What fun getting into the building, seeing familiar faces, meeting the teachers, hearing about the curriculum, and connecting with parents at the Day FORJ mixer after back-to-school night! We are gearing up for a year filled with learning, connection, and advocacy.
Happy Indigenous Peoples Day on Monday, October 10. One of the most important policy decisions impacting Indigenous rights is happening right now. Brackeen vs. Haaland is a Supreme Court case that considers the constitutionality of the Indian Child Welfare Act, which is a federal law intended to rectify past abuses of Native American children who were removed from their homes and tribes by adoption agencies and placed with White families or in group settings.
Please scroll down for links to learn more about this important court case & for additional meaningful, educational, and entertaining experiences for you and your family to LISTEN, DO, READ, & WATCH!
-Your Day FORJ Committee
LISTEN:
Imprint podcast about The Indian Child Welfare Act: What’s at Stake with Brackeen vs. Haaland. Click Here for the Podcast.
DO:
Thursday, October 6, 7:00-8:30 pm, Angier School, Newton – Join Newton Police Chief John Carmichael & Reverend Devlin Scott for A Conversation About Police & Community. More information at Harmony-Newton.org
Monday, October 10, 11:00am-6:00 pm, Albemarle Park – Indigenous Peoples Day Newton.
Join us for this annual event to celebrate and honor Indigenous people. This fun, family-friendly outdoor event will feature dozens of Indigenous artists and over 20 Indigenous vendors!
October 5-16, Step Afrika Drumfolk, Cutler Majestic Theatre, 219 Tremont Street, Boston – “When Africans lost the right to use their drums, the beats found their way into the body of the people. Inspired by the Stono Rebellon of 1739 and Negro Act of 1740, Drumfolk is a thrilling, percussive exploration of American history, placing a spotlight on the rhythmic cycle of life that bonds all of us together.” Tickets & Information. METCO Presents: $10 tickets on Friday, October 15, 8:00 pm to bring the entire METCO community together including suburban staff, parents, and students, Boston families and alumni, and supporters. Reserve $10 Tickets Here
READ:
Washington Post article: Supreme Court to Review Indian Child Welfare Act, which Prioritizes Adoptions by Native American Parents or Tribes
Imprint News article: Supreme Court Will Hear Indian Child Welfare Act Case
Change The Mass Flag website: Learn about the history of the movement and current state legislation, hear tribal voices, and get involved.
WATCH:
Showing Up for Racial Justice video: Our Story. Our Stake.
FORJ is a group of diverse families helping our children learn about issues of power and inequality and how to stand up for racial justice. We seek to generate understanding and curiosity about the differences in our society, and to work together towards racial equity. We strive to achieve safe and welcoming environments that enhance the well-being of all people. We promote healing and connection between individuals and communities. We speak out against injustice, support our kids to be upstanders, and take action to address bias and inequity.
If you are interested in getting involved with Day FORJ to help build an anti-racist community or if you’d like publicize any future events, recommend videos, movies, podcasts, or books, please email forj.faday@gmail.com.
To receive the monthly, district-wide, FORJ email that includes information about lectures on race and diversity, discussion groups, community events, and Newton Public Schools updates, please email forjnewton@gmail.com.
