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Weekly Newsletter | 12 November 2023

"We should indeed keep calm in the face of difference, and live our
lives in a state of inclusion and wonder at the diversity of humanity."

– George Takei

Embracing Multiculturalism
Read our latest monthly column in The Westerly Sun.

"Rerouting Our Thoughts about Columbus"

by Geoff Serra

Click to Read

ENGAGE

This Week: Sunday Poetry Share

Take the stage this Sunday, November 12, and share one of your favorite
poems. It can be one you have written or something from the great
authors of our time. You can tell a story or share a short essay as well.
Please choose a reading that reflects ARC’s social justice, equity, and
inclusion mission. Maybe a child or grandchild would like to read for us. All
ages are welcome. Please sign up with Madeline when you arrive.
Readings begin at noon.

Last Week

We were honored to welcome Senator Tiara Mack (D-Dist 6, Providence)

and Representative Brianna Henries (D-Dist 64, East Providence) to our
ARC gathering on Sunday, November 5. These two dynamic, confident, and
extraordinary young women joined with over 30 citizens to tell their
fascinating stories about becoming and being a member of the Rhode
Island legislature.

After winning the election in 2020, Tiara and Brianna became the
“youngest and the blackest members” in the State House. In the past three
years, they have lifted their voices to preserve Black History and co-
sponsored the bill that made Juneteenth a State holiday. They have
worked tirelessly for fair housing and recently succeeded in passing a bill
on tenant rights, which included the right to live in a safe building free from
lead pipes and other hazards. They have supported free lunch and
breakfast programs for all students as they have witnessed a 30%
increase in unhoused children in Rhode Island schools.
This year, these young lawmakers continue to push for quality education
for all children and to build a better support system for everyone. They are
determined to raise awareness of how important it is to vote, attend
meetings, and stay in contact with your representatives.
While campaigning, they heard from many different constituents and
listened to their concerns, especially those whose voices are rarely heard.
Brianna said, “Coming to Westerly is so important since what happens at
the State House affects all people, not only the people in Providence.”

Besides supporting progressive values such as improving justice and

equity for more Rhode Islanders through better wages and addressing
housing costs, they hope to see the Crown Act pass. This would make it
illegal to discriminate against someone because of their hairstyle or
texture. These issues affect everyone, and we must understand that when
even one person benefits from such laws, we are all protected.
Senator Mack and Representative Henries expressed hope that their
presence as young Black women will inspire more diversity in state and
local government. They believe that every generation should have its
moment in governing. New ideas and new energy, minus the old ways of
doing things, bring good and necessary change. When their turn comes,
they will happily hand the gavel to the next generation.

Many thanks to Tiara and Brianna for making the long trek to Westerly and
bringing their energy and positivity to our rally. Their presence filled us with
hope. Look for more details in future newsletters on how you can support
them in their important work for all Rhode Islanders. In the meantime,
please follow their work and contact them with your ideas.
Senator Tiara Mack
tiaramackri@gmail.com

(401) 288-1288

tiaramackdistrict6.com
Tiara Mack (@mackdistrict6) • Instagram

Tiara Mack (@MackDistrict6) / X

Representative Brianna Henries

rep-henries@rilegislature.gov

(401) 433-9557​​

RI Political Coop - Brianna Henries

RI State Representative Brianna Henries

Looking Ahead

Please participate in the following events at our upcoming Sunday

gatherings—more information to come.

November 19 Author Discussion of our Monthly ARC Column - Join us for

an engaging discussion of our monthly column published in the Westerly
Sun. This month’s column will be about Thanksgiving and who is welcome
at your table. Look for it in the Sun on November 16 and join us the following
Sunday.

November 26 Discussing the film Killers of the Flower Moon - You’ve likely
heard of this new movie based on the true story of the Osage Nation and
the time known as the “Reign of Terror.” We will deepen our understanding
of the many injustices inflicted on Native Americans through our
discussion of the film. See the movie if you can, but join us either way for
an informative discussion. Now playing at Mystic Luxury Cinemas and
South County Cinemas.

We meet every Sunday from 11:00-1:00 on the steps of the Westerly

Post Office on High Street. Join us anytime!

EMPOWER

Town Meetings

Get Involved

Westerly ARC encourages those who can to attend Westerly Town Council
and School Committee meetings. Your presence and involvement are
important ways to show our elected officials that creating a more
equitable and inclusive town and school system must always be a priority.
Nov 15 Multicultural Committee, 5:30 pm

Nov 20 Town Council Meeting, 5:30 pm

Click below for meeting and agendas and minutes:

Town Meetings

Commuter Rail Update

Senator Gu hosted a well-attended forum on bringing commuter rail to
Westerly on November 8 at the Westerly Education Center. More frequent
and equitable access to rail transportation benefits our community,
including providing more options for travel to jobs in nearby towns,
reducing traffic and carbon emissions, and promoting tourism. Providing
more rail options, especially for those who do not have cars, is one way to
make Westerly a more inclusive community.

Several speakers at the forum outlined steps taken so far to make

commuter rail in Westerly a reality. It is clear, however, that this effort will
only succeed with a lot of grassroots support from many in our
community. Please take one or more of the following actions to improve
our town by bringing commuter rail to Westerly.

Join the Rhode Island Association of Railroad Passengers, an

advocacy group that has long been fighting to improve rail service
for Rhode Islanders.
Contact Senator Jack Reed, Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, and
Representative Seth Magaziner to urge them to support bringing
commuter rail to Westerly.
Share this issue with friends, family, and acquaintances and urge
them to take action.

More Ways You Can Help

Share
Spread the news! Forward this newsletter to at least one person you think
might be interested in it. Ask them to sign up for our newsletter on the
Westerly ARC website.

Don't forget to like, subscribe, comment, and share on our social media
posts!

Donate
ARC advocate Amanda Dunn continues to collect toiletries, personal care
items, and non-perishable food to distribute to our community. Please
bring your donations to Amanda at our Sunday rallies. Your kindness and
generosity are greatly appreciated.

Show Up
Stop by one of our weekly gatherings.
Join one of the events listed in this newsletter.
Attend a town meeting.
Ask about volunteering on an ARC committee.
Help out with this newsletter!
Offer your talents!

EDUCATE

What We're Learning

Have you read, listened to, or viewed a book or video that has inspired
you or taught you something new relating to anti-racism or social justice?
Contact us to share what you have learned and we might feature it in our
newsletter. You can talk to Tim or Madeline on Sunday, email
westerlyarc@gmail.com, or fill out this Google Form. Sharing your
knowledge is one way to promote justice!

This Week in History

Understanding the history of past injustices can inform us as we advocate

for justice and equity today. Let us know your thoughts on our articles, and
send us your ideas!

Mob of 700 White People Lynches Two Black Teenagers in

Colorado County, TX
November 12, 1935

Racial terror lynchings targeting Black communities were not uncommon

after Reconstruction and well into the 20th century. The lynchings were
often public events attended by hundreds. Rarely were the perpetrators
brought to justice, even when they were well-known.

Despite knowing all of this, it is still shocking to read the details of such
lynchings. The Equal Justice Initiative has documented more than 4000
racial terror lynchings that occurred across the United States.

Take some time to learn the story of 15-year-old Ernest Collins and 16-
year-old Benny Mitchell, whose lynching was called “an expression of the
will of the people” by the county attorney.

Culture Calendar

Diwali
November 12

Diwali, the “festival of lights,” is among the most widely celebrated Hindu
festivals. It is a celebration of good over evil which lasts five days and
includes charitable giving, feasts, fireworks, and time spent with loved
ones.

“Followers celebrate Diwali by gathering in local temples, homes,

community centers, or any other appropriate spots in which they can
spend time with friends and loved ones, make positive goals, and simply
appreciate life.” (Hindu American Foundation)

We wish everyone a joyous Diwali full of light, warmth, and peace.

10 fabulous facts about Diwali! - National Geographic Kids

5 things to know about Diwali
image: Khokarahman, CC BY-SA 4.0 <;, via Wikimedia Commons

Calendar

Calendar of Events
Poetry share at the ARC weekly
Nov 12 gathering, Westerly Post Office, 11:00-
1:00

Multicultural Committee, Westerly

Nov 15 Town Hall Municipal Courtroom, 5:30
pm

Town Council Meeting, Westerly

Nov 20
Town Hall, 5:30 pm

Online Calendar
 Westerly Anti-Racism Coalition

This Newsletter is a publication of the Westerly Anti-Racism Coalition. ARC is a

community coalition unaffiliated with any state, national, or international
organization. ARC embraces multiculturalism to address racism.
Join our weekly gatherings, Sundays, 11am-1pm, the Westerly Post Office steps,
downtown
CONTACT US: westerlyarc@gmail.com Visit Our Website: westerlyarc.weebly.com
Website Manager: Tim Flanagan Weekly Writers: Tim Flanagan, Madeline Labriola
Editors: April Dinwoodie, Tim Flanagan, Madeline Labriola, Anne Pearce, Geoff Serra

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