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 info or to join, contact Lanni Isenberg, L-E FORJ PTO Liaison, lanni_harris@yahoo.com
INDIGENOUS PEOPLES DAY – Monday, October 11th
Monday, October 11th is the Indigenous Peoples Day observance – recognized by Newton and Newton Public Schools for the first time this year (and just declared by the City of Boston this week)! Join us from 12p-5p (rain or shine!) in Albemarle Field just a few miles from Lincoln-Eliot.
Indigenous Peoples Day Newton 2021 will spotlight and celebrate the music, dance, poetry, and the visual art of diverse Native artists that currently live in the Northeast. It will be an outdoor, daytime, family-oriented cultural and spiritual celebration that is open, accessible, and welcoming to all residents of Newton and neighboring towns.
The goal is to make concrete our city’s recent recognition of Indigenous Peoples Day as an official city holiday. The intention is for this event to become a beloved annual event on our city’s calendar.
Over 40 artists, performers, speakers, vendors, and community organizations will attend. Refreshments can be purchased from onsite food truck(s). Spend the afternoon in celebration, ceremony, and support of the rich Indigenous traditions that are an enduring and vibrant facet of our community!
https://newtoncommunitypride.org/newton-indigenous-peoples-day/
HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH, September 15 – October 15, 2021
There are lots of opportunities to celebrate our Hispanic and Latinx families and community now and throughout the year. Check out the National Public Radio performance series, #ElTiny, a special series edition of their Tiny Desk Concerts, featuring fabulous Latin artists: https://www.npr.org/series/761981441/-eltiny-the-best-latinx-tiny-desk-concerts-vol-1
One featured person in Hispanic history is Pedro Albizu Campos (1891-1965), leading figure in the Puerto Rican Independence Movement. He spoke six languages and graduated top of his class at Harvard Law School (though was delayed from graduation due to discrimination against his mixed racial background). He was President and Spokesperson for the Puerto Rican Nationalist Party for 35 years – and was arrested for more than two decades for trying to overthrow the U.S. government. He was hailed as “El Maestro” (The Teacher) for his oratorical skill. For more about Puerto Rico’s history, including Puerto Rico’s native Taíno population, visit: https://www.history.com/topics/us-states/puerto-rico-history
