By Lisa Carolin
Chelsea residents recently had their One Human Family sign and their rainbow flag vandalized, which they reported to the police.
They also contacted Jane Pacheco, a member of the Chelsea City Council, and an employee of the Interfaith Council on Peace and Justice, which along with a group called Interfaith Round Table launched the One Human Family campaign about a year ago.
“The purpose is to mobilize community voices against the Islamophobic and hateful rhetoric being heard in the media and to promote the physical demonstration of love and hope for all people,” said Pacheco. “In the wake of the events of the past months, we feel that our mission of uniting people across differences to act from shared ethical and spiritual values in pursuit of peace and justice is more important than ever.”
Pacheco says that she has seen a positive response from the community, including people putting up flags and signs and others reaching out to neighbors personally.
Susanne Vanden Bosch is one of those people.
“The idea that someone trespassed and vandalized property is unacceptable,” said Vanden Bosch. “People are displaying the signs and flags in their yards to send the message that we will not accept hate in Chelsea.”
Global Marketplace is one of the locations where signs and flags are being distributed.
“Jane asked me if I would be a point of contact for interested folks to pick up their signs supporting this message, and I was only too happy to support her and this,” said Kevin Frahm, owner of Global Marketplace.
Joanne Ladio, from One World One Family, and other members of the Chelsea community began discussions on social media about this (the vandalism), how this type of incident is not representative of our town, and Joanne took the initiative to order rainbow flags for community members to display in support of this family.”
Frahm said that when people are picking up signs and flags, many are purchasing extra signs and flags for those who might not be able to afford to do so.
“We are still taking donations so as to support the ongoing important work of both these organizations,” said Frahm. “I, personally, am impressed and my heart is bursting by the kind comments and commitment that I am hearing from the folks supporting this cause. It is really the season of peace on earth and I am glad Chelsea is doing its part in spreading that message.”
“In January of this year, the Chelsea City Council passed a non-discrimination ordinance expanding protections for all of our community members,” said Pacheco. “Chelsea is doing great work making sure we are a welcoming and inclusive community, and this campaign is just one of many ways this commitment is manifesting itself.
Anyone interested in learning more information about how to get involved with the ICPJ and the One Human Family campaign is invited to a public meeting Sunday, Dec. 11 at 6 p.m. in the Faith in Action building at 603 South Main St.
