SURJ Worcester - Showing Up for Racial Justice

🚨🚨Come stand up for Responsible Development in Worcester🚨🚨

Carpenters Local 336 is holding a rally Thursday from 11-1pm at 274 Franklin Street where Optiline, an unscrupulous contractor with documented violations of the law, is working on a taxpayer funded TIE project.

Housing justice is racial justice.

SURJ Worcester expresses support for artists Sharinna Travieso and Jennessa Burks who were the target of racist slurs and harassment while working on a mural celebrating local women at the YWCA in Worcester last week.

As this incident reminds us, racism is here, now, and is a problem created and sustained by white people. Racism in its many forms, the blatant interpersonal hatred on display last week along with institutional and systemic racism embedded in the fabrics of our society, are realities people of color confront daily. White people must actively participate in the dismantling of white supremacy in its many forms if it is to be dismantled, or nothing changes. It is our responsibility.

As Toni Morrison put it, “White people have a very, very serious problem, and they should start thinking about what they can do about it.” We call upon white people to hold ourselves and each other accountable to thinking about what we can do and need to do to eliminate racism and in taking corresponding action. We can begin by breaking our silence, calling racism for what it is, and acknowledging the deep harms it does to individuals and communities.

"If I take your race away, and there you are, all strung out. And all you got is your little self, and what is that? What are you without racism? Are you any good? Are you still strong? Are you still smart? Do you still like yourself?” -Toni Morrison

See you this evening for this month’s Revolutionary Reading discussion - centered on the writings of George Jackson!

Whether you did the reading or you just want to be amongst like minded folks, we’re excited to see you tonight.

Tomorrow, Tuesday, 3/10

The BIG VOTE is FINALLY happening.

We're continuing our push to have the City Council reject the proposed taxpayer subsidy/TIF to the Menkiti Group. We hope as many members as possible can make this rally and crucial meeting.

* * NO MORE TAXBREAKS TO DEVELOPERS THAT ALLOW TAX FRAUD * *

5:00PM Rally in front of Worcester City Hall, 455 Main St.
6:15PM City Council Meeting

SURJ Worcester expresses solidarity with Councilor Khrystian King and the Worcester NAACP in response to the accusations and demands made by the New England Benevolent Police Association Local 911. The NEBPA’s statement that Councilor King is “race-baiting” in his response to the reality of racism in ICE’s operations is deeply offensive. The reality of racism is not up for debate.

Seeking police accountability is not radical nor evidence of anti-police bias. The NEBPA’s demand that Councilor King recuse himself from police-related matters is a dangerous threat to free speech and to long-overdue accountability in Worcester. We join and amplify the decades-long chorus of demands for mechanisms to hold publicly funded institutions, including the police, accountable to the public.

Link to NEBPA, Worcester NAACP, and Counilor King’s statements: https://whatsupworcester.com/union-councilor-and-naacp-issue-statements-amid-worcester-policing-debate/?fbclid=IwY2xjawQMdIZleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETJadXd5R1NpbnRLN2kxWm41c3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHkqAPr-CQOLuy5dvIQ4NtqUVRrgGS-3DseBOcfLEytu2Uq77XNDhmLJilDc8_aem_Wohz3HX6EvzytH7bCWmtFg

Union, Councilor, And NAACP Issue Statements Amid Worcester Policing Debate Public debate surrounding policing and accountability in Worcester intensified this week after statements were issued by the Worcester Police union, Vice Chairman Khrystian King, and the Worcester Branch of the NAACP. Here’s a breakdown of what each party said and what it means for the ongoing dis...

This case is going to set the precedent for standing up to ICE in Massachusetts. It's so important that we share these details far and wide and show up for Etel Haxhiaj in every way we can.

https://www.mobilize.us/indivisible/event/892554/