City of Medford, Medford Human Rights Commission to Host (Virtual) Community Conversation April 7
Racism is a Public Health Crisis:
What Does This Mean, & How Can the City Address This Crisis?
Together with Mayor Breanna Lungo-Koehn, the Medford Board of Health, Medford Public Schools, the Medford Police Department, and the Medford Human Rights Commission will host a Community Conversation on Wednesday, April 7th from 6 to 8pm, via Zoom. The conversation, titled “Racism is a Public Health Crisis: What Does This Mean, & How Can the City Address This Crisis?” will include brief presentations from City leaders on how Medford is working to address racism as a public health crisis, and breakout sessions to gather feedback and create action steps based on community needs. Breakout session topics will include:
- Leadership
- Health Disparities
- Schools & Education
- Policing
Attendees will be encouraged to share personal experiences as well as expectations for the City’s work around addressing racism, equity, and belonging.
“In June 2020, the City of Medford declared racism a public health crisis. This does not mean that we believe working to end racism and working to create equity, inclusivity, and belonging across both City policies and in our community as whole are new to the City of Medford. It means that as a City we acknowledge racism still exists, and we recommitted to doing the work necessary to end it,” said Mayor Lungo-Koehn. “While we have made progress, we need to be sure that we are working together, as a community, to educate ourselves, to commit to making positive change, and to lifting up the experiences, voices, and needs of traditionally marginalized community members. Therefore, this conversation is an opportunity for us to reflect and review ongoing work, and to set new goals together. I hope you will join us for this important conversation.”
"To ensure equitable health outcomes for residents of color, it is critical that City leaders hear directly the needs of residents. This ongoing, direct community discussion brings us closer to achieving more equitable outcomes and I hope residents take us up on the opportunity to speak with City leaders,” said Neil Osborne, the City’s Director of Diversity & Human Resources.
“The Medford Human Rights Commission is listening and acting on the various issues of concern that were raised by many residents in the conversation on racism that was held in July of last year. Please join us in revisiting these concerns and seeing how various City leaders responded to the concerns you raised in that meeting,” said Munir Jirmanus, Chair of the Medford Human Rights Commission.
Community members of all backgrounds and abilities are encouraged to attend. Translation will be provided upon request, and a video recording of the meeting will be available following the community conversation for those who are unable to attend but would like to submit comments or feedback on our ongoing work.
To participate, please join our Zoom meeting via computer or smart phone or call in by dialing any of the following numbers. The Zoom link is available on the Human Rights Commission page, www.medfordma.org/human-rights, or on City’s event calendar at www.medfordma.org/mayor/city-events.
Medford city services are available to all residents, regardless of economic situation, race, gender, immigration status, ability, benefit eligibility, or religious affiliation.
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