“STAND OUT” Demonstration Held Sunday

The First Congregational Church, UCC of Holliston demonstrated its heartfelt hurt and distress on Sunday, May 31^st, over the racial injustices witnessed repeatedly and most recently on the news. The Racial Justice Dialogue group at the church, led by Kitty Baker and Dawn Durning-Hammond, has met for years, and felt recent violence against black citizens had hit a tipping point.  The motivation for over 50 church members to get involved was Rev Bonnie Steinroeder’s sermon, which included an invitation to call attention to the deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery and many others.

Wearing COVID-19 face coverings, the group spread all along Washington St in front of the church on spots marked for distancing and held up signs stating “Black Lives Matter” and  listing the names of people of color who have been killed due to racial violence. The message is simply, “We don’t want to help perpetuate racism by our silence.”  Saying the names of those killed honors their lives, and helps to raise awareness of the devastating effects of racist structures and systems in our country.

We thank our Chiefs of Police and Fire who consulted and advised us as to proper social distancing and proper social conduct. Our hope is that we bore witness to the negative impact racial injustice has on our society.  We are a better town, state and country when all citizens are treated with respect as valued human beings.