Organizing the Chestertown Unites Against Racism 16-month plan has taken a significant step forward with creating the Equity Advisory Committee.

The committee, comprised of 10 members selected by the Mayor and Council, represents a broad cross-section of the community—with significant minority representation—including a member acting as a liaison with Washington College. 

John Queen, elected as Committee Chairman of the Equity Advisory Committee for Chestertown Unites Against Racism, says the committee will act as a steering mechanism to coordinate and implement each aspect of the 16-month plan. Their primary goals are to educate the community about its history of systemic racism and to pursue legislative reforms to promote unity, equity, and inclusivity for all residents.

Here, Queen describes how the Equity Committee would function.

Queen is co-founder of Bayside H.O.Y.A.S., owner of Allied Shore Solutions, chairman of the Black Union of Kent County, spokesperson for the Juneteenth Festival for Chestertown.

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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.

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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.

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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.

https://chestertownunites.com/

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