2024/2025 Racial Justice Annual Report
Racial Justice Committee Goals
The Amherst LWV, with its mission to promote policy positions and advocacy on significant local issues, established a Racial Justice Task Force in June 2020; it is now a permanent League Committee. The broad goals of the Racial Justice Committee (RJC) are to increase the League’s informed and active participation with Amherst Town government and the community at large, in order to advance racial justice, equity, and well-being, and to collaborate with individuals, groups, and organizations to achieve a just and equitable community.
Judy Brooks Conversation Series
Approximately each month, the RJC hosts a virtual conversation with a local leader or organization, to increase understanding of local social and racial justice issues among League members and the public. The series is named for League member Judy Harris Brooks, educator and civic leader, who was actively involved in finding solutions to complex issues in her community. Recordings of past programs can be viewed at lwvamherst.org.
CRESS: Community Responders for Equity, Safety & Service
RJC has supported the revitalization of CRESS; we have advocated for an Assistant Director, so that CRESS can cover expanded hours, as originally intended.
David Ruggles Center, Florence
RJC members visited the David Ruggles Center in October, to learn about pre-Civil War anti-slavery history and the utopian community in Florence. David Ruggles (1810-1849) was an active Black abolitionist. He established the country's first Black-owned bookstore in New York City, was a conductor on the Underground Railroad, and served as mentor to both Frederick Douglass and Sojourner Truth. We arranged a second visit and walking tour June 21, 2025, for all members of the Amherst LWV.
Other Activities
RJC members participated in the LWVA reparations study and consensus meeting.
RJC members held occasional discussions with DEI and CRESS Directors to keep communication open and support their activities.
We co-sponsored Race Amity Day, June 8, 2025.
We supported two members to attend the June 12, 2025, conference, Equity in the 413.
Future Plans
In the next year, we will continue the Judy Brooks Conversation series, to highlight racial justice activities and local organizations.
We plan to prepare a report evaluating the progress Amherst has made in implementing the recommendations from the Community Safety Working Group report.
We would also like to reach out to members from neighboring Leagues, to broaden our perspective on regional matters that impact area residents.