Newton’s 53rd Annual Martin Luther King Day Celebration
MONDAY JANUARY 18th at 9:30am
Our theme for 2021, in the words of the Reverend King will be: “Keep Moving Forward.” This event will be virtual, but we know we will feel the closeness of our community.

A detailed program will be forwarded closer to the event, but highlights will include musical selections, a reflection and sermon led by Newton Interfaith Clergy Association’s Reverend Devlin Scott and Rabbi Allison Berry, a Social Justice Roundtable featuring some of Newton’s key players, an NPS Student Voices Montage, and a “Spotlight” featuring Myrtle Baptist Church.

https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_kZ_O4zJ6RnyKNdbRW9pKSA

RALLY & MARCH: We Can No Longer Look Away
Monday, January 18 at 3pm
Rally & March on Monday at 3 PM. Begin at Madison Park High School in Roxbury, and march to the State House. Organized by Violence In Boston. Details: https://www.facebook.com/events/240283810989307 and https://www.violenceinboston.org/. The organizers request masks and safety precautions, and we request everyone think carefully about what activities will be safe and fulfilling for your families during this difficult and tense time.

UPCOMING FORJ CITY-WIDE MEETING
WEDNESDAY JANUARY 27th, 7pm – 9pm
Discovery Speakers Series hosts Beverly Tatum: Talking to Kids about Race & Racism (Zoom) with FORJ Breakout Session
We are canceling the City-Wide Meeting on the 21st. Instead we invite you to sign up to hear Beverly Tatum, who will be joining the conversation at the Discovery Museum 2021 Speaker Series.  FORJ will hold a 30 minute break out session after the event.  You will want to fill out two RSVP’s to attend both parts of the program.

Dr. Beverly Daniel Tatum, president emerita of Spelman College, is a clinical psychologist widely known for both her expertise on race relations and as a thought leader in higher education.  Her thirteen years as the president of Spelman College (2002-2015) were marked by innovation and growth and her visionary leadership was recognized in 2013 with the Carnegie Academic Leadership Award.

The author of several books including the national bestseller Why Are All the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria? (now in a new 2017 20th anniversary edition) and Can We Talk About Race? and Other Conversations in an Era of School Resegregation (2007), Tatum is a sought-after speaker on the topics of racial identity development, race and education, strategies for creating inclusive campus environments, and higher education leadership.

A civic leader in the Atlanta community, Dr. Tatum is engaged in educational initiatives designed to expand educational opportunities for underserved students and their families.  She holds a B.A. degree in psychology from Wesleyan University, and M.A. and Ph.D. in clinical psychology from the University of Michigan as well as an M.A. in Religious Studies from Hartford Seminary.

More information and REGISTER HERE if you want to attend:
https://26033.blackbaudhosting.com/26033/Discovery-Museum-Speaker-Series-2021-Featuring-Dr-Beverly-Tatum

** If you want to attend this, you NEED to RSVP with the hosts so they can manage their event with info about participant interest and send you a Zoom link.

To sign up for the FORJ BREAKOUT SESSION, please RSVP HERE.

21 Day Racial Equity Habit Challenge
Reminder this month: check out Dr. Eddie Moore Jr’s “21 Day Racial Equity Habit Building Challenge”©: https://www.eddiemoorejr.com/21daychallenge/#act

As families, we are often working on doing for our kids or others. This challenge is a chance to center ourselves in the work, learning and action against racism.  It’s something you can start any time – it’s not date specific and the articles, podcasts and activities can be reviewed at your own pace.

FORJ is looking for the next City-Wide FORJ Coordinator
For the 2021-2022 year, Newton Public Schools authorized a stipend to hire a FORJ (Families Organizing for Racial Justice) Coordinator.  For information regarding FORJ, please visit www.forjnewton.com.

Applications are due to FORJ by February 12, 2021.

FORJ (Families Organizing for Racial Justice) is a coalition of school-aged families in Newton coming together to teach our children – and ourselves – how to stand up for racial equality. Our Lincoln-Eliot FORJ contact is parent Lanni Isenberg: lanni_harris@yahoo.com

21 Day Racial Equity Habit Challenge

This month, check out Dr. Eddie Moore Jr’s “21 Day Racial Equity Habit Building Challenge”©: https://www.eddiemoorejr.com/21daychallenge/#act

As families, we are often working on doing for our kids or others. This challenge is a chance to center ourselves in the work, learning and action against racism. It’s something you can start any time – it’s not date specific and the articles, podcasts and activities can be reviewed at your own pace.

FORJ Book Club

If your child is in 3rd-5th grade and would like to join our FORJ Book Club, where we read and discuss diverse books (over Zoom) for this age range, please email secretary@lepto.org to be added to the book club email list!

FORJ is looking for the next City-Wide FORJ Coordinator

For the 2021-2022 year, Newton Public Schools authorized a stipend to hire a FORJ (Families Organizing for Racial Justice) Coordinator. For information regarding FORJ, please visit www.forjnewton.com.

Applications are due to FORJ by February 12, 2021.

FORJ (Families Organizing for Racial Justice) is a coalition of school-aged families in Newton coming together to teach our children – and ourselves – how to stand up for racial equality. Our Lincoln-Eliot FORJ contact is parent Lanni Isenberg: lanni_harris@yahoo.com

City-Wide FORJ Meeting, Wednesday, December 16^th from 7pm-8:30pm

Parent, coach, educator and group facilitator Amy Behrens will lead an uplifting meditation, guide the group through reflection on the racial justice work of 2020, and provide time to connect with each other. Walk away restored and ready to take action in 2021.

Register here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeZ0naAzwSdQY2G4MND4GzdROSTcaueKxi2hx2rS_CiSEyvQQ/viewform

Also, in terms of self-care (and family care, too!), have a look at this blog by Amy Behrens about helping to move through the stress cycle: a blog on ways of releasing stress for ourselves and our kids. https://www.amybehrens.com/strategies-for-soulful-parents/release-stress-and-power-your-parenting-skills/

If you missed the November Meeting with author Richard Rothstein here is the video of Mr. Rothstein’s 11/17/20 talk: https://vimeo.com/472303039

Mr. Rothstein discussed his book “The Color of Law, A Forgotten History of How Our Government Segregated America” about how segregation in America is the byproduct of explicit government policies at the local, state and federal levels.  The recorded talk incudes a discussion about the history of segregated housing in Newton and new zoning plans.

Looking ahead

Coming up in January 2021, check out Dr. Eddie Moore Jr’s “21 Day Racial Equity Habit Building Challenge”©: https://www.eddiemoorejr.com/21daychallenge/#act  As families, we are often working on doing for our kids or others. This challenge is a chance to center ourselves in the work, learning and action against racism.

FORJ (Families Organizing for Racial Justice) is a coalition of school-aged families in Newton coming together to teach our children – and ourselves – how to stand up for racial equality. Our Lincoln-Eliot FORJ contact is parent Lanni Isenberg, lanni_harris@yahoo.com

Coming up in January 2021, check out Dr. Eddie Moore Jr’s “21 Day Racial Equity Habit Building Challenge”©: https://www.eddiemoorejr.com/21daychallenge/#act  As families, we are often working on doing for our kids or others. This challenge is a chance to center ourselves in the work, learning and action against racism.

Newton Public Schools hosted a webinar on Raising Anti-racist Kids as part of Overdue: Confronting Race and Racism in Newton, a city-wide read and series of events and conversations on race and racism.  If you missed it, the webinar discussion was livestreamed and recorded by NewTV and the recording is available for watching here: https://vimeo.com/472296943.

The Overdue Series (http://www.newtonma.gov/gov/mayor/initiatives/overdue.asp) will continue on Tuesday, November 17, 2020 at 6:30 pm with Richard Rothstein, author of The Color of Law: A Forgotten History of How Our Government Segregated America.

Please register here: https://newtonfreelibrary.libcal.com/event/7087081 or RSVP HERE

FORJ (Families Organizing for Racial Justice) is a coalition of school-aged families in Newton coming together to teach our children – and ourselves — how to stand up for racial equality. Our Lincoln-Eliot FORJ contact is parent Lanni Isenberg: lanni_harris@yahoo.com.

Last week, Newton Public Schools hosted the Raising Anti-racist Kids webinar, as part of Overdue: Confronting Race and Racism in Newton, a city-wide read and series of events and conversations on race and racism.  If you missed it, the webinar discussion was livestreamed and recorded by NewTV and the recording is available for watching here: https://vimeo.com/472296943.

The Overdue Series (http://www.newtonma.gov/gov/mayor/initiatives/overdue.asp) will continue on Tuesday, November 17, 2020 at 6:30 pm with Richard Rothstein, author of The Color of Law: A Forgotten History of How Our Government Segregated America.

Author Richard Rothstein argues with exacting precision and fascinating insight how segregation in America is the byproduct of explicit government policies at the local, state and federal levels.   Join us for a virtual session with Mr. Rothstein moderated by Urban Planning Professional and writer, Beya Jimenez.

Following the session, Shelby Robinson, Myrtle Baptist Church historian, will share the history of how the construction of the Mass Pike devastated Newton’s historic African American neighborhood that was known as “The Village” and displaced its residents.  City Councilor, Deb Crossley, who is Chair of the Zoning and Planning Committee, will then give an overview of Newton’s zoning reform planning process.  Attendees will come away with a deeper understanding of the systemic issues that contribute to housing inequities, particularly as Newton engages in a comprehensive review of its zoning codes.

Please register here: https://newtonfreelibrary.libcal.com/event/7087081 or RSVP HERE

FORJ (Families Organizing for Racial Justice) is a coalition of school-aged families in Newton coming together to teach our children – and ourselves — how to stand up for racial equality. Our Lincoln-Eliot FORJ contact is parent Lanni Isenberg: lanni_harris@yahoo.com.

FORJ (Families Organizing for Racial Justice) is a coalition of school-aged families in Newton coming together to teach our children — and ourselves — how to stand up for racial equality.  Our Lincoln-Eliot FORJ contact is parent Lanni Isenberg: lanni_harris@yahoo.com.

If you’d like to get involved in FORJ, please join the meeting this week:

FORJ Welcome Back and “Meet and Greet” with Kathy Lopes, NPS Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Wednesday, September 23rd, 7:30pm-9pm
RSVP HERE

And see below for upcoming events and ways to support the work!

Engine 6 Organizational Meeting
Tuesday, September 29th, 7pm
Engine 6 is a voluntary association of residents of Newton, MA, who advocate for fair, affordable, and diverse housing in abundance.
Sign up here to receive information about upcoming meetings.
Zoning Redesign virtual office hours — These sessions are a great way to learn more about the effort and get answers to specific questions, straight from Planning staff.
• The next session is Wednesday, Sept. 30, 12:30–2pm. Go here to sign up.
• If there are no slots left, you can still listen in, and often there is leftover time for unscheduled speakers.
• Email Kathleen if you’re interested but have questions or need reassurance

Baramor in Newton Center officially announced its newest Pull for Charity partner, Newton’s Families Organizing for Racial Justice (FORJ).  ⁠During September, Baramor will donate $3 for every pint of their Pull for Charity draught line purchased to FORJ. ⁠

FORJ Fitness Fundraiser with Newton Talks Race
Saturday, October 3rd 3pm
Newton Center Playground, 81 Tyler Terrace
$10 suggested minimum donation (all proceeds go to FORJ)

About Newton Talks Race: Coordinator Armando Machado initially began the concept to share ideas and views on how to combat racism.  Now, Newton Talks Race is becoming a coalition of any group or individuals who want to promote race.  The goal is to have a monthly platform for changemakers to update each other on individual events and to collaborate on future events.
If you have any questions, feel free to email Armando at newtontalksrace@gmail.com
If you use Instagram, you can follow @newtontalksrace
Facebook page coming soon!

Raising Antiracist Kids
Thursday October 27th 7-8pm
Hosted by the Newton Public Library
Cosponsored by FORJ, The Harmony Foundation, & the Newton Human Rights Commission
Join us for the first in a multi-part educational series on being an anti-racist. This program is part of Overdue: Confronting Race and Racism in Newton, a city-wide read and series of events and conversations on race and racism.

FYI (FORJ Your Information):
One Horace Mann Elementary School teacher, Mike Feldstein, leads a group of his faculty colleagues in “Constructive Conversations on Race.”  Primarily designed for and by white people, Constructive Conversations on Race aims to provide a space for authenticity and vulnerability in discussing race.  While faculty of all backgrounds are welcome, it recognizes the emotional toll that educating white people on racism can put on BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and People of Color), and instead encourages white people to take an active role in their own personal growth.
For more information on “Constructive Conversations on Race” or if you would like to learn how to start your own group, email FORJnewton@gmail.com.

In the News:
For anyone who participated in the Indigenous People’s Day action, here is a news story regarding the School Committee response to date: https://newton.wickedlocal.com/news/20200917/newton-councilors-to-weigh-changing-columbus-day-to-indigenous-peoples-day