Overview

Coming Together: Understanding Racism, Building Fairness and Connection is a local project seeking to bring people together to gain a deeper understanding of how race affects the Amherst area and our nation, make connections with each other, and lay the groundwork for effective action to create a more equitable, interconnected and inclusive community.

We expect to offer people:

  • Public discussions and small group dialogues
  • A film and video series
  • A speaker series
  • Potluck suppers
  • An informative newspaper insert
  • More information on this website
  • Video clips of local people talking about their experiences with racism
  • Projects in the schools and youth-led activities
  • A multi-faith worship service
  • One or more recommended books for the whole community to read
  • Opportunities to develop action agendas

A multi-racial steering committee is guiding the project.    We invite everyone who is interested to share ideas, make suggestions, and offer to help in developing and implementing the project.  Please e-mail us now with your ideas and/or just to get on our e-mail list.  Write to: CTAmherst@gmail.com or Contact Us.

The project is funded by a $5,000 grant from the Loaves and Fishes Fund of the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts (awarded to the Anti-Racism Ministry Team of the First Congregational Church of Amherst, UCC ) and by additional pledges of volunteer professional labor.  The initial plan for this project was developed in the Fall of 2012 and the grant was awarded early in 2013.  The first extended study/dialogue group of the project met from May to October, 2013.  While we are in communication with the local schools and government, this project is independent of the recent initiative announced by the Superintendent of Schools and the Amherst Town Manager.

Please see Key Ideas Behind the Project