"Civil Writes" for the Preserving Our Civil Rights Campaign

Last Saturday, April 23rd, ten volunteers from the American Friends Service Committee and the Bill of Rights Defense Committee invited Northampton residents to participate in “Civil Writes.” “Civil Writes” is a project of the Preserving Our Civil Rights Campaign. Participants were able to artistically express what civil rights means to each of them, as well as signing postcards to their city councilors on behalf of the Campaign. Over the course of the day, visitors to the Northampton Farmer’s Market participated, creating dozens of original works of civil-rights-positive art and signing over 100 postcards. Among those working the table there was much laughter and bonding over bagels, coffee, tasty free samples, and fabulous live bluegrass music.

We’ll be tabling on May 1st outside First Churches from 11AM-1PM. Join us to spread the campaign message and make your voice heard! For more information contact bliss@afscwm.org.

Community Forum: Preserving Our Civil RIghts Campaign

On Wednesday, May 23rd, 80 people gathered for a Community Forum for the Preserving Our Civil Rights Campaign.

Speakers included Falguni Sheth, professor at Hampshire College; Jasmin Torrejon from the Committee for Justice for Jason; Hazel Dardano, community activist with ADP; Rich Hernandez from the Northampton Human Rights Commission, and Bill Newman from the ACLU of Massachusetts.

Panelist and participants alike shared ideas and a commitment to fighting to preserve and restore civil rights of everyone who lives and works in Northampton.

The Preserving Our Civil Rights Campaign (PCR) is a Northampton based campaign to protect residents’ 4th amendment rights to freedom from unwarranted surveillance, to protect the rights of immigrants in our communities by opting out of unjust federal policies, and to increase accountability and transparency about profiling of individuals based on race, gender, or religion.

To get involved with the campaign contact civilrights@afscwm.org.