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“Policing of Black People in Public Spaces: An Old Trend That Legislation Has the Power to Stop – 7pm, Wed, June 17

Join Roberta McCulloch-Dews for this online talk. Free & online: pre-registration required. She presents the historical framework surrounding the policing of black Americans in the United States; explores the role of bias; & highlights how legislation can play a major part in addressing discriminatory behavior.

Presented by Berkshire Community College & OLLI. Roberta McCulloch-Dews is the Director of Administrative Services in the Office of the Mayor for the City of Pittsfield.

2018 saw a rash of troubling incidents in which law enforcement was called to investigate bystander accounts of black men, women, and children occupying public and community spaces. These accounts were not based on the witnessing of actual crimes or offenses, but rather a suspicion on the part of the caller. The unifying factor is that the calls were made by white individuals.

Fast forward to 2020 and these disturbing and discriminatory acts still continue to occur. So what can we do to stop it?

The mobilization of law enforcement for unfounded nuisance calls is not only a diversion of public resources but perpetuates the weaponization of police against black people, actions that date back to this country’s origins. This talk presents the historical framework surrounding the policing of black Americans in the United States; explores the role of bias, and highlights how legislation can play a major part in addressing discriminatory behavior. 

B’shire NAACP: Invest In Pittsfield – Pittsfield Police Department Budget Transparency

B’shire NAACP invites the public to participate/watch at 7pm, Mon, 6/15 the Pittsfield City Council budget Hearing: “As residents and stakeholders in the City of Pittsfield, we want the funding and tools to invest in a just, healthy, and safe future for Pittsfield.  We need to justly, ethically and responsibly invest our city budget in programs that promote health, encourage prosperity, and prevent violence.”

To participate in public comment portion of the Mon, 6/15 Pittsfield City Council budget hearing:

  1. The meeting begins at 7:00pm. Public comment is first on the agenda followed by a discussion of the police budget.

  2. Call 312-626-6799 or go onto Zoom by clicking here.

  3. Enter the meeting ID 939-855-556-76, followed by #.

  4. Press # again.

  5. When Council President Marchetti says the last four digits of your phone number, he will say you are unmuted and you will have to press *6 before you begin talking.

  6. You will introduce yourself by saying your name and your address and then make your comment. When you are done, thank the councilors for their time and hang up or wait to be muted by the Council President if you plan to stay on and listen.

  7. Public Comment is not a back and forth. You make your comment (which may include questions) and then the Councilors during the discussion of the budget may reference your comment or answer your questions.

    1. You can also provide your comment in writing to your city councilors if you have more to say than time allows.

  8. You do not have to do anything else after making your comment.

    If you do not wish to make a public comment but want to watch the City Council budget hearing:

    1. Live stream online using this link.

Dismantling Systemic Racism in Law Enforcement: 6pm, Fri, June 12 streaming live w/ Sen. Markey

Dismantling Racism in Law Enforcement: streaming on: edmarkey.com/live Join B’shire NAACP Branch President Dennis Powell; Shirley Edgerton, Cultural Proficiency Coach for the Pittsfield Public School System & B’shire NAACP Executive Committee; Whitney Battle-Baptiste, UMASS W.E.B. Du Bois Center Director; Trevor Baptiste, Former Amherst Regional School District Chairperson

“Collective Community Discussion” – if you missed it at 10am, Mon, June 8 – on MG YouTube Meeting channel

Click here for questions/responses on white fragility, Ty Jackson calls for honest & open conversation about what our truth is here,  W’town & Lanesborough Police Chiefs, Town Manager Jason Hoch on “framing the conversation” … MG School District Administrators, MCLA educators met at 10:00am Monday, June 8 via Zoom.

WTF offers Community Works Free Online Theatre Workshop – 5-6pm, Wed, June 17 on Facebook Live

W’town Theatre Festival invites all to join the COMMUNITY WORKS team for a theatre workshop via Facebook Live!
All ages welcome — no prior experience is required! Full household participation is encouraged! Email Hayley at community@wtfestival.org if you have any questions.

An audio-captioned recording of the workshop will also be available.  We hope you can join us!

Facebook RSVP is NOT required to attend!

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