Thanks to Concord Academy and First Parish for hosting a forum, Confronting Social Bias, on October 12.
Approximately 50 citizens came together to hear Dr. Carlos Hoyt and a panel of Concord residents share their stories of incidents of intolerance that they and their children have encountered in Concord. These incidents have happened in shops, schools and on walking trails, as well as other settings.
Following these stories, attendees shared their feelings of shock and dismay after hearing the testimony of the panelists. Attendees were disappointed that Concord was not the welcoming place they imagined.
Attendees broke into small groups to discuss what could make us a more welcoming place, and we shared our ideas with each other.
All agreed that there was much work to be done but that events like this were a constructive way to build a more welcoming environment in Concord. This is especially important as we plan to celebrate our 250th anniversary, an event the world will be watching.
Anne Rarich
Chair of DEIB Committee for the League of Women Voters of Concord-Carlisle
