2025-02-26: Black History Celebration

Click timestamps in the text to watch that part of the meeting recording.

Swampscott Black History Celebration Review (2025-02-26)

Section 1: Agenda

  • 0:01:52 Welcome and Introduction to SHORE Diversity: Opening remarks by Kelly Katib, Chair of SHORE Diversity. Explanation of SHORE’s mission and the event’s purpose: “Black History is Our History.” Acknowledgements of sponsors, partners, town officials, and students.
  • 0:06:14 Musical Performance: Swampscott High School and Middle School Band performance, directed by Ed Rovey.
  • 0:09:57 Middle School Remarks: Introduction by Assistant Principal Emily Zotto, reflections on Swampscott community pride with student input (Nina and Angel).
  • 0:12:45 Remarks from Essex County District Attorney: Address by DA Paul Tucker, focusing on community, breaking down barriers, public safety partnership, and the importance of organizations like the NAACP and nurturing future leaders.
  • 0:18:22 Featured Speaker: Enzo Salon Surin: Poetry reading and remarks on the theme “Threads of a Shared Legacy,” exploring history, community definition (Lynn/Swampscott), Black resilience, challenging narratives, the attack on DEI, and reclaiming collective power.
  • 0:44:23 Panel Discussion: Moderated by Enzo Salon Surin, featuring community members and students discussing belonging, inclusion/exclusion, and intergenerational understanding.
    • Panelists Introduced: Chief Ruben Quesada, James Runner, Rachel Shirayeva, Nakaylan Davis, Olivia Bufard.
    • Discussion Topics:
      • Meaning of Belonging 0:46:09
      • Experiences of Inclusion/Exclusion 0:51:14
      • Creating Comfortable Spaces for Dialogue 1:03:18
      • Intergenerational Understanding 1:10:32
  • 1:20:25 Future Events Announcement: Ralph Edwards (SHORE Diversity Member) outlines upcoming collaborative events between Swampscott and Lynn students and adults, centered around Enzo Surin’s “American Scapegoat,” focused on identity, belonging, and community building.
  • 1:28:54 Closing Remarks: Final thoughts and poem excerpt by Enzo Salon Surin emphasizing love and kindness.
  • 1:31:01 Final Thanks: Closing acknowledgements by Sue (SHORE Member/Organizer).

Section 2: Speaking Attendees

  • Kelly Katib (Chair, SHORE Diversity): [Speaker 6]
  • Emily Zotto (Assistant Principal, Swampscott Middle School): [Speaker 10], [Speaker 14]
  • Student (Angel): [Speaker 13]
  • Student (Nina): [Speaker 12]
  • Paul Tucker (Essex County District Attorney): [Speaker 5]
  • Enzo Salon Surin (Poet, Moderator): [Speaker 1]
  • Ruben Quesada (Chief of Police, Swampscott; SHORE Member): [Speaker 3]
  • James Runner (Essex County DA’s Office / Community Member): [Speaker 4]
  • Rachel Shirayeva (Executive Board Member, SHORE): [Speaker 7]
  • Nakaylan Davis (Student): [Speaker 8]
  • Olivia Bufard (Student): [Speaker 9]
  • Ralph Edwards (Member, SHORE Diversity): [Speaker 2]
  • Sue (SHORE Member / Organizer): [Speaker 11]

Section 3: Meeting Minutes

Event: S.U.R.E Diversity - Swampscott’s Black History Celebration Date: 2025-02-26 Location: Swampscott High School (implied)

1. Opening and Welcome (0:01:52) Kelly Katib, Chair of SHORE (Swampscot Unites, Respects, and Embraces Diversity), welcomed attendees to the fourth annual “Black History is Our History” celebration. She defined diversity broadly beyond race and ethnicity, emphasizing shared and unique characteristics. Katib highlighted SHORE’s origins in 2016 amidst perceived threats to progress and marginalized individuals, inviting attendees to join the volunteer organization. She underscored the importance of acknowledging Black history as American history, especially in a town with a small Black population (<2%). Katib thanked sponsors (Town of Swampscott, Justice for All/Sherrod Hayum, DA Paul Tucker), partners (Metco, First Church, Swampscot Historical Commission, Lynn Museum), town officials (Select Board, Town Administrator Gina Acresta, School Board), State Representative Jenny Armini, and Chief of Police Ruben Quesada. Special thanks were given to students and families. The program outline included the school band, Big Blue Step Squad (performed earlier), featured poet/moderator Enzo Salon Surin, and a community/student panel.

2. Musical Performance & Middle School Remarks (0:06:14) The combined Swampscott High School and Middle School Band, directed by Ed Rovey, performed. Following the performance, Assistant Principal Emily Zotto introduced herself and two students, Angel 0:11:12 and Nina 0:11:33. Zotto spoke of pride in Swampscott schools and community. She shared words brainstormed by students and staff to describe Swampscott: “giving” (of time), “friends” (like a living room), “inclusive,” “family,” “close-knit,” “relationships,” and “positivity.” Zotto emphasized the community’s commitment to students, families, and each other 0:11:55. She then welcomed DA Paul Tucker.

3. Remarks from Essex County DA (0:12:48) DA Paul Tucker praised the band’s performance (“Stand By Me”) as fitting for the evening’s theme of community. He described feeling something special upon entering the school and commended the event’s diverse gathering as representing what the US should stand for: a caring, diverse community breaking down barriers (real and artificial) between towns like Swampscott, Lynn, Salem, and Marblehead. Tucker thanked community judges present (Archia, Hogan, Broadbent), organizers Kelly Katib and Ralph Edwards, and public safety partners, specifically Chief Quesada and the Swampscott Police and Fire Departments. He shared an anecdote from a recent NAACP forum in Lynn 0:15:21, noting the real fear and anxiety present, particularly in immigrant communities regarding documentation status and interacting with authorities. Tucker asserted that the DA’s office and police departments are there to help, regardless of status. He reflected on the NAACP’s founding in 1909 and its enduring mission, highlighting equity in education and identifying the next generation of leaders, praising Swampscott’s efforts in creating opportunities.

4. Featured Speaker: Enzo Salon Surin (0:18:22) Poet Enzo Salon Surin framed his remarks and poetry reading under “Threads of a Shared Legacy.” He thanked SHORE, acknowledged the collaborative nature of the event (DA, judges, police, students, multiple generations), and expressed gratitude to Emily Zotto. Surin began by honoring the late poet Danielle LeGros-Georges, reading her poem “Poem for the poorest country in the western hemisphere” 0:21:57 to illustrate how language shapes perception and the power of narratives. He reflected on his personal experience living in both Lynn and Swampscott 0:24:21, noting the artificiality of borders versus the shared oceanfront, urging dialogue between neighbors. Surin asserted two lessons America can learn from Black history: 1) the constant struggle required to make America live up to its ideals, and 2) the resilience and community-building of Black Americans despite oppression 0:27:01. He addressed the fear fueling backlash, specifically targeting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives 0:29:10. Surin argued dismantling DEI harms women, people with disabilities, and the principle of representative democracy, stating DEI is not just about Black people but ensures diverse voices in decision-making. He questioned “Who is America for?” and warned against shrinking the definition of “American.” Surin performed poems exploring themes of identity, judgment, inherited narratives, and power dynamics, including “Cry Me a River” 0:31:34 and “American Scapegoat” 0:35:48. He discussed the concept of taking an oath that breaks a prior oath (to community/values) 0:34:29. He presented a poem, “How to Craft an American Scapegoat” 0:38:51, asking listeners to visualize a stereotyped individual before revealing the target could be shifted (“Make him black… immigrant… trans…”). Surin shared his personal anxiety during Obama’s presidency 0:41:53 and warned about the fragility of democracy, drawing parallels to his upbringing in a dictatorship. He concluded this segment by emphasizing the community’s ability to tell its own story and expressing love for living in Swampscott 0:43:35.

5. Panel Discussion (0:44:23) Enzo Surin moderated a panel introduced by Kelly Katib, featuring Police Chief Ruben Quesada, James Runner (Essex County DA’s Office/Community Member), Rachel Shirayeva (SHORE Board), and students Nakaylan Davis and Olivia Bufard.

  • On Belonging (0:46:09): Chief Quesada described belonging as being heard and having one’s voice count, regardless of background 0:46:15. Runner emphasized being understood, respecting the community, getting involved, and bringing/accepting ideas 0:47:45. Shirayeva discussed the challenge of building community when people don’t interact physically (e.g., walking) but noted the positive impact of simple greetings 0:48:38. Student Davis shared feeling like an outcast initially but finding comfort and belonging through interaction, activities, and feeling wanted 0:49:50. Student Bufard described belonging as feeling accepted, valued, loved, connected, understood, and supported, contrasting her positive experience in Swampscott with her previous schooling 0:50:43.
  • On Inclusion/Exclusion (0:51:14): Chief Quesada shared a personal story of feeling excluded and wondering if he was treated poorly at local stores because of his ethnicity when not identifiable as the Police Chief 0:52:09. The interaction highlighted the vulnerability felt even by those in positions of authority. Runner recounted being told “you don’t belong here” by a professor in a college ballet class due to his appearance (large male) but persisting and excelling, illustrating prejudice based on stereotypes 0:55:20. Shirayeva spoke of feeling included or excluded even by the tone of authors in books about the Black experience 0:59:09. Davis described feeling comfort and inclusion through the MECO host family program 1:00:20. Bufard shared an experience of including another girl who was alone at a lacrosse event, leading to a lasting friendship 1:02:18. The discussion revealed varied and personal dimensions of inclusion and exclusion.
  • On Creating Comfortable Spaces (1:03:18): Student Bufard suggested proper education and established dialogue norms allow everyone to feel heard and included 1:05:11. Student Davis found the question challenging and needed more time to reflect, highlighting the difficulty young people may face when asked to conceptualize community building 1:05:46. Shirayeva cited Ibram Kendi, suggesting vulnerability and risking saying the “wrong thing” are necessary for growth, provided intentions are good and respect is maintained 1:06:56. Runner advocated for transparency and open-mindedness, accepting community values while wanting acceptance, using the example of teaching youth the meaning of “DAP” (Desire Among People) and the respect signified by handshakes 1:08:31. Chief Quesada emphasized mutual respect, questioning one’s own truths to understand others’, comparing perspectives to changing seats in an auditorium 1:09:48. The dialogue emphasized respect, vulnerability, education, and open-mindedness.
  • On Intergenerational Understanding (1:10:32): Student Davis noted that different generations don’t always understand each other’s perspectives due to rapid change, urging better communication and recognizing that parents’ paths aren’t necessarily their children’s 1:11:05. Student Bufard added that technology shapes younger perspectives differently and encouraged mutual learning and acceptance across generations 1:12:27. Chief Quesada shared his first negative police encounter at age 15, explaining how his perspective shifted from feeling wronged as a youth to understanding the officers’ (potentially flawed) actions from a law enforcement viewpoint later in life, stressing the importance of sharing these nuanced stories 1:13:10. Runner, speaking as a parent, contrasted his upbringing (earning everything) with his daughter’s easier access to things, emphasizing the need for her to understand the value of earning things while acknowledging the reality of the modern, tech-driven world 1:15:09. He cautioned against the harms of social media (“thumb thugging”) and reiterated that experience is the best teacher. Shirayeva (identifying as “older generation”) expressed how older generations view younger ones as precious but urged youth not to devalue elders for poor tech skills, reminding them technology is a tool and life should be lived beyond it 1:17:40. The conversation highlighted differing experiences shaped by time, technology, and upbringing, pointing toward empathy and communication as bridges.

6. Future Events Announcement (1:20:41) Ralph Edwards (SHORE Diversity) explained the evening was a starting point. Inspired by DA Tucker, SHORE planned three April events to foster interaction between Swampscott and Lynn students and adults, using Enzo Surin’s “American Scapegoat” as a catalyst. The events aim to explore identity, belonging, and community through poetry, storytelling, discussion, and writing. Titles included “Reclaiming Our Voices” and “The Ocean Has No Border.” Dates mentioned: April 12 (adults), April 16 (youth), April 26 (combined). Edwards emphasized crossing the “imaginary line” between Lynn and Swampscott to enhance interaction and understanding. He encouraged participation and directed people to the Lynn Museum website for information and sign-ups. Copies of the book would be provided to participants.

7. Closing Remarks (1:28:54) Enzo Surin offered brief closing thoughts, referencing a poem sparked by George Floyd’s murder about televised violence. He urged the audience to lead with love and kindness to combat division and recognize each other beyond being strangers 1:29:15.

8. Final Thanks (1:31:01) Sue (SHORE Member/Organizer) thanked attendees, student/teacher contributors (door decorations, boards), the band, step team, Enzo Surin, and the panelists for their vulnerability. She encouraged participation in the upcoming Lynn/Swampscott conversations via the Lynn Museum website.

Meeting Adjourned: (Time not specified, implied after Sue’s remarks)

Section 4: Executive Summary

The S.U.R.E Diversity “Black History is Our History” event on February 26, 2025, served as a powerful community gathering focused on celebrating Black history as integral to American history and fostering dialogue on diversity, inclusion, and belonging in Swampscott. Organized by SHORE (Swampscot Unites, Respects, and Embraces Diversity), the evening featured musical performances, student voices, reflections from community leaders, and a central presentation by poet Enzo Salon Surin, culminating in a panel discussion and a call to further action.

Key Themes and Discussions:

  • Shared History & Challenging Narratives: Kelly Katib (SHORE Chair) and Enzo Surin emphasized that Black history is American history [0:01:52, 0:18:22]. Surin used poetry to explore how dominant narratives shape perceptions, particularly regarding marginalized groups, and urged reclaiming stories [0:21:57, 0:35:48]. He specifically defended Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives against current attacks, framing them as essential for representative democracy and benefiting groups beyond people of color 0:29:10.
  • Community, Belonging & Inclusion: Speakers repeatedly invoked the idea of community. DA Paul Tucker highlighted Swampscott as a “caring community” and stressed breaking down inter-town barriers 0:12:48. The panel discussion 0:44:23 delved into personal experiences of belonging and exclusion. Chief Ruben Quesada shared feeling judged by his ethnicity when not in uniform 0:52:09, while James Runner recounted facing prejudice based on appearance 0:55:20. Students Nakaylan Davis and Olivia Bufard spoke of finding connection through school programs, host families, and proactive inclusion [0:49:50, 1:00:20, 1:02:18]. Panelists agreed that belonging involves being heard, respected, understood, and actively involved.
  • Intergenerational Understanding: The panel explicitly addressed the gap between generations 1:10:32. Students noted the impact of rapid change and technology [1:11:05, 1:12:27], while older panelists reflected on changed perspectives over time (Chief Quesada 1:13:10) and differing values shaped by upbringing (James Runner 1:15:09). The discussion underscored the need for empathy and communication across age groups.
  • Bridging Divides: A recurring motif was the need to connect across perceived boundaries – race, ethnicity, generation, and geography (specifically Swampscott and Lynn). Enzo Surin spoke of the “invisible border” 0:24:21, and Ralph Edwards announced concrete steps to bridge the Swampscott-Lynn divide through collaborative events 1:20:41.

Significant Outcomes & Insights:

  • High-Level Participation: The presence and remarks of DA Paul Tucker 0:12:48 and Police Chief Ruben Quesada [0:46:15, 0:52:09, 1:09:48, 1:13:10], along with acknowledgements of town officials, signaled institutional support for the event’s themes. Their participation, particularly sharing personal vulnerabilities, aimed to build trust.
  • Focus on Dialogue: The event structure, moving from performance and speeches to a moderated panel, prioritized conversation. Enzo Surin’s moderation and the panelists’ candidness fostered an atmosphere where difficult topics could be broached.
  • Call to Action: The evening concluded not just with inspiration but with concrete next steps: a series of planned dialogues and workshops connecting Swampscott and Lynn residents (youth and adults) in April, using Surin’s poetry as a starting point 1:20:41. This signifies SHORE’s commitment to sustained effort beyond a single event.

Why it Matters: In a town noted for its relative lack of racial diversity, this event represents a conscious effort to broaden understanding, foster inclusivity, and confront uncomfortable truths about history and bias. By bringing together diverse voices (students, officials, community members) and actively planning cross-community engagement with Lynn, SHORE aims to strengthen the social fabric and challenge residents to actively define and build a more welcoming community. The focus on personal stories and poetry aimed to create empathy and connection as foundations for change.

Section 5: Analysis

This transcript captures a thoughtfully constructed community event aimed at fostering dialogue around complex issues of race, history, identity, and belonging within Swampscott. Organized by SHORE Diversity, the “Black History is Our History” celebration employed a multi-faceted approach, leveraging artistic expression (music, poetry, dance), personal testimony, and structured discussion.

Strengths and Effectiveness:

  • Framing Narrative: Enzo Surin’s role as poet and moderator was central 0:18:22. His framing of “Threads of a Shared Legacy” provided a powerful lens for connecting personal stories to broader historical and social currents. His direct confrontation of narratives that diminish or stereotype [0:21:57, 0:38:51] and his robust defense of DEI 0:29:10 offered substantive arguments rather than platitudes. The use of poetry served as an effective, non-didactic entry point into sensitive topics.
  • Vulnerability and Authenticity: The panel discussion was notably effective due to the perceived authenticity and vulnerability of the participants 0:44:23. Chief Quesada’s candid sharing of feeling profiled when out of uniform 0:52:09 and James Runner’s experience with prejudice in an unexpected setting 0:55:20 were particularly impactful, humanizing figures of authority and illustrating the persistence of bias. The students’ reflections on navigating belonging [0:49:50, 0:50:43, 1:00:20] provided crucial youth perspectives.
  • Intentional Inclusivity: The event demonstrated intentionality in including diverse voices: different generations, town officials (DA, Police Chief), community organizers (SHORE), educators (Zotto), and students (including MECO participants). This composition aimed to model the diverse community being discussed.
  • Bridging Theory and Action: The event successfully transitioned from reflection and dialogue to a concrete call to action 1:20:41. The announcement by Ralph Edwards of specific follow-up events involving Swampscott and Lynn, using Surin’s work as a shared text, gave the evening’s themes tangible momentum and addressed the often-criticized limitation of one-off diversity events.

Dynamics and Underlying Tensions:

  • The Swampscott Context: The repeated acknowledgement of Swampscott’s demographics (<2% Black population 0:01:52) implicitly framed the event’s necessity – educating the predominantly white majority and validating the experiences of the minority. Surin’s reflection on the Lynn-Swampscott “border” 0:24:21 also subtly pointed to socioeconomic and demographic differences often felt on the North Shore.
  • Navigating Discomfort: Panelist Rachel Shirayeva’s comment on risking offense in real conversations 1:06:56, echoed by Surin 1:08:14, acknowledged the inherent difficulty in these dialogues. While the tone seemed overwhelmingly positive and receptive, the need to explicitly state this suggests an awareness of potential discomfort or fear of misspeaking within the community.
  • Power Dynamics: While promoting equality, the event implicitly navigated power dynamics. The presence of the DA and Police Chief lent authority but also carried the weight of institutional history, which Chief Quesada addressed directly through his personal story 1:13:10. Surin’s critique of power structures that define and exclude [0:34:29, 0:38:51] formed a counterpoint to the celebratory aspects.
  • Generational Perspectives: The intergenerational discussion 1:10:32 revealed common ground (need for understanding) but also distinct viewpoints shaped by technology and lived experience, highlighting a challenge for ongoing community cohesion.

Overall Assessment: Based purely on the transcript, the event appears to have been a successful and well-orchestrated effort by SHORE Diversity. It moved beyond mere celebration to engage participants in critical reflection and personal sharing. The combination of artistic expression, high-profile endorsements (DA Tucker), vulnerable testimony (Chief Quesada, Runner), and a clear path forward suggests a strategic and potentially impactful approach to fostering diversity and inclusion dialogue within Swampscott and its neighboring communities. The emphasis on shared humanity (“go in love” 1:29:15) alongside the direct confrontation of difficult issues provided a balanced and compelling message.