No doubt you’ve noticed the yard signs popping up around York, listing in bright rainbow colors the content of the Proclamation Against Racism, Discrimination and Bigotry offered last summer by the York select board. The signs affirm the points included: that welcome matters, action matters, systems matter, education matters, training matters, and finally, Black lives matter.
There are also Welcome signs showing up on bumpers, in business windows and town buildings, along with cards that provide the full text of the Proclamation. As members of the Art subcommmittee of the York Committee to Combat Racism and Bias, we’re excited to see and feel the energy in response to this initiative.
We’re also excited to see the creation of additional signs affirming the values of liberty and free speech, that veterans matter as do police, not least peace and life in general. None of these values are exclusive of the ones committed to in the Proclamation, or vice versa. York is strong and resilient enough for all, and like our welcome card assures everyone, “we’re glad you’re here!”
From the Welcome Card: York aspires to be a community that embraces people of every race, skin color, national origin and ancestry, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, ability, and religion. We encourage everyone to read and consider York’s Proclamation. Whether you are visiting or live here, we hope these words will inspire action.
For signs, stickers, or cards, please contact ccrab@yorkmaine.org.
—Members of the Art subcommmittee: the Rev. Anne Bancroft, Chris Jones, Jeanine Means, Victoria Simon
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