May 12, 2021, Submitted by the Hingham Unity Council
To keep the conversation about diversity and equity in our town moving forward, Hingham Unity Council (HUC) announces three new events in May and one in June. All are invited to attend.
Thursday, May 13 at 5:30 pm via Facebook Livestream: Candidates Forum on Diversity, Equity & Inclusion:
Ahead of the town election on May 22, HUC will host an evening of Q&A with candidates to hear their views and perspectives on issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion. All candidates for contested races will participate. The event will be livestreamed on the Hingham Unity Council's facebook page or watched on their website here.
“We’re excited to give people the opportunity to meet our candidates ‘face-to-face’ and hear their perspectives on these important issues before heading to the polls,” said HUC steering committee member Andrew Turner. “Our votes shape the future of our town, so it’s important to ask tough, if not uncomfortable, questions to know where candidates stand.”
Saturday, May 15 at 8:15pm at Talbots Headquarters Parking Lot A: Drive "Up" Movie Showing of 42 (PG-13)
Join fellow community members for a fun family event - a parking lot showing of the film "42," recounting the story of Jackie Robinson, the first African American to play Major League Baseball. Cars will be socially distanced in accordance with Hingham Health Department requirements and all occupants will be required to remain in their vehicles at all times with no engine idling. Audio will connect via radio. Advanced registration is required with a suggested donation of $25/car to defray expenses. The HUC expects this event to sell out, so early registration is encouraged. HUC is especially grateful to Talbots for allowing the use of their parking lot for this event! Order tickets here.
“Films are a wonderful way to explore racial issues in a both entertaining and educational format, and we’re happy to bring the community together for a fun and enlightening night,” says Jo-An Heileman, HUC volunteer.
Thursday, May 27 at 7pm via Zoom: Race Talk with Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Residents
May is Asian Pacific American Heritage Month (also visit HUC’s APAHM resource page ), and in the wake of recent anti-Asian attacks in the U.S., we will hear about experiences closer to home from AAPI community members. This will be the second HUC Race Talk, following a discussion in February with community members who identify as Black. Please pre-register here.
“Having discussions like this has the potential to open peoples’ eyes to the realities of race in our own town,” says Manny Oppong or Tien, HUC steering group member. “We want to break down the often-invisible barriers that separate neighbors so that all people feel welcome in Hingham.”
Tuesday, June 8 at 7pm via Zoom: Community Read & Virtual Discussion of Ibram X. Kendi’s How to Be An Antiracist
The HUC Community Read and Discussion Series continues as we discuss How to Be an Antiracist. Author Ibram X. Kendi takes readers through his own journey to become an antiracist—a person who believes that all racial groups are equal and supports policies that reduce inequity. Part “how-to” and part memoir, Kendi’s book is accessible and enlightening.
“Opportunities like these to gather ‘in-person’ (even if by Zoom) and engage in dialogue around these subjects allow us to bridge differences, learn and grow together, and receive a dose of togetherness that many of us can use right now,” says HUC volunteer Laurie Asmus.
The Hingham Unity Council develops programming to encourage discussion and address core issues affecting our town such as racial diversity, equity and inclusion, socioeconomic disparities and issues related to LGBQTIA+. Formed by members of the Hingham community in fall 2019, Hingham Unity Council is part of the South Shore Unity Council, a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
For more information on these and other upcoming events and initiatives, join the Hingham Unity Council’s mailing list at www.hinghamunity.org.