NEWSLETTER
February 17, 2021
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Swampscott is proud to celebrate Black History Month. Below you'll learn about the great accomplishments of Swampscott's Black leaders, where to find black-owned businesses, events and tours honoring Black heritage and culture, how to participate in our online idea community, and how to sign Swampscott's first-ever Black History Month proclamation.
Though this newsletter highlights Black History Month - Black heritage, culture, and businesses should be celebrated 365 days a year, and we've included ways to help you do that here!
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Join your community in signing Swampcott's first-ever Black History Month proclamation. Read an excerpt below and a full version online
or at the end of this email.
WHEREAS:
Black History Month is an annual celebration of Achievements by the Black community and a time for recognizing the central role of Black people in our history; and
WHEREAS:
This observance affords a special opportunity to become more knowledgeable about Black heritage, and to honor the many Black leaders who have contributed to the progress of our community state, and nation; and
WHEREAS:
During Black History Month, Town of Swampscott is committed to celebrating the many achievements and contributions made by Black peoples to Swampscott’s economic, cultural, spiritual, and political development: and . . . .
OR AT THE END OF THIS EMAIL AND
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Join our virtual community on the idea-sharing site Padlet to share inspirational poems, quotes, peoples, artists; shout-out to your favorite Black-owned businesses; help us capture moments of Black history on the North Shore; and tell us what you and your family are doing to honor Black history this month. VIEW THE PADLET!
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INTERVIEW WITH BUSINESS-OWNER ROBIN COTTER OF
BODY ROCK BY ROBIN
We sat down for a face-to-face Zoom call with Robin Cotter, owner of Body Rock by Robin, a fitness business she operated in Swampscott for over 21 years before taking over her own studio in Salem. She talked to us about how she started out on her own, her driving motivations and inspirations, and what it’s like being a Black woman running her own successful fitness business.
Read the full interview HERE. For more information about Robin’s business, visit her Facebook page.
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Read an excerpt:
"I was used to being an entrepreneur. I owned a hair salon in Lynn for many years, but becoming an entrepreneur in the fitness industry was a bit more challenging. I had to work hard to prove to myself and others that I am one of the best. I always knew my worth, but getting others to see it can be exhausting. I’m glad I stuck with it though..."
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SPOTLIGHT ON
SWAMPSCOTT RESIDENT
RALPH EDWARDS
Read a profile about long-time resident Ralph Edwards by Ina Resnikoff. In this article, Ina reflects on Mr. Edward's impact on his community as the former chair of the Swampscott Democratic Town Committee, director of a community health center in Roxbury, one of the driving forces behind Tulane University's African American Congress, and a dedicated engaged citizen in the Town of Swampscott.
Read the full article HERE.
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Read an excerpt:
"The faith and courage of Edward’s great-grandmother made a great impression and has guided Edward’s character and outlook on life. MaMa paid the tuition to make sure that every one of her issues and grandchildren attended the Catholic school. Part of growing up in the late 40s and mid 50s was the awareness of the limitations segregation imposed. Societal norms of safe behavior were taught early . ."
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As part of Black History Month, our very own Fire Chief Graham Archer has been featured on NBC 10 Boston and the Lynn Item for his achievements alongside two of his siblings - Stephen Archer, Fire Chief of Lynn, and Sonia Archer, Chief Probation Officer at Salem District Court.
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Read about the Green Book, an annual directory of homes in the U.S. that welcomed Black Americans, and about a house in Swampscott listed in the book from 1939-1954 in Swampscott's 01907 magazine. READ ARTICLE
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Don't forget, these resources can and should be used year-round! |
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Shop at local Black-owned businesses on the North Shore! See a list of retailers, personal care services, fitness studios, restaurants, lawyers, doctors, and more provided by the Juneteenth Association, Inc. HERE.
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SHOP AT BOOK STORES SPECIALIZING IN BLACK LITERATURE |
Many of these bookstores are located in different parts of the country, but still fulfill online orders! See the full list HERE. |
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TAKE PART IN THE BOSTON BLACK RESTAURANT CHALLENGE! |
There are dozens of Black-owned restaurants in and around Boston. Check out an article about the challenge and a list of businesses HERE.
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Take a self-guided tour of Black heritage by visiting historic and cultural sites in Boston and Salem:
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HARRIET TUBMAN TALK
Feb 17, 2021 - 6:30 PM
Join Kate Clifford Larson, the author of Bound for the Promised Land, a book about the life of Harriet Tubman, and a consultant for the film Harriet - as she discusses her book and the relationship between Tubman and William Lloyd Garrison. Register in advance HERE.
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CHILDREN'S BOOKS ABOUT RACE, RACISM, AND ANTI-RACISM
The Swampscott Public Library has compiled a list of books that parents can read with kids that address crucial topics of Race, Racism, and Antiracism. Visit the full list of books HERE.
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OFFICIAL TOWN OF SWAMPSCOTT
BLACK HISTORY MONTH PROCLAMATION
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WHEREAS: Black History Month is an annual celebration of Achievements by the Black community and a time for recognizing the central role of Black people in our history; and
WHEREAS: This observance affords a special opportunity to become more knowledgeable about Black heritage, and to honor the many Black leaders who have contributed to the progress of our community state, and nation; and
WHEREAS: During Black History Month, Town of Swampscott is committed to celebrating the many achievements and contributions made by Black peoples to Swampscott’s economic, cultural, spiritual, and political development: and
WHEREAS: After the Civil War, Exodusters migrated from the South and settled in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts; they brought with them the desire for economic opportunities, freedom from oppression and harassment, and freedom to create their own lives; these settlers played an important role in settling the State of Massachusetts and the Town of Swampscott, as well as the rest of the United States; and
WHEREAS: In 1915, Dr. Carter Godwin Woodson, noted Black scholar and son of former slaves, founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History, which was later renamed the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH); and
WHEREAS: Dr. Woodson initiated Black History Week, February 12, 1926; and for many years, the second week of February, chosen so as to coincide with the birthdays of Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln, was celebrated by Black peoples in the United States, and
WHEREAS: In 1976, as part of the nation’s bicentennial, Black History Week was expanded and became established as Black History Month, and is now celebrated all over North America, Canada and Great Britain; and
WHEREAS: While the observance of Black History Month calls our Town’s attention to the continued need to battle racism and to build a society that lives up to it democratic ideals, this year’s celebrations and recognition of Black History Month are especially significant as we reflect on the historic challenges facing our community and our Nation at this time; and
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WHEREAS: Black peoples have played significant roles and made lasting contributions to our Town’s history and the history of our economic, cultural, spiritual and political development, while working tirelessly to contribute to every aspect of American society including business, education, politics, science, and the arts; and
WHEREAS: The Town of Swampscott commits to doing everything in our power to demand that we all seek a greater understanding and implement changes to ensure that racism and the unjust treatment of any person is not tolerated in any way or form within the town of Swampscott.
WHEREAS: Black peoples have played significant roles and made lasting contributions to our Town’s history and the history of our economic, cultural, spiritual and political development, while working tirelessly to contribute to every aspect of American society including business, education, politics, science, and the arts; and
WHEREAS: The Town of Swampscott commits to doing everything in our power to demand that we all seek a greater understanding and implement changes to ensure that racism and the unjust treatment of any person is not tolerated in any way or form within the town of Swampscott.
WHEREAS: The Town of Swampscott, continues to be anguished by the MURDER of George Floyd and it remains a shocking failure that many Black peoples, especially young Black men and women, are unfairly harassed and threatened and unjustly treated in our own community and country; and
WHEREAS: Black History Month is a time for all Citizens of Swampscott to remember the contributions and legacy of those who helped build our nation, fought against prejudice to secure lives of dignity and opportunity for all of our citizens, advanced the cause of civil rights for all Americans, and strengthened our families and communities;
NOW, THEREFORE: we, the Town of Swampscott, do hereby proclaim February 2021 as Black History Month and Black History Year in Swampscott, Massachusetts and urge all our citizens to celebrate our diverse heritage and culture and continue our efforts to create a world that is more just, peaceful and prosperous for all.
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In Witness Whereof, we have here unto set our hands and caused to be affixed the GREAT Seal of the Town of Swampscott, Massachusetts. |
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For more information about Town of Swampscott news, events,
and general information, visit
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