Speak Up!
On March 6th and 8th, BACH partnered with the North Dorchester Coalition to host a community panel and dialogue with 10 other organizations from Bowdoin Geneva, Fields Corner, Grove Hall and Uphams Corner neighborhoods. The event provided a platform for over 100 residents of diverse backgrounds to offer their perspectives on subjects such as mental health, sexual health, community violence, and domestic violence. Participants discussed health issues, offered solutions and brainstormed next steps that directly influenced the work of the coalition. Community resources were also made available. Translations was provided in Cape Verdean Creole, Haitian Creole, Spanish, and Vietnamese. Residents responded positively to the event, remarking “I would like to have more conversations like this” and “Can’t wait to follow up and work with some of the people I’ve met.” “Speak Up” marks the first event for the newly formed North Dorchester Coalition, which is a diverse and inclusive cross-neighborhood collaboration working to address cycles of violence and community health and wellness. Using an intergenerational approach, the NDC seeks to educate and empower residents and organizations to make collective impact for systemic change.

Stand Against Racism Day
On April 25th, BACH participated in YWCA Boston’s “Stand Against Racism” for the second year, which is a series of events to raise awareness around and work towards eliminating racism. The event was held in partnership with Nuestra Comunidad Development Corporation, Fresh Food Generation and Boston Day and Evening Academy. Over 50 people gathered at Dudley Library for a screening of Soul Food Junkies, a film that explores culture and the connection between food access and justice. This sparked discussion on how racism affects access to food in Boston communities and participants were able to learn from each other’s’ experiences. The event showed community solidarity against racism and stimulated thought and dialogue that will help mobilize action and developing strategies to combat racism. One strategy that came from the discussion was to host healthy eating events. Some participants are working with Healthier Roxbury Coalition to plan a series of health events in the fall focused on diabetes awareness.

CCHERS Leadership Training
In May and April, BACH sponsored a training by Center for Community Health Education, Inc. CCHERS facilitated five training in which Roxbury and North Dorchester residents met to discuss community health needs and develop additional leadership skills. The training provided a foundation for understating health inequities by covering social determinants of health, levels of racism, power structures and health data. Attendees discussed health issues specific to their community, and came up with both broad and specific ways to improve community health on a neighborhood and city-wide level. Residents expressed a need for a community-wide, intergenerational sense of support and solidarity, improved access to opportunities for physical activity (e.g., green spaces, physical education), and improved relations with police. Through their diversity of leadership positions, participants will spread the word throughout our communities and empower residents through knowledge and community coordination.