ATHOL — In a community where those residents categorized as Black or African American make up just over a half-percent of the population, one might think racism is a minor issue — if it is an issue at all. Jennifer Gordon, Executive Director of the Athol Area YMCA, however, says one would definitely be wrong to think that.
Gordon spoke to the Athol Daily News a couple of days after a protest in support of Black Lives Matter and racial understanding was held in front of the Y, at the corner of Main and School streets.
“We just caught word that something was going to be happening on our front door step,” said Gordon. “So, instead of running away from it, we embraced it.
“Why? Because Ys even nationally are huge advocates of diversity and inclusion. Dealing with issues surrounding social injustices — we do a lot of work around health disparity and racial inequities.”
She said communities like Athol, despite their relative racial homogeneity, must also deal with such issues, particularly in the wake of worldwide protests that have arisen following the death of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police officers.
“A lot of times, because Athol can appear to not be very diverse, we assume there are no racial inequities that happen,” she explained. “But it does still happen. Race still is an issue.”
So, when Gordon was approached by a trio of local young men about holding an event in front of the Y, she decided it would be a good idea.
“We understand that there are good police and bad police,” she said. “We just want our voices heard, and to share our concerns around the racial inequities. They feel that they’re targeted.”
Gordon felt it her responsibility to step in when it appeared the event was not very organized.
“My first thought was, you see violence when there is no organization,” she continued. “I wanted to help them organize it in order to kind of move along what they were trying to achieve.”
In one instance, she approached Athol Police Chief Craig Lundgren to see if he would be willing to take a knee with the three young men of color who were behind the protest.
“I just kind of facilitated the conversation,” she said, “and the chief was so honored and so willing to come forward with them, and he brought the fire chief with him. Our Town Manager, Shaun Suhoski, was also there supporting them. So, it was really nice to see the town embrace these young men.”
Gordon said about 30 people took part in Thursday’s event and, while the reaction to the protest was mainly positive, not all passers-by were supportive.
“I’ll be honest,” she said. “There was positive reaction, and there was negative reaction. That was an eye-opener for me. I live in Fitchburg, which is a pretty racially diverse community. So, hearing some of the negative responses really took me aback. But I was very proud of seeing these young men come forward.”
Gordon said that — despite the fact that some of the organizers of Thursday’s event have received threats — a meeting is planned for 5 p.m. Monday at the Y to discuss possible plans for a larger event to promote racial understanding in Athol.