave your donation on the front porch.
  4. Purchase diapers from our Amazon Wish List.
    Diapers will be shipped directly to one of our collection points.

Pick up free diapers for your family on May 14, 7:30am – 12:30pm at:
American Legion Nonantum Post 440 (295 California St, Nonantum)
FamilyACCESS of Newton (492 Waltham St, West Newton)

https://www.newtonneighbors.org/

Lincoln-Eliot Juneteenth Celebration – Thursday, June 16th

Join FORJ and our L-E PTO as we prepare for our second annual Lincoln-Eliot Juneteenth Celebration! Mark your calendars for Thursday, June 16th from 4:30-6:30pm in the playground and our own backyard. We’ll have music and dancing, activities, food, classroom guests and more. Contact Lanni for more information, lanni_harris@yahoo.com.

FAMILIES ORGANIZING FOR RACIAL JUSTICE (FORJ) is a group of diverse Newton families helping our children learn about issues of power and inequality and how to stand up for racial justice. We seek to generate understanding and curiosity about differences in our society, and to work together towards racial equity.

 

 

FORJ Updates 4.14.22 – Including Upcoming Citywide Meeting on 5/10

Marathon Monday’s Story of Heartbreak Hill

When the 2021 Boston Marathon, due to the COVID pandemic, reset to take place on the same date as the first Newton-wide observation of Indigenous Peoples’ Day, for many, it brought to light a different telling of the story of how “Heartbreak Hill” came to be named. As the 2022 Boston Marathon runs this week, have a look at the historic event and the legacy of Ellison “Tarzan” Brown’s legendary victory in 1936 (and he also won in 1939). Also, read about featured runners in the 2022 marathon: https://nativenewsonline.net/currents/boston-strong-through-native-roots

Newton Public Schools and the Boston Marathon route are all on Indigenous homelands, specifically on the land of the Nipmuc and Massachusett.

Sending safe, well wishes to this year’s runners and your chance to build community in motion. Good weather and good speed to you all!

Citywide FORJ Meeting: “In Search of Belonging: A Discussion with Palestinian-American-Newtonians” on Tuesday, May 10th at 7PM

This event will offer attendees a valuable opportunity to meet and learn from members of the Newton community who are often invisible or misunderstood.

In a constructive and safe environment, you will hear Palestinian-American-Newtonians talk about their experiences in Newton, which are varied and complex, and hear their responses to questions raised by the audience. You will leave with ideas about how you can support your Palestinian-American neighbors and how to learn more about their culture, history and perspectives.

This event is being planned by Newton community members, including Palestinians, in response to recent events in Newton schools that we believe undermine our commitment to anti-racism and inclusion. Please join FORJ as we continue to take steps to address challenges to the dignity and rights of all our community members.

Register here!

LEARNING IS EVERYDAY – Read, Watch, Listen, Talk

If you are looking for some inspirational, thought-provoking readings/listening during break to consider and advance racial equity & belonging, check out readings, videos, podcasts and connections available from Newton FORJ – https://www.forj.org/resources.

 

FAMILIES ORGANIZING FOR RACIAL JUSTICE (FORJ) is a group of diverse Newton families helping our children learn about issues of power and inequality and how to stand up for racial justice. We seek to generate understanding and curiosity about differences in our society, and to work together towards racial equity.

For more information about FORJ, contact Lincoln-Eliot FORJ PTO Liaison Lanni Isenberg, lanni_harris@yahoo.com.

FORJ Updates 4.10.22 – Includes Special Session on Impact of Budget Cuts on Equity and Diversity

FORJ celebrates Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson and her confirmation to the Supreme Court, where she will be the first Black female Justice, after 232 years. We take lessons from her treatment during the confirmation process, firmly standing on the side of anti-racism and against the hateful and harsh political theater Justice Jackson endured. Her strength and leadership are inspiring!

SPECIAL MEETING: BUDGET CUT IMPACTS ON SCHOOL EQUITY IN NEWTON

Tuesday, April 12th from 7-8pm

Mike Zilles (Newton Teachers Association Union President), Rielle Monatgue (Parent Rep) and Bill Humphrey (Newton City Council) will join the call with FORJ leaders and community members to discuss the impact of these cuts and what solutions are working to resolve this deficit. For more information and to register, visit Special FORJ Session: How do the current Newton Public Schools’ Budget Cuts impact overall issues of equity and diversity

NPS SHARES ANTI-HARASSMENT/ANTI-BULLYING AND ANTI-DISCRIMINATION PROTOCOLS

Last week, principals at both Brown Middle School and Newton South High School informed families that swastikas were found on school property. Unfortunately, these are only two of the many antisemitic incidents reported in Newton Public Schools in 2022.

FORJ Newton does not tolerate hate or discrimination of any kind, and stands in solidarity with Jewish communities in Newton and beyond.

The schools are responding to these incidents as swiftly as possible and following comprehensive protocols developed and implemented by Newton Public Schools.

On Thursday, April 7th, Kathy Lopes, NPS Dir of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, and Maura Morse, NPS Asst. Dir of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, shared anti-discrimination/harassment protocol information with the PTO Council, community leaders from FORJ chapters, and parents and guardians in the Newton community. These materials were previously shared with school administrators and are available for the community to view and utilize: https://drive.google.com/file/d/13XkGaGrefQS1X5hBFiCN1bKumhgQR7KF/view. The protocols apply to the wider community, not just Newton students.

If you’ve experienced or witnessed harassment/bullying or discrimination at school, you can contact our school leaders and/or complete a complaint form. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1xVc4Rh-tcBOk2GNV2eSlUrgo7Q72s3x6g4a5y0G7rHI/viewform?edit_requested=true  (Available in multiple languages. Translation services are also available through the NPS Diversity, Equity & Inclusion office.)

FAMILIES ORGANIZING FOR RACIAL JUSTICE (FORJ) is a group of diverse Newton families helping our children learn about issues of power and inequality and how to stand up for racial justice. We seek to generate understanding and curiosity about differences in our society, and to work together towards racial equity.

For more information about FORJ, contact Lincoln-Eliot FORJ PTO Liaison Lanni Isenberg, lanni_harris@yahoo.com.

FORJ Updates 4.03.22

Ramadan Mubarak (Have a blessed Ramadan) to those who celebrate! Ramadan is a holy month of worship, study of the Quran, prayer, and fasting. It begins on the evening of April 1st and ends on the evening of May 1st. For more information, please visit this link: https://www.hfcc.edu/news/2020/what-ramadan-means

Newton METCO Presentation – Wednesday, April 6 at 7PM

Learn general information about the Newton METCO program and its interesting history. Presentation from Newton METCO Director Lisa Gilbert-Smith!  Register here!

Budget Cuts to Affect Most Recent NPS Hires

Newton Public Schools and Newton Mayor Fuller continue to release details on plans for necessary budget cuts. One major budget-cutting measure will involve eliminating some teaching staff. NPS has made a concerted effort to recruit diverse candidates including LGBTQIA+ and/or teachers of color for staff positions in the last few years. It is important to note that staff members who were hired over the past three years do not have professional status (tenure) yet; they are the most likely to be laid off. Be sure to attend local school committee meetings to let them know Lincoln-Eliot families are paying attention to all planning. There is a public hearing on Zoom on Monday, April 4th and another on Monday, April 11th. Click here to sign up for April 11th. Information about School Committee Meetings can be found here:·https://www.newton.k12.ma.us/domain/68

FORJ Elementary School Representative Collaborations

Your FORJ Representative, Lanni Isenberg, will meet with FORJ reps from other Newton Elementary Schools to map out steps for responding to incidents of racial injustice should they happen in our community. While Newton Police are poised to respond to any reports of discrimination or harassment, our goal is to have a network within the schools to provide support and educational resources to address the issue, whether it pertains to a family member, a local neighbor or school or student involvement.

Planning for our second Lincoln-Eliot Juneteenth celebration is underway. More information coming soon!

FAMILIES ORGANIZING FOR RACIAL JUSTICE (FORJ) is a group of diverse Newton families helping our children learn about issues of power and inequality and how to stand up for racial justice. We seek to generate understanding and curiosity about differences in our society, and to work together towards racial equity.

For more information about FORJ, contact Lincoln-Eliot FORJ PTO Liaison Lanni Isenberg, lanni_harris@yahoo.com.

FORJ Updates

FORJ Leaders March Meeting Recap

On March 10th, leaders of FORJ teams from elementary schools, middles schools and high schools across Newton met on Zoom to share experiences and talk about events.

One extraordinary moment of the call included the voice of an elementary student who leads an “Upstander” student group at their school. The group started a campaign to recognize when students are behaving as an Upstander, someone who stands up for someone who is being attacked or bullied in some way.

There have been some incidents of racist and anti-Simetic language in and around some schools. While school principals and Newton Public Schools administrators are addressing individual incidents, the FORJ leaders are talking about developing collaborations and protocols to give families and students more tools to be Upstanders and to build awareness and support in the whole community.

Here are some upcoming FORJ events:

Burr & Horace Mann Elementary School FORJ Book Club / March 17th, 7p– 8p
Reading and discussion of King and the Dragonflies by Kacen Callender. Find for free in library, audio CDs from library, e-book on overdrive, audiobook on overdrive.

Burr FORJ Meeting / March 17th, 8p – 9p
Discussion of the mayor’s recent data on Newton hate incidents/crimes, navigate a scenario involving children and race, and get together in working groups to discuss the upcoming FORJ sponsored movie night and hear from Michael Fagone, founder of the West Roxbury Diverse Libraries.

It’s 100% okay if you do not join the Book Club that precedes the meeting or vice versa! 

Register here

Women’s History Month Feature: Pauli Murray

Anna Pauline “Pauli” Murray was an American civil rights activist who became a lawyer, gender equality advocate, Episcopal priest, and author. She was instrumental in the landmark “Brown vs Board of Education” court case, which determined that racial segregation in schools was unconstitutional. Her book States’ Laws on Race & Color, a comprehensive examination and critique of segregation laws across the country, was essential in the Supreme Court decision. She coined the term Jane Crow, which detailed her belief that Jim Crow laws also negatively affected Black women.

Thinking Ahead

This June will mark the second observance of Juneteenth at Lincoln-Eliot. If you’d like to join the event committee, please contact Lanni Isenberg, lanni_harris@yahoo.com.

FAMILIES ORGANIZING FOR RACIAL JUSTICE (FORJ) is a group of diverse Newton families helping our children learn about issues of power and inequality and how to stand up for racial justice. We seek to generate understanding and curiosity about differences in our society, and to work together towards racial equity.

For more information about FORJ, contact Lincoln-Eliot FORJ PTO Liaison Lanni Isenberg, lanni_harris@yahoo.com.

FORJ Updates and Activities

March is Women’s History Month

Kicking off Women’s History Month, President Biden announced his nomination of the first Black woman Supreme Court Justice, Ketanji Brown Jackson. And, if appointed, Jackson would join the first Latinx justice Sonia Sotomayor. Diversity on the court – as diversity among our families in our great school – has the potential to bring new ideas and expand thinking and reasoning about decisions.

Bigelow Middle School FORJ 7-Day Anti-Racism Challenge Recap

On March 1st, Bigelow Middle School Principal Chassity Coston joined a group of parents and a few middle school children on Zoom to discuss some of the materials available in the posted 7-Day Anti-Racism Challenge – originally hosted by the Heller School at Brandeis University. We discussed some of the viewable materials (some more accessible to families with kids than others) and talked about what it means to garner generational wealth and the historic and cultural influences on who has access to generational wealth. In our brief hour together, we also discussed the materials on Reparations and “Redlining.” Participants agreed that the video on Redlining was very instructive. And, we looked at a striking map of the Newton Corner area when Redlining first began.The challenge materials remain available online and are parsed out into categories with great prompts to develop thinking and practice to be anti-racist (that’s non-racism in action!).

Check out A Virtual Tour: Women’s Heritage Trail

Visit the City of Boston website: https://www.boston.gov/departments/womens-advancement/womens-history-month to take a tour around Boston featuring women who made an impact. Includes addresses or locations so, when the weather improves, let’s take a walk to see them for ourselves! See https://bwht.org/ for more details about the women and sites.

Next CityWide FORJ Meeting – Thursday, March 10th

Contact Lanni if you’d like to join and learn more!

FAMILIES ORGANIZING FOR RACIAL JUSTICE (FORJ) is a group of diverse Newton families helping our children learn about issues of power and inequality and how to stand up for racial justice. We seek to generate understanding and curiosity about differences in our society, and to work together towards racial equity.

For more information about FORJ, contact Lincoln-Eliot FORJ PTO Liaison Lanni Isenberg, lanni_harris@yahoo.com.

FORJ Updates and Activities

Check out these upcoming FORJ events with our Newton Community.

“Racism Not Race”: An Author talk with Joseph L. Graves, Jr. and Alan H. Goodman on Wednesday, February 23rd at 7PM presented by Newton Free Library. Register here.

Bigelow Middle School FORJ 7-Day Anti-Racism Challenge – FAMILY EDUCATION and REFLECTION RIGHT AFTER FEBRUARY VACATION

As we are all learning about what we can do to build anti racist schools, community, world — we hope you can join us for a week long school-wide learning activity, called the 7-Day Anti-Racism Equity Challenge, originally sponsored by Brandeis University. The purpose of the week is to engage in reflection and practical thinking on how to integrate racial equity into our work and daily habits — for ourselves, our families, and our school. The 7 Day Challenge will take place (all on your own time) during Black History Month – February 21-27, 2022. Each activity takes no more than 15 minutes to complete.

Then, join us a ZOOM conversation March 1st as a school community to reflect on what we are learning. Contact Lanni for information on the conversation and the challenge readings, videos and prompts: lanni_harris@yahoo.com.

Racial Representation in Pop Culture (e.g., “The Falcon & the Winter Soldier”) on Monday, February 28th at 8PM presented at the Burr FORJ February Meeting. Register here.

“How to Talk to Children about Anti-Semitism” on Tuesday, March 1st at 7:30PM presented by Hadassah Northeast, Lappin Foundation, Temple Emanuel and Holocaust Legacy Foundation. Deborah Gilboa, MD, attending family physician and parenting and resilience expert, will outline a framework for addressing antisemitism with children. “Dr. G.” will provide context for introducing and reacting to antisemitism, as well as an algorithm for talking to kids about any scary or difficult issue. Dr. G. will also give strategies for meeting children where they are and answering their questions as they come up, while strengthening their resilience and building your relationship with them. Register here.

FAMILIES ORGANIZING FOR RACIAL JUSTICE (FORJ) is a group of diverse Newton families helping our children learn about issues of power and inequality and how to stand up for racial justice. We seek to generate understanding and curiosity about differences in our society, and to work together towards racial equity.

For more information about FORJ, contact Lincoln-Eliot FORJ PTO Liaison Lanni Isenberg, lanni_harris@yahoo.com.

FORJ Update – Events, Citywide Meeting and More – 2.06.22

FORJ Newton Citywide Meeting – Thursday, February 10th at 7PM

This month’s FORJ Newton Citywide Meeting will focus on the Civil Rights Movement with a panel discussion on the work of JoAnne Bland and her organization, Foot Soldiers Park.

Foot Soldiers Park leads thousands of visitors on tours of Selma each year, and in January 2020 met several Newton students on a trip organized by their synagogue, Temple Shalom of Newton. On this panel, JoAnne will share some of the stories and lessons she provides to visitors, and why it is so important to understand this history, and our three students will share what the experience of visiting Selma and other civil rights landmarks meant to them.

Please join us for this important conversation. All are welcome! You can register and learn more here!

Boston Public Library Black History Month Booklist

As part of the Boston Public Library’s annual observance of Black History Month, “Black Is…” is a list of books published in the previous year for all ages concerning the African American experience.

Boston Black Restaurant Challenge, Feb 3 – 28, 2022

The Boston Black Restaurant Challenge is a month-long event. Visit four Black-Owned Restaurants in Boston during the month of February! See the list of restaurants for something delicious! https://www.bostonusa.com/event/boston-black-restaurant-challenge/70595/

MA Indigenous Legislation in Motion

Last week, Massachusetts legislative committees voted favorably for two MA Indigenous Agenda bills to establish the Native American Education Committee (to improve Native educational outcomes in MA) and the Native American Heritage Bill to protect Native American objects (of cultural, traditional or historical importance to their heritage) held in governmental, municipal or non-profit collections are not sold for profit.

FAMILIES ORGANIZING FOR RACIAL JUSTICE (FORJ) is a group of diverse Newton families helping our children learn about issues of power and inequality and how to stand up for racial justice. We seek to generate understanding and curiosity about differences in our society, and to work together towards racial equity.

For more information about FORJ, contact Lincoln-Eliot FORJ PTO Liaison Lanni Isenberg, lanni_harris@yahoo.com.