Task Force Against Discrimination — May 9, 2024 on Zoom
LWVM Observer: Shari Pressman
Present: Detective Sgt. Sean Brady, ex-officio, MHPD; Diane Gora and Helaine Hazlett, co-chairs; Eugenia Guastaferri, Reece Dahlberg, Kim Gubelman, Rebecca Herve-Lorenzo (student representative)
Welcome: Judith Reilly, Louis Meyi, Jay Morrison, Candice Sliney, Cindy Tower-Loewen
Update on Marblehead Police Department: Detective Sgt. Brady reported that MHPD has a moveable camera to help identify who is creating graffiti; the FBI and Federal Trade Commission are investigating origin of email threats, which appear to be nationwide, and Theresa Gay from the MHPD is working on finding origin(s) of Zoom antisemitism.
Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month: Gubelman reported that the AAPI event was a success in its first year. The performers were pleased, and Copper Dog Book Store in Beverly was helpful. The event got coverage from local media. Gubelman has ideas for possible grant money for next year and has some money from ECCF left over. Additional sources will be needed. Next year, Gubelman would like to see MHTV cover the event. She would want a committee to support her.
Marblehead Pride: Dahlberg reported that the Flag Raising Ceremony will be held on Saturday, June 1 at Abbot Hall from 3 until 5 p.m. Among the local sponsors are Shubie’s, Power of Speech, Yoga Loft, Marblehead Parenting, CCPaws, Saltwater Books, Abbot Library, and Terry’s Ice Cream. The Beacon, 123 Pleasant St., is also planning a Pride Party on Sunday, June 2 beginning at 4 p.m. with music, food and drinks
Juneteenth: Sliney reported that the Juneteenth Celebration will be held on Wednesday, June 12 from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. at Abbot Hall Lawn. Hazlett will ask a Select Board member to speak and Marine cadets will be among those performing. Dancers’ fees are being underwritten by Joe Whipple and programs by Diane Gora.
Summer Activities: Dahlberg will check into TFAD participating in the Festival of Arts and having a booth at the Farmers Market.
Marblehead Public Schools: Herve-Lorenzo reported that the Cultural Feast will take place at MHS Cafeteria on Friday, May 24 from 4 until 7:30 p.m. with food, music, and performances.
Marblehead Racial Justice Team: Meyi reported that the portraits of Harriet Tubman and Rep. John Lewis will make their annual move from Glover School to grace a wall at Village School for the 2024-25 school year on Friday, May 31 at 10:30 a.m. METCO will hold its regional Advocacy Program at Melrose High School on May 17. State Rep. Jenny Armini will attend. Tower-Loewen urged people to contact their legislators to approve additional funding for METCO, which covers 33 districts in the state.
Negro Election Day: Reilly, from Salem, spoke about Negro Election Day, now a state holiday on the third Saturday of July. A celebration will be held in Salem on July 20. Reilly is asking Salem to conduct its own celebration during the week of July 13. Contact her at judithreilly.77@gmail.com.
Next TFAD meeting is Thursday, June 13 at 7 p.m. on Zoom.