This statement was prepared by the Hingham Unity Council and read at the event on August 2, 2020 by member Andrew Turner:
Audio Recording:
The Hingham Unity Council was formed to create a space for conversation, to unify our community, and to support Hingham residents and guests who have been marginalized and treated unjustly throughout history.
In an essay that he wrote days before he passed away, John Lewis wrote: “When historians pick up their pens to write the story of the 21st century, let them say that it was your generation who laid down the heavy burdens of hate at last and that peace finally triumphed over violence, aggression and war.”
We gather here today as a united group of citizens, with individual stories and intersecting lives, to remind ourselves that our community cares.
We gather here today to show support to our friends and our Black, Indigenous, and neighbors of color and affirm that while they are few in number in our town, they are not alone. We are listening deeply to their stories and experiences, and are grateful for their bravery in sharing these stories with us. We say unequivocally: Black Lives Matter.
We gather here today in the midst of a pandemic. After a difficult week for many in our town, we long simply to be together and to stand united. As we move Hingham forward, one step at a time, may we do so carrying peace in our hearts, exhibiting generosity toward our neighbors, and expressing gratitude for the opportunity to work together.
Enjoy your time here today with old friends and new. When our gathering ends at noon, please remember that WE, this group here, is Hingham. What we stand for is alive, thriving, and supported by our friends in neighboring towns.
Let us lay down the heavy burden of divisiveness and embrace peace and unity.
We are grateful for Brooke Bartletta’s beautiful photos of the event, below. Local photographer Jeff Cutler also took some really nice images that you can view here.
