Boston City Councilor Gabriela Coletta Zapata, the Charlestown YMCA, and public safety officials are celebrating 6 years of Charlestown In Solidarity on Thursday, June 30 at 5:30 PM at the Charlestown Peace Park. In the event of rain, the program will be held at 55 Bunker Hill Street, Charlestown, MA, 02129. Expected attendees include local elected officials and leadership from the Boston Police Department.
“I am proud to celebrate six incredible years of Charlestown in Solidarity: Race and Equity Dialogues. Over the years, these discussions have grown into a welcoming and inclusive space led by our youth that fosters authentic and compassionate conversations. At its core, this initiative empowers young people to find their voice, build leadership skills, and engage directly in shaping the future of their community,” said Councilor Gabriela Coletta Zapata. “This anniversary is an opportunity to celebrate and reflect on the journey we have shared over the past several years, while also envisioning the future of this space and how it can continue to grow and evolve.”
In the summer of 2020, following the murder of George Floyd, Turn it Around and the Charlestown Coalition partnered with then-Councilor Lydia Edwards to bring youth, health care workers, community, and police together to have discussions on complex, societal issues. For the past four years, these dialogues have been co-hosted by Boston City Councilor Gabriela Coletta Zapata and the Charlestown Coalition through Turn it Around, continuing the commitment to reflection, understanding, and community-building.
“Six years ago, we started Charlestown in Solidarity: Race and Equity Dialogues as a way to build empathy and connection within the Charlestown community,” said Senator Lydia Edwards, State Senator for the Third Suffolk District. “Now more than ever, these dialogues are necessary as we navigate division, uncertainty, and change. Coming together to learn from and engage with one another is essential to building a more inclusive and connected community. I’m grateful to Councilor Coletta Zapata for continuing these dialogues and ensuring our neighbors have an open, welcoming space to build understanding and share experiences.”
Councilor Coletta Zapata encourages Charlestown neighbors to attend. Food and drinks will be provided. The Race and Equity Dialogues take place every third Thursday of the month at 5:30 PM at the Peace Park, located between Lowney Way and Mt Vernon Street.