Braintree Town Councilor Hosting Forum On Racial Justice

BRAINTREE, MA — District 5 Town Councilor Meredith Boericke has scheduled a virtual community listening session following nationwide protests calling for racial justice.

The forum was scheduled for 7 p.m. June 25. It will provide Braintree residents an opportunity to share their thoughts, questions and ideas surrounding the death of George Floyd and other recent events that sparked demonstrations calling for racial justice, equity and an end to police brutality.

"I have heard from so many constituents it is clear to me that there is not only a desire but also an urgency for residents to talk about this important issue and for elected officials to listen with an open mind," Boericke said. "It is time to take steps towards meaningful change, and I am ready to listen and learn from my community, to understand how we can best address this situation together."

The goal of the "Community Listening Session," Boericke said, is for her to listen and learn from residents about their shared experiences living in Braintree and exchange ideas about how Braintree should take action to address the problem of systemic and institutional racism. Boericke said she will serve as the evenings moderator, to guide the discussion and listen to residents.

"First and foremost, my responsibility is to elevate the voices of my constituents and to bring those voices to Town Hall, Boericke said. "One of the privileges and obligations of serving is to be the voice for those who don't have a seat at the table."

While Boercike acknowledged that an in-person Listening Session would allow for more intimate and personal interactions, the discussion will be held virtually due to the coronavirus pandemic.

"This will be the first of many discussions that we as a community have around issues of racial justice and equity," Boericke said. "I am looking forward to participating in future discussions, which the Council is organizing with the Mayor’s office, and I hope that these conversations will guide us as we consider what actions must be taken to ensure Braintree remains an inclusive and welcoming community for all residents.”

The meeting will be held via Zoom (Meeting ID: 439 680 8874 / URL: bit.ly/MBListeningSession). Boericke encourages residents who are unable to attend the listening session to contact her directly, by email at meredithbforbraintree@gmail.com or by phone at 339-235-8807, or to attend her virtual office hours, held from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. every Sunday.