“A crime against any community is a crime against us all.” Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms.
The violent and tragic events that occurred in Atlanta on March 16, 2021 may be geographically far away from Westford, but for some in our community they are a very personal and traumatic reminder of how precarious life can be for people in historically marginalized groups, in particular women of Asian ancestry.
This horrific event unfolded against the backdrop of the surging anti-Asian racism that has taken place recently in different parts of the country.
Such acts, as Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms so eloquently points out, are crimes against us all. They shake us to the core, and in this instance they bring profound worry to Asian-Americans, and in particular Asian-American women, about their own safety.
We must remain steadfast in our existential priority of moving from racism to antiracism, to a place where people of color; people from other countries; and people of different faiths, gender identities, sexual orientations, economic statuses, or abilities, are embraced and able to enjoy a deep sense of belonging.
The Select Board created the Diversity Equity and Inclusion Committee to address racism and prejudice affecting our community, and to give the diverse members of our community a place to turn to air their concerns. Please reach out to the DEI Committee at any time via email at DEI@westfordma.gov to express your hopes, concerns, fears, insights and visions for Westford.
We weep for the victims and for their families and friends. We stand in unity with all our fellow Westford residents, especially those who at this time feel particularly vulnerable, and we draw upon our increased devotion to our commitment here in Westford to foster diversity, equity, and inclusion. –Members of the Westford Diversity Equity and Inclusion Committee
