On Sunday morning, September 27th, folks from Putney will be gathering to send a clear message that Black Lives Matter.  We will join other communities around the State of Vermont by painting those very words on Westminster Road in Putney.  Please use the following form to volunteer!  Volunteers must wear a mask and practice physical distancing during.  Email equityandinclusioncommittee@gmail.com with questions.  

The following statement was created by the Equity and Inclusion Committee for the Town of Putney after the July 22nd racist graffiti.  It addresses why we support the painting of Black Lives Matter on the road in Putney.

BLACK LIVES MATTER

On July 22nd, 2020, in Putney, Newfane, Jamaica, and Brattleboro a racist statement was written on the road.  This is not the first act of racism to ever take place in our community and it has not been the last.  
 
Anti-Black Racism happens here in Putney.  Black History is American History. Systems that many of us participate in and are part of, are complicit.  Now is not the time to make excuses. It is time to act. We want all people to feel safe in our community. We must challenge, check, and change our systems and structures for equity every day, and this requires a life-long commitment. We do that by sending messages of love and support and acknowledging that we, as a community, have a lot of work to do. It is our responsibility to speak louder — much, much louder. That is why we say, BLACK LIVES MATTER.
 
History is important. Anti-racism requires a clear understanding of historical racism and white body supremacy. It is crucial to see this history not as separate, but as a foundational element of American history.  (Anti- Racist Teach-In)

Racism is the norm. Racism and white body supremacy exist today and all members of this society are active participants in it. No exceptions. And thus, anti-racism is our collective responsibility. The work of anti-racism, based in the knowledge of our past and the recognition of our present, requires intentional, deliberate action.  It is the work to actively engage in dismantling systems of racism and white supremacy.  
Show up, support, and act for Black Lives Matter.  None of us are free until all of us are free.
As a community let's speak the truth and unite in art. Owning this truth, will lead to more and more action that is substantive and can lead to change.
 
Next Steps:
*Support the Black Lives Matter mural in Putney as proposed by the Windham County NAACP on July 29th, 2020

*As a town we commit to add local Windham County organizations supporting people of color in our community to the social services funds the town distributes annually and encourage our community to donate and volunteer for - The Roots Social Justice Center, Windham County Vermont NAACP, Susu Healing Collective

*As a town we commit to having all staff participate in bias training within the next 4 months.

*Participate in the Equity and Inclusion Meetings for the Town of Putney, get involved by joining the Putney Anti-Racism Book Group, show up to Town Meetings to voice your values