The City of Somerville will observe Martin Luther King Jr. Day this year with reflection, a call to support voting rights, and the announcement of two opportunities for residents to help advance and inform the City’s ongoing racial and social justice work.
“Dr. King’s family has called for no federal celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day without the passage of laws protecting voter rights because these rights are under increasing threat,” said Mayor Katjana Ballantyne.“In support of their wishes and the belief that everyone should have equitable access to the ballot box, we will be marking MLK Day not with a celebration, but with reflection on Dr. King’s words and by taking steps to address racial and social justice issues in Somerville. I am also calling on Somerville residents to voice their support for the voting rights, especially for marginalized communities, Dr. King fought for and that form the vital foundation of our democracy. As Dr. King said, ‘Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.’”
For residents interested in working on racial and social justice issues in Somerville, there are two new opportunities to engage in efforts led by the City of Somerville’s Racial and Social Justice (RSJ) Department - applying to be a Reimagining Policing Community Engagement Ambassador or to joining the Youth Racial and Social Justice League. Both are paid part-time opportunities.
