Published: 10/16/2022 9:57:48 PM
GREENFIELD — In their first in-person event in more than 2½ years, Racial Justice Rising organizers looked to shed light on significant topics through the use of storytelling and songs.
Saturday’s program, titled “Where is the Kindness? Homelessness, Migration and Immigration,” was held at the First United Methodist Church and also involved the Twice As Smart after-school program. Children played musical instruments, sang and told stories of immigration throughout the afternoon.
“We are dealing with immigration and homelessness all over the country right now,” said Racial Justice Rising member Emily Greene.
The program focused on a broad definition of immigration that included forced migration and illegal migration, as well as chosen migration.
“The history of America is the history of immigration,” Gloria Matlock, artistic director of the program, said in an interview.
The program opened with six students playing Antonin Dvorak’s Symphony No. 9. Matlock explained the piece was inspired by African American spirituals as well as American Indian music, and was the start of the American classical sound. Other songs in the program were “If Anybody Asks You,” “Raise It Up” and “Keep Your Lamps Trimmed and Burned.”
Alluding to Racial Justice Rising’s mission, Saturday’s program also focused on slavery and the Great Migration, a movement of Black people from the southern United States dating from about 1910 to 1979 to avoid violent acts of racism and to look for economic opportunities in the North.
Audience members were also invited to share stories of their own migrations. One unexpected theme of migration the program discussed was foster care, and the migration children have to make from home to home.
Racial Justice Rising is now 13 years old. The group arose from a few people writing an apology for slavery, and has become a volunteer-driven effort to spread its anti-racism, pro-reparations message, and hold educational workshops on recognizing and fighting discrimination.
Before the pandemic, Racial Justice Rising held 11 events annually, supported by grants from more than 20 cultural councils. However, the public health crisis caused the group to shift its programming to a virtual format.
“We got really good at hosting virtual events during the pandemic,” commented Racial Justice Rising member Ruth Bowman. The group decided to resume hosting in-person events to continue community building, and plans to host many more events.
Bella Levavi can be reached at 413-930-4579 or blevavi@recorder.com.