16 MONTH PLAN

Chestertown Unites Against Racism is a comprehensive, 16-month program designed to:

  • educate the community about its history pertaining to race relations
  • pursue legislative reforms that address systemic racism in the Town of Chestertown
  • promote unity, equality, and inclusivity amongst all residents

As such, the program is organized into three main pillars:

  1. Education
  2. Legislation
  3. Unification

Click here to download a PDF of the 16 Month Plan

Timeline

2022
Jul 05
Jun 17
Jun 17

Frederick Douglass Juneteenth Celebration “Day of Acknowledgment”

Frederick Douglass Juneteenth Celebration “Day of Acknowledgment”

The Frederick Douglass Juneteenth Celebration “Day of Acknowledgment” will celebrate the history, culture, and achievements of African American life on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. The Frederick Douglass Juneteenth “Day..Read More

2021
Oct 14

BOOK CLUB: On the Courthouse Lawn (Session 2)

BOOK CLUB: On the Courthouse Lawn (Session 2)

Chestertown Unites Against Racism is excited to announce our official Book Club Invitation:    On the Courthouse Lawn: Confronting the Legacy of Lynching in the 21st Century by Sherriyn A. Ifill,..Read More

Sep 27

BOOK CLUB: On the Courthouse Lawn (Session 1)

BOOK CLUB: On the Courthouse Lawn (Session 1)

Chestertown Unites Against Racism is excited to announce our official Book Club Invitation:    On the Courthouse Lawn: Confronting the Legacy of Lynching in the 21st Century by Sherriyn A. Ifill,..Read More

Aug 21

Legacy Day

Legacy Day

For more information visit the Sumner Hall website

Jun 19

Historic Signage Unveiled at Juneteenth Celebration

The sign, which is located between the foot of High Street and the Port of Chestertown Marina, is apologetic and contrite in tone. The town acknowledges that its harbor is..Read More

Jun 18

Juneteenth Celebration

Complete schedule and more info available on the Town website – https://townofchestertown.com/event/juneteenth-celebration/2021-06-18/    

Jun 14

Juneteenth Training Sessions presented by Washington College

Juneteenth Training Sessions presented by Washington College

JEDI Trainings (JUSTICE, EQUITY, DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION) 6:30pm start times Monday June 14th – (Micro) Aggressions (90mins) Tuesday June 15th- Identity and Privilege (90mins) Wednesday June 16th- (Micro) Anti-Racism (120mins)..Read More

May 15

Justice Day: In Pursuit of Racial Equity in Chestertown, Maryland

Justice Day: In Pursuit of Racial Equity in Chestertown, Maryland

Saturday, May 15 at 3:00 – 4:45 pm ET via Zoom Justice Day: In Pursuit of Racial Equity in Chestertown, Maryland Please join the James Taylor Justice Coalition of Sumner..Read More

May 01

James Taylor Justice Coalition Exhibition

Exhibition will be on display in May at the Bordley Center, Chestertown

Apr 21

Community Dialogue (04/2021)

Chestertown Town Council, the Black Union of Kent County and Washington College Student Government Association

Mar 01

Historic Signage

Historic Signage for the waterfront was approved at the March 1 Chestertown Mayor and Council Meeting (Minutes from the March 1, 2021 meeting available on the Town website.)

Mar 01

EAC Committee Grows

Meagan White joins the Equity Advisory Committee.

Mar 01

Chestertown Redistricting

Chestertown Redistricting Committee is using 2010 Census data to draw a new map to be used for the 2021 elections. The map will be presented to the Chesterown Mayor and..Read More

Feb 18
Feb 10
Feb 01
Jan 20

Community Dialogue (01/2021 – Part 2)

Chestertown Town Council, the Black Union of Kent County and Washington College Student Government Association

Jan 20

Community Dialogue (01/2021 – Part 1)

Chestertown Town Council, the Black Union of Kent County and Washington College Student Government Association

Jan 18

chestertownunites.com website is launched

16 Month Plan, Resource Videos, Meetings and Agendas, Contact Info

2020
Dec 08
Oct 05
Sep 12
Sep 11
Sep 09

Town Council Passes Two Resolutions Against Racism

Resolution 03-2020 Regarding Black Lives Matter in Chestertown, Maryland and Resolution 05-2020 authorizes the creation of an Equity Advisory Committee

 

Chestertown Equity Advisory Committee

Vision Statement:

The Town of Chestertown aspires to become a welcoming community where people of different races, ethnic groups, and backgrounds interact, form friendships, and fully participate in the community’s social, educational, economic, political, and cultural life.The Town believes that acknowledging the racial inequities of our past and present and recognizing the contributions of all citizens will help build a more equitable community where all are respected and empowered to participate.The Town commits to working with a broad cross section of stakeholders to develop equal educational and economic opportunities so that all citizens can enjoy a more just, productive,and healthy community.

To read the full plan: 16 Month Plan

Chestertown Equity Advisory Committee:

About the Committee:

The Chestertown Equity Advisory Committee is a diverse group of Kent County citizens who are committed to helping make Chestertown a more equitable and inclusive place to live for people of color. Our role is to research, inform, guide and make recommendations to the Town of Chestertown as it works to enact the Chestertown Unites Against Racism 16 Month Plan.

Members:

John Queen, Chairman
Kate Livie, Secretary
Brandy Barrett
Thomas Hayman
Vic Sensenig
Ruth Shoge
Reverend Robert Brown
Jen Baker
Latoya Johnson
Bishop Ronald Fisher

MEETINGS & CALENDAR

Chestertown Equity Advisory Committee meetings are held every second Tuesday of each month at 7pm. Anyone wanting to get on the agenda or speak at the meeting should email John Queen at chestertownequityadvisory@gmail.com by 5pm on the day of the meeting.

 

Meeting Archive

YouTube

Agendas & Minutes

Agendas & Minutes are also available on the Town of Chestertown Website

Equity Advisory Committee – November 9, 2021 Minutes

Chestertown Equity Advisory Committee Chestertown Unites Against Racism November 9, 2021 Present- John Queen, Vic Sensenig, Kate Livie, Bishop Ronald Fisher, Thomas Hayman Maegan White, Reverend Robert Brown Absent-, Jenn …

Equity Advisory Committee – October 12th, 2021 Minutes

Chestertown Equity Advisory Committee Monthly Business Meeting Tuesday, October 12, 2021 7:00 PM Call to Order – Due to technical difficulties, the meeting was called to order at 7:22 PM. …

Equity Advisory Committee – September 14th, 2021 Minutes

Equity Advisory Committee Chestertown Unites against Racism September 14th, 2021  AGENDA Present: John Queen, Maegan White, Ruth C. Shoge, Vic Sensenig, Thomas Hayman Absent: Bishop Ronald Fisher, Thomas Hayman, Reverend …

Equity Advisory Committee – September 14th, 2021 Agenda

Equity Advisory Committee Chestertown Unites against Racism September 14th, 2021 AGENDA Executive Action: Approval of minutes July,2021 Chairman: Start Meeting 9/14/2021   Updates: Community follow-ups w/individuals and organizations   Committee …

Equity Advisory Committee – August 10, 2021 Minutes

Equity Advisory Committee Chestertown Unites against Racism August 10th, 2021 AGENDA Executive Action: Approval of minutes June,2021 Chairman: Start Meeting 7/13/2021 (No meeting month of July) Updates: Recap- Juneteenth Celebration …

Equity Advisory Committee – June 8, 2021 Minutes

Chestertown Equity Advisory Committee Chestertown Unites Against Racism June 8, 2021 Present- John Queen, Vic Sensenig, Kate Livie, Bishop Ronald Fisher, Jenn Baker, Maegan White, Ruth Shoge, Absent- Thomas Hayman, …

Equity Advisory Committee – July 13, 2021

Chestertown Equity Advisory Committee Chestertown Unites Against Racism July 13, 2021   As quorum was not met, meeting was postponed. The Chestertown Equity Advisory Committee meetings are held every second …

Equity Advisory Committee – May 11, 2021 Minutes

Chestertown Equity Advisory Committee Chestertown Unites Against Racism May 11, 2021   Present- John Queen, Vic Sensenig, Kate Livie, Bishop Ronald Fisher, Jenn Baker, Maegan White, Ruth Shoge, Thomas Hayman, …

Equity Advisory Committee – April 13, 2021 Minutes

Chestertown Equity Advisory Committee Chestertown Unites Against Racism April 13, 2021 Present- John Queen, Vic Sensenig, Kate Livie, Bishop Ronald Fisher, Jenn Baker, Maegan White, Ruth Shoge Absent- Reverend Robert …

Equity Advisory Committee – May 11, 2021 Agenda

Equity Advisory Committee Chestertown Unites against Racism May 11th, 2021 AGENDA Executive Action: Approval of minutes April,2021 Chairman: Start Meeting 5/11/2021 Updates: JUSTICE DAY event May 15th, 2021 3pm-4:45pm (James …


Keep informed of Chestertown Agendas and Minutes

Press & Media

The Chestertown Equity Advisory Committee meetings are held every second Tuesday of each month at 7pm. Anyone wanting to get on the agenda or speak at the meeting should email John Queen at chestertownequityadvisory@gmail.com by 5pm on the day of the meeting.

YouTube

The Equity Advisory Committee, part of the 16-month plan Chestertown Unites Against Racism addressed their progress during their second meeting on January 12 and the January 19 town council meeting.

Chestertown Unites Against Racism was passed by the Chestertown Town Council as a resolution to promote racial equity in September 2020.

The newly formed Committee is designed to educate the community about its history of race relations; pursue legislative reforms that address systemic racism in the Town of Chestertown; and promote unity, equality, and inclusivity amongst all residents.

Committee members are John Queen, Chairman; Kate Livie, Secretary; Brandy Barrett; Thomas Hayman; Vic Sensenig; Ruth Shoge; Reverend Robert Brown; Jen Baker; Latoya Johnson; and Bishop Ronald Fisher.

“Personally, I’ll say this: the Council and Mayor’s picks for committee members according to their skill sets, resources, and their connection to the community is one of the most well-rounded boards of been on, It’s refreshing to see this many perspectives,” says Committee Chairman John Queen.

And more perspectives are on the way as the Committee reaches out next month to the Downtown Chestertown Association (DCA).

“There are a lot of moving parts to this plan,” Queen says. Currently, their agenda plans for diversity and cultural training sessions, community dialogue with Washington College’s SGA, a series of historic videos highlighting the history of Black churches, police brutality, the history of lynchings, and the gentrification of parts of Chestertown. An introductory video and Chestertown Black Churches are currently in production.

Queen says he is pleased that focus on the Committee’s formation and goals have not been lost to the twin topics of the pandemic and politics. The Committee chairman seeks more community engagement, suggestions, and discussions to advance the group’s mission.

Here, Ward 4 Council Member Meghan Efland describes how the Committee is structured and its relationship to the town government. John Queen updates the council on their progress.

The Committee invites public comments during their monthly meeting. Participants will be given two minutes and must provide a current address within city limits, ward of residence, and council representative.

The Equity Advisory Committee, part of the 16-month plan Chestertown Unites Against Racism addressed their progress during their second meeting on January 12 and the January 19 town council meeting.

Chestertown Unites Against Racism was passed by the Chestertown Town Council as a resolution to promote racial equity in September 2020.

The newly formed Committee is designed to educate the community about its history of race relations; pursue legislative reforms that address systemic racism in the Town of Chestertown; and promote unity, equality, and inclusivity amongst all residents.

Committee members are John Queen, Chairman; Kate Livie, Secretary; Brandy Barrett; Thomas Hayman; Vic Sensenig; Ruth Shoge; Reverend Robert Brown; Jen Baker; Latoya Johnson; and Bishop Ronald Fisher.

“Personally, I’ll say this: the Council and Mayor’s picks for committee members according to their skill sets, resources, and their connection to the community is one of the most well-rounded boards of been on, It’s refreshing to see this many perspectives,” says Committee Chairman John Queen.

And more perspectives are on the way as the Committee reaches out next month to the Downtown Chestertown Association (DCA).

“There are a lot of moving parts to this plan,” Queen says. Currently, their agenda plans for diversity and cultural training sessions, community dialogue with Washington College’s SGA, a series of historic videos highlighting the history of Black churches, police brutality, the history of lynchings, and the gentrification of parts of Chestertown. An introductory video and Chestertown Black Churches are currently in production.

Queen says he is pleased that focus on the Committee’s formation and goals have not been lost to the twin topics of the pandemic and politics. The Committee chairman seeks more community engagement, suggestions, and discussions to advance the group’s mission.

Here, Ward 4 Council Member Meghan Efland describes how the Committee is structured and its relationship to the town government. John Queen updates the council on their progress.

The Committee invites public comments during their monthly meeting. Participants will be given two minutes and must provide a current address within city limits, ward of residence, and council representative.

0

YouTube Video UExzcHJ0eGl6ai1zaGFSV3VjeV8xTEdMQWw0aDBOWVpXbi4yODlGNEE0NkRGMEEzMEQy

Chestertown's Equity Advisory Committee Steps Up

Chestertown Unites 74 views January 25, 2021 2:45 pm

John Queen says the pandemic hasn’t slowed down efforts by the Chestertown Unites Against Racism initiative from moving the community’s 16-month plan forward.

The Spy met with the Bayside HOYAs co-founder and Equity Advisory Committee Chair last week to find out about some of the events coming up.

On Saturday May 15, the Black Union of Kent County and the James Taylor Justice Coalition Sumner Hall will host Justice Day in Pursuit of Racial Equality. Sherrilyn Ifill, President and Director Council of NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, author of On the Courthouse Lawn: Confronting the Legacy of lynching in the 21st Century and social justice activist Savannah Shepherd will be keynote speakers. The event will be held via Zoom.

Juneteenth, organized by the Chestertown Equity Advisory Committee, will be an outdoor event held the weekend of June 18.

Queen feels that the annual event should strike a more celebratory tone.

“It’s time to move forward and change the trajectory of some of the things we talk about. Let’s hear about some of the achievements of this community, not just black, not just white,” Queen says. 

To that end, Juneteenth will present the Del Foxx Company and Karen Sommerville with her band, and host special keynote speaker Del. Andrea Fletcher Harrison, author of Juneteenth National Freedom Day (Maryland HB0448). 

Additionally, starting Monday, June 14, the Black Union of Kent County will offer training including topics like Privilege and Identity, Micro-Aggression, and Anti-Racism classes.  

More details will be announced as they become available.

John Queen says the pandemic hasn’t slowed down efforts by the Chestertown Unites Against Racism initiative from moving the community’s 16-month plan forward.

The Spy met with the Bayside HOYAs co-founder and Equity Advisory Committee Chair last week to find out about some of the events coming up.

On Saturday May 15, the Black Union of Kent County and the James Taylor Justice Coalition Sumner Hall will host Justice Day in Pursuit of Racial Equality. Sherrilyn Ifill, President and Director Council of NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, author of On the Courthouse Lawn: Confronting the Legacy of lynching in the 21st Century and social justice activist Savannah Shepherd will be keynote speakers. The event will be held via Zoom.

Juneteenth, organized by the Chestertown Equity Advisory Committee, will be an outdoor event held the weekend of June 18.

Queen feels that the annual event should strike a more celebratory tone.

“It’s time to move forward and change the trajectory of some of the things we talk about. Let’s hear about some of the achievements of this community, not just black, not just white,” Queen says. 

To that end, Juneteenth will present the Del Foxx Company and Karen Sommerville with her band, and host special keynote speaker Del. Andrea Fletcher Harrison, author of Juneteenth National Freedom Day (Maryland HB0448). 

Additionally, starting Monday, June 14, the Black Union of Kent County will offer training including topics like Privilege and Identity, Micro-Aggression, and Anti-Racism classes.  

More details will be announced as they become available.

0

YouTube Video UExzcHJ0eGl6ai1zaGFSV3VjeV8xTEdMQWw0aDBOWVpXbi4wMTcyMDhGQUE4NTIzM0Y5

Moving Forward with John Queen

Chestertown Unites 88 views May 12, 2021 4:33 pm

Chestertown Celebrates Juneteeth (Spy)

Chestertown kicked off a two-day Juneteenth celebration Friday evening with a gala block party in Fountain Park. Just days before declared a Federal Holiday, the annual event was introduced by …