Special Screening of Bill Russell: Legend

Join CATO - The Coalition of Us for a special screening of part two of the documentary, Bill Russell: Legend. This film showcases the life and legacy of the 11-time NBA champion and civil rights activist. Featuring interviews from Larry Bird, Jayson Tatum, Steph Curry, and Magic Johnson, viewers will get an in-depth look at the life of Russell who spent his entire basketball career in Boston, living in Reading for a brief time.

This screening is a follow-up to last year's presentation of part one of the documentary. It is also available on Netflix.

His experience in Reading in the 60s was difficult, and while we have come a long way since then, recurring issues around equity and inclusion are some things that citizens of Reading are still grappling with today.

CATO Conversation: Bill Russell's experience and legacy in Reading: Charting a Way Forward for an Equitable and Inclusive Reading

Join CATO - The Coalition of Us for a panel and audience discussion of Bill Russell's experience and legacy in Reading: Charting a Way Forward for an Equitable and Inclusive Reading. This CATO Conversation will bring together a group of Reading's community members and leaders to share their stories about Reading, and engage in meaningful dialogue about what honoring Bill Russell's legacy in Reading means today. Over the course of the discussions we will generate an understanding of how we can build a stronger and more inclusive Reading community.

Black History Month holds immense significance as it provides a dedicated time for recognizing and celebrating the rich contributions of Black individuals to the fabric of human history. Learning about Black role models, culture, and history is crucial for fostering a more inclusive and diverse understanding of the world. It allows us to acknowledge the resilience, strength, and achievements of Black communities throughout history, often in the face of adversity and sustemic challenges. By studying the accomplishments of Black leaders, activists, artists, scientists, and thinkers, we gain a more comprehensive perspective on the shared human experience. Black History Month serves as a reminder to honor and appreciate the diverse voices and narratives that have shaped our global history, fostering empathy, understanding, and unity among people of all backgrounds. It is a time to reflect on the ongoing journey towards equality and justice, encouraging continued efforts to dismantle racial inequities and build a more equitable future for all.

The Office of Equity and Social Justice in Reading has established a group of community volunteers known as Partners and Allies for an Inclusive Reading (PAIR). This group is dedicated to supporting the office through a range of activities, encompassing community outreach, event planning assistance, general guidance, and other related endeavors.

Within the framework of PAIR, a subset of volunteers have coalesced to form a specialized group committed to raising awareness about historical and ongoing instances of genocide with the ultimate aim of preventing future occurances. This distinct group identifies as the Genocide Awareness Project (GAP). 

Join us for an insightful and critical presentation by the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) as they delve into the concerning rise of hate groups and white supremacy within the distinct context of New England. This eye-opening presentation will explore the unsettling presence and activities of such extremist factions within our region, shedding light on their ideologies, organizational structures, and impact on our communities. This event serves as a vital platform to engage, learn, and take meaningful steps toward a more united, tolerant, and equitable community.

This presentation will be held in-person at the First Congretional Church of Reading at 25 Woburn Street. Register here at this link to attend! The event will also be recorded to be shown at the Pleasant Street Center at a later date. Any questions can be directed to melinetopouzian@gmail.com.

Look forward to a presentation by local author Laura Hatosy on the Danish Resistance to the Holocaust!

On August 8, a wildfire broke out on the island of Maui. The high winds from a passing hurricane fueled the flames, causing them to spread rapidly. Unfortunately, the fast moving pace of the fire and the lack of advanced warning had residents scrambling to evacuate and even jumping into the ocean. The historic town of Lahaina was decimated in the fire, with residents returning to rubble and shells of vehicles. While rebuilding will take years, the residents of the community need help.

We have personally visited this town when on vacation in Hawaii during the summer of 2022. We spoke with a local resident and business owner, Kekoa Langford, when he commented on Tara's shirt. We spent 45 minutes talking to him about his story, his family, the roots he has in the community, and Hawai'i's relationship with the U.S. government - all before he even mentioned that his business is booking trips for tourists. We booked a Road to Hana Tour with his company, Aloha Maui Adventure Tours, so our whole family (a group of 9) could ride together in one vehicle, and it did not disappoint.

A GoFundMe has been set up for Kekoa, he personally messaged this link/fund, to support him for the next 6-12 months while he helps rebuild the community and fight for the rights and needs of the local Lahaina residents to be prioritized during that process.