_.png){kind=logo}
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Stand Together Against Racism
(S.T.A.R.)
ㅡ
Board of Directors
Fatou Niang, Chair
Susan Borst, Vice Chair
Eugenia Solache, Treasurer
Karima Bryant
Bob Lord
Alyssa MacKenzie
Micaela Porta
Christopher Tate
Michael Rodgers
Rich Russey
Alan Rwambuya
Myrlove Stanfield
Operating Board
Shona Goldenberg
Olive Goldenberg
Freya Goldenberg
Tess MacKenzie
Elijah Manning
Blessings Misomali
Shandia Mitchell
Mary Ntiri
Lauren Nussbaum
Alexa Orndahl
Annette Terry
Jacq Burroughs
Lauren Burroughs
P.O. Box 1175, New Canaan
“Infinite Hope: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Community Building Activity”
PRESS RELEASE - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 8, 2024 - Contact: Susan Borst, Vice Chair of S.T.A.R at susanborst@susanborst.com or 203-247-3952
Stand Together Against Racism (STAR) and four local YMCAs (Bridgeport, Greenwich, New Canaan and Wilton/Riverbrook Regional) have partnered to present “Infinite Hope: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Community Building Activity” featuring an interactive and intergenerational mind mapping project
at each YMCA location on Monday, January 15 (times vary by location, see below for details.)
(Bridgeport, Greenwich, New Canaan, and Wilton CT )– January 5, 2024. In the spirit of unity and understanding and in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Stand Together Against Racism (STAR) and the YMCAs of Bridgeport, Greenwich, New Canaan, and Wilton/Riverbrook Regional (which serves Norwalk, Redding, Wilton) are proud to present a unique and interactive community building event featuring arts and crafts and a mind mapping project.
“Last year’s “Infinite Hope’ MLK Jr. event at the New Canaan YMCA was so well received, we wanted to extend the program to more towns and we are thrilled that area YMCAs happily and enthusiastically agreed to partner with us,” said Fatou Niang, Founder and CEO of STAR. Each YMCA will host an identical event featuring MLK-inspired arts and crafts and a mind mapping exercise appropriate for all ages that fosters reflection and unity, celebrating the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
"The New Canaan YMCA is excited and honored to once again partner with Stand Together Against Racism to host the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day community event on Monday, January 15. We invite and encourage all members of the community to join us at this meaningful event as we celebrate Dr. King's life and legacy." said Margaret Riley, Executive Director, New Canaan YMCA.
New to the event this year are three other YMCA’s who are equally excited to participate and bring the program to their communities:
Nate Smith, VPO of the YMCA of Greenwich said “We are thrilled about the chance to collaborate with STAR in crafting a community mosaic art piece that pays tribute to and celebrates the enduring legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. His advocacy for equity and civil rights remains as relevant as ever, and we are dedicated to being a community organization that embraces and welcomes all individuals.”
“At Bridgeport Y, we believe in uplifting the voices of the young people we serve, to develop their skills and confidence to lead positive change in our community and beyond. Collaborating with STAR offers our whole community the opportunity to create a special mosaic art piece, together, to celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., “ commented Carmen Colon, Vice President Bridgeport Ys.
The Wilton/Riverbrook Regional YMCA which serves Norwalk, Wilton, and Redding will also participate.
ALL EVENTS ON MONDAY JANUARY 15, 2024, note that times vary by YMCA location
Bridgeport YMCA at the Ralphola Taylor Community Center - 2pm-4pm
790 Central Avenue
Bridgeport, CT
Greenwich YMCA - 11:30am - 12:30pm - In M1/M2 on Second Floor
50 East Putnam Avenue
Greenwich, CT
New Canaan YMCA - 2pm -4pm in the Wagner Room
564 South Avenue
New Canaan, CT
Wilton/Riverbrook Regional YMCA - 1pm-3pm in the main lobby
404 Danbury Road
Wilton, CT
Sponsorship opportunities are available to help offset creative material and refreshment costs for these free-to-participate events. Please contact susanborst@susanborst.com.
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About Stand Together Against Racism: Stand Together Against Racism (S.T.A.R) is a 501c3 non-profit organization whose mission is to is to equip residents of New Canaan, CT and neighboring communities with tools and resources to understand systemic racism - including its history, root causes and the structures that perpetuate it - and to proactively advocate for racial equity and bias elimination. We believe that by working together, we can drive transformative and sustainable social change in our community and beyond
S.T.A.R. Local Partners
A Better Chance, Inc. of New Canaan | B Kind | The Glass House | Grace Farms Foundation | Horizons at New Canaan Country School | Interfaith Council of New Canaan | LiveGirl | NCTV New Canaan Television 79 | New Canaan CARES | New Canaan Chamber of Commerce | New Canaan Community Foundation | New Canaan Country School | New Canaan Land Trust | New Canaan Library | New Canaan Moms Group | New Canaan Museum & Historical Society | New Canaan Nature Center | New Canaan Tourism and Economic Development Advisory Committee | New Canaan YMCA | Summer Theatre of New Canaan
%203.png){kind=logo}
Stand Together Against Racism
(S.T.A.R.)
ㅡ
Board of Directors
Fatou Niang, Chair
Susan Borst, Vice Chair
Eugenia Solache, Treasurer
Karima Bryant
Bob Lord
Alyssa MacKenzie
Micaela Porta
Christopher Tate
Michael Rodgers
Rich Russey
Alan Rwambuya
Myrlove Stanfield
Operating Board
Shona Goldenberg
Olive Goldenberg
Freya Goldenberg
Tess MacKenzie
Elijah Manning
Blessings Misomali
Shandia Mitchell
Mary Ntiri
Lauren Nussbaum
Alexa Orndahl
Annette Terry
Jacq Burroughs
Lauren Burroughs
P.O. Box 1175, New Canaan
"Through Your Looking Glass" Art Showcase 2023
PRESS RELEASE - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 13, 2023 - Contact: Susan Borst, Vice Chair of S.T.A.R at susanborst@susanborst.com or 203-247-3952
Stand Together Against Racism (S.T.A.R.) Announces a Call for Art Entry for All Students in Fairfield County for its Second Annual “Through Your Looking Glass” Student Art Showcase Highlighting the
Intersection of Art, Design and Architecture on Social Justice,
in Partnership with The Glass House and the Carriage Barn Arts Center.
The Art Showcase will open at The Carriage Barn Arts Center
on October 28th and runs through November 11.
New Canaan, CT – September 13 2023 Stand Together Against Racism (S.T.A.R.), in partnership with The Glass House and the Carriage Barn Arts Center announces its 2nd annual student “Through Your Looking Glass” Art Showcase that seeks to recognize the role of art, design and/or architecture in advancing social justice through the lens of inclusion, equity and diversity.
Students in all grades, including college, from all towns in Fairfield County are invited to create and submit art that reflects the social justice topics that matter most to them today. Art can include paintings, drawings, photography, mixed media, sculpture, videos/film (including TikTok style!) or architectural renderings. Christa Carr, Communications Director at The Glass House said, “We are thrilled to partner with S.T.A.R for the second time on this exciting program, As we saw last year, the range of social justice topics that matter to students is vast and eye-opening, and the creativity and excitement we saw was enlightening. I'd encourage everyone to visit the S.T.A.R website to see last year’s art and the student’s stories about the art. ”
This is a true showcase, not a contest. All student art will be exhibited at the Carriage Barn Arts Center in New Canaan. The showcase opens with a reception on October 28th from 12pm-2pm. Students, family, friends and community members are welcome to attend. The reception, and admission to the showcase, is free of charge. Hilary Whittmann, Executive Director at Carriage Barn Arts Center said “We are honored to partner with S.T.A.R to present this social justice student art showcase and look forward to seeing the art from students across all of Fairfield County. We're big believers that visual arts truly can enrich a community and we invite all to come experience the exhibit."
The exhibit will conclude on November 11, concurrent with a new event this year featuring xx inspiring local artists who will share their art journey and lead participants in a hands-on, interactive art making session. Featured artists to-date include Tara Blackwell . Brian Kaspr, Julio Pardo and Butch Quick.
Students should register in advance to show their intent to submit their art. Physical art, or videos, and the mandatory release form are due by October 23, The forms and additional information can be found on the S.T.A.R website (star-ct.org).
Sponsorship opportunities are available. Please contact susanborst@susanborst.com.
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About Stand Together Against Racism: Stand Together Against Racism (S.T.A.R) is a 501c3 non-profit organization whose mission is to is to equip residents of New Canaan, CT and neighboring communities with tools and resources to understand systemic racism - including its history, root causes and the structures that perpetuate it - and to proactively advocate for racial equity and bias elimination. We believe that by working together, we can drive transformative and sustainable social change in our community and beyond
S.T.A.R. Local Partners
A Better Chance, Inc. of New Canaan | B Kind | The Glass House | Grace Farms Foundation | Horizons at New Canaan Country School | Interfaith Council of New Canaan | LiveGirl | NCTV New Canaan Television 79 | New Canaan CARES | New Canaan Chamber of Commerce | New Canaan Community Foundation | New Canaan Country School | New Canaan Land Trust | New Canaan Library | New Canaan Moms Group | New Canaan Museum & Historical Society | New Canaan Nature Center | New Canaan Tourism and Economic Development Advisory Committee | New Canaan YMCA | Summer Theatre of New Canaan
NCHS S.T.A.R. Award at Annual NCHS Recognition Assembly 2023
Stand Together Against Racism
(S.T.A.R.)
ㅡ
Board of Directors
Fatou Niang, Chair
Susan Borst, Vice Chair
Eugenia Solache, Treasurer
Karima Bryant
Bob Lord
Alyssa MacKenzie
Micaela Porta
Christopher Tate
Michael Rodgers
Rich Russey
Alan Rwambuya
Myrlove Stanfield
Operating Board
Shona Goldenberg
Olive Goldenberg
Freya Goldenberg
Tess MacKenzie
Elijah Manning
Blessings Misomali
Shandia Mitchell
Mary Ntiri
Lauren Nussbaum
Alexa Orndahl
Annette Terry
Jacq Burroughs
Lauren Burroughs
P.O. Box 1175, New Canaan
For Immediate Release – June 2023
Contact: Jane Himmel, info@star-ct.org or at 203-253-0614
2023 S.T.A.R. Award at Annual NCHS Recognition Assembly
The first “The Stand Together Against Racism (S.T.A.R.) Award” was presented to a New Canaan High School senior in 2022. This year's recipient is Senior Charlie Besgen Who is heading to R.I.T. (Rochester Institute of Technology) for college. Charlie Besgen stands out as an empathetic peer who creates community wherever he goes. He is an advocate for himself and others, someone who always seeks to create a safe environment for his peers. And yet he isn't afraid to call attention to how he and his peers might experience the classroom differently and create space for conversation.
As noted in the ceremony: “The Stand Together Against Racism Award honors a New Canaan High School student who has actively worked to ensure an inclusive environment both in and out of the classroom. This student will have been an advocate for themselves or fellow students. The student will have been a leading voice in promoting respect, acceptance, and a community of belonging as it relates to such issues as race / ethnicity, LGBTQIA+ rights, and access for people with disabilities. In this way, the award seeks to uphold and affirm the dignity, authenticity, and inherent worth of all who enter these doors to study, learn, live, and grow together.”
Pictured here (l-r) are: S.T.A.R. Founder and Board Chair Fatou Niang, award winner Charlie Besgen and S.T.A.R. Operating Board member Jane Himmel.
Photo attached
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About Stand Together Against Racism:
Stand Together Against Racism (S.T.A.R) is an anti-racist non-profit organization whose mission is to is to equip residents of New Canaan, CT and neighboring communities with tools and resources to understand systemic racism—including its history, root causes and the structures that perpetuate it— and to proactively advocate for racial equity and bias elimination. We believe that by working together, we can drive transformative and sustainable social change in our community and beyond.
S.T.A.R. Local Partners
A Better Chance, Inc. of New Canaan | B Kind | The Glass House | Grace Farms Foundation | Horizons at New Canaan Country School | Interfaith Council of New Canaan | LiveGirl | NCTV New Canaan Television 79 | New Canaan CARES | New Canaan Chamber of Commerce | New Canaan Community Foundation | New Canaan Country School | New Canaan Land Trust | New Canaan Library | New Canaan Moms Group | New Canaan Museum & Historical Society | New Canaan Nature Center | New Canaan Tourism and Development Advisory Committee | New Canaan YMCA | Summer Theatre of New Canaan
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S.T.A.R. to Celebrate Juneteenth in New Canaan in partnership with The New Canaan Museum & Historical Society, The NewCanaanite, The New Canaan Library and Bankwell!
Stand Together Against Racism
(S.T.A.R.)
ㅡ
Board of Directors
Fatou Niang, Chair
Susan Borst, Vice Chair
Mike Rodgers, Treasurer
Karima Bryant
Christa Carr
Afsaneh Djabbari-Aslani
Dao Engle
Nancy Geary
Bob Lord
Alyssa MacKenzie
Michael Rodgers
Alan Rwambuya
Myrlove Stanfield
Operating Board
Christa Carr
Gabriela Deambrosio
Jasper Engle
Janet Fonss
Shona Goldenberg
Olive Goldenberg
Freya Goldenberg
Thea Haley
Jane Himmel
Nancy Huan
Katrina Kaupp
Tess MacKenzie
Elijah Manning
Shandia Mitchell
Mary Ntiri
Lauren Nussbaum
Avery Russey
Sophia Rwambuya
Amy Silberfein
Bryant Soohoo
Annette Terry
P.O. Box 1175, New Canaan
May 27, 2022
For more information, please contact Jane Himmel info@STAR-CT.org or 203-253-0614
Press Release: S.T.A.R. to Celebrate Juneteenth in New Canaan in partnership with The New Canaan Museum & Historical Society, The NewCanaanite, The New Canaan Library and Bankwell!
New Canaan, CT – Stand Together Against Racism (S.T.A.R.) will host the town’s first Juneteenth Celebration at The New Canaan Museum & Historical Society Lawn on June 19th from 4PM to 7 PM. Juneteenth, also known as African-American Emancipation Day, commemorates June 19, 1865, the date Union troops arrived in Galveston TX, bringing news to this remote outpost that the Emancipation Proclamation, issued two years prior, had freed all people enslaved in the Confederacy. S.T.A.R’s “Hearts of Freedom” Juneteenth Community Celebration will be a fun family gathering featuring live music, and is a free public event. S.T.A.R. encourages RSVPS at https://tinyurl.com/8n5hxsa2 for planning purposes.
"The New Canaan Museum & Historical Society is thrilled to partner with S.T.A.R. to host this Juneteenth celebration,” said Nancy Geary, Executive Director of New Canaan Museum & Historical Society. “We look forward to having people come to learn more, to recognize this momentous day in history, and to enjoy an afternoon of community."
Leading to the Juneteenth community event, on Thursday, June 9th, at 7:15 p.m. at the New Canaan Library (or via Zoom), students in grades 5-8 are invited to learn more about the holiday and to create art for display at this Community Celebration. Registration is required: https://tinyurl.com/2p9byh9v. This program is a special session of the Youth Social Justice Book Group, a partnership of S.T.A.R, the Library and LiveGirl, and is also free and open to all interested youth in those grade levels.
Rebecca Fox, Assistant Manager of Family Services at the New Canaan Library, an event sponsor, said “The Library’s mission is to inspire lifelong learning, so we are thrilled to support New Canaan's first Juneteenth celebration. This celebration demonstrates New Canaan's commitment to freedom and equity, and it offers an opportunity for community members to come together to explore a crucial moment in history and to engage in dialogue around that moment's ongoing significance."
Other community partners sponsoring the first Juneteenth “Hearts of Freedom” Community Celebration include the NewCanaanite (Media Partner) and Bankwell whose generosity made this day possible.
Lucy French, VP, Director of Marketing at Bankwell said, "We’re honored to stand with S.T.A.R and take part in their Juneteenth community picnic! It’s a day to celebrate how far we’ve come in the struggle for equality, and to recognize how far we still need to go. Bankwell is committed to doing our part to help advance change in racial equality."
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About Stand Together Against Racism:
Stand Together Against Racism (S.T.A.R) is an anti-racist non-profit organization whose mission is to is to equip residents of New Canaan, CT and neighboring communities with tools and resources to understand systemic racism—including its history, root causes and the structures that perpetuate it— and to proactively advocate for racial equity and bias elimination. We believe that by working together, we can drive transformative and sustainable social change in our community and beyond
S.T.A.R. Local Partners
A Better Chance, Inc. of New Canaan | B Kind | The Glass House | Grace Farms Foundation | Horizons at New Canaan Country School | Interfaith Council of New Canaan | LiveGirl | NCTV New Canaan Television 79 | New Canaan CARES | New Canaan Chamber of Commerce | New Canaan Community Foundation | New Canaan Country School | New Canaan Land Trust | New Canaan Library | New Canaan Moms Group | New Canaan Museum & Historical Society | New Canaan Nature Center | New Canaan Tourism and Economic Development Advisory Committee | New Canaan YMCA | Summer Theatre of New Canaan
New Award at Annual NCHS Recognition Assembly
Stand Together Against Racism
(S.T.A.R.)
ㅡ
Board of Directors
Fatou Niang, Chair
Susan Borst, Vice Chair
Mike Rodgers, Treasurer
Karima Bryant
Christa Carr
Afsaneh Djabbari-Aslani
Dao Engle
Nancy Geary
Bob Lord
Alyssa MacKenzie
Michael Rodgers
Alan Rwambuya
Myrlove Stanfield
Michael Turpin
Operating Board
Christa Carr
Gabriela Deambrosio
Jasper Engle
Janet Fonss
Shona Goldenberg
Olive Goldenberg
Freya Goldenberg
Thea Haley
Jane Himmel
Nancy Huan
Katrina Kaupp
Tess MacKenzie
Elijah Manning
Shandia Mitchell
Mary Ntiri
Lauren Nussbaum
Avery Russey
Sophia Rwambuya
Amy Silberfein
Bryant Soohoo
Annette Terry
P.O. Box 1175, New Canaan
For Immediate Release
Contact: Jane Himmel, info@star-ct.org or at 203-253-0614
New Award at Annual NCHS Recognition Assembly
A new honor was introduced at the 2022 Annual New Canaan High School Recognition Assembly, when the first “The Stand Together Against Racism (S.T.A.R.) Award” was presented to senior Richard Hernandez by the local nonprofit. Pictured here (l-r) are: S.T.A.R. Operating Board member Jane Himmel, award winner Richard Hernandez and S.T.A.R. Founder and Board Chair Fatou Niang. As noted in the ceremony: “The Stand Together Against Racism Award honors a New Canaan High School student who has actively worked to ensure an inclusive environment both in and out of the classroom. This student will have been an advocate for themselves or fellow students. The student will have been a leading voice in promoting respect, acceptance, and a community of belonging as it relates to such issues as race / ethnicity, LGBTQIA+ rights, and access for people with disabilities. In this way, the award seeks to uphold and affirm the dignity, authenticity, and inherent worth of all who enter these doors to study, learn, live, and grow together.”
Photo attached
###
About Stand Together Against Racism:
Stand Together Against Racism (S.T.A.R) is an anti-racist non-profit organization whose mission is to is to equip residents of New Canaan, CT and neighboring communities with tools and resources to understand systemic racism—including its history, root causes and the structures that perpetuate it— and to proactively advocate for racial equity and bias elimination. We believe that by working together, we can drive transformative and sustainable social change in our community and beyond.
S.T.A.R. Local Partners
A Better Chance, Inc. of New Canaan | B Kind | The Glass House | Grace Farms Foundation | Horizons at New Canaan Country School | Interfaith Council of New Canaan | LiveGirl | NCTV New Canaan Television 79 | New Canaan CARES | New Canaan Chamber of Commerce | New Canaan Community Foundation | New Canaan Country School | New Canaan Land Trust | New Canaan Library | New Canaan Moms Group | New Canaan Museum & Historical Society | New Canaan Nature Center | New Canaan Tourism and Development Advisory Committee | New Canaan YMCA | Summer Theatre of New Canaan
S.T.A.R. and New Canaanite Partner to Celebrate Black History Month
Stand Together Against Racism
(S.T.A.R.)
ㅡ
Board of Directors
Fatou Niang, Chair
Susan Borst, Vice Chair
Mike Rodgers, Treasurer
Karima Bryant
Christa Carr
Afsaneh Djabbari-Aslani
Dao Engle
Nancy Geary
Bob Lord
Alyssa MacKenzie
Michael Rodgers
Alan Rwambuya
Myrlove Stanfield
Michael Turpin
Operating Board
Christa Carr
Gabriela Deambrosio
Jasper Engle
Janet Fonss
Shona Goldenberg
Olive Goldenberg
Freya Goldenberg
Thea Haley
Jane Himmel
Nancy Huan
Katrina Kaupp
Tess MacKenzie
Elijah Manning
Shandia Mitchell
Mary Ntiri
Lauren Nussbaum
Avery Russey
Sophia Rwambuya
Amy Silberfein
Bryant Soohoo
Annette Terry
P.O. Box 1175, New Canaan
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 27, 2022
Contact Information: Jane Himmel info@STAR-CT.org
S.T.A.R. and NewCanaanite Partner to Celebrate Black History Month
(New Canaan, CT) – January 26, 2022. Stand Together Against Racism (S.T.A.R) is honored to partner with the New Canaanite in celebrating Black History Month beginning February 1, 2022.
As Black History Month kicks off on Tuesday, February 1, S.T.A.R. and local news site NewCanaanite.com are partnering to bring readers daily profiles of prominent Black leaders, past and present. S.T.A.R.’s website and social media feeds and the NewCanaanite’s website will spotlight Black public figures who have made an impact on the world across several fields, shattering barriers and paving the way for future generations. Profiles will include Aretha Franklin, Alek Wek, Carter G. Woodson, Jesse E. Moorland, Kamala Harris, Frederick Douglass, Simone Biles, Alvin Ailey, Serena Williams, Malcom X, Robert Abbott, and John Lewis, among others.
“Black history is American history,” said Fatou Niang, S.T.A.R.’s founder, “This annual celebration of achievements by Black Americans is a time for recognition of the importance of their participation in the past, present and future of our country.”
NewCanaanite.com Editor Michael Dinan added, “We are honored to be part of S.T.A.R.’s celebration and look forward to spotlighting each of these prominent Black leaders throughout February.”
Featured profiles will run daily from February 1 through March 1 on both S.T.A.R. social platforms (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter) and in the New Canaanite newsletter.
Website for more information: STAR-CT.ORG
About Stand Together Against Racism:
Stand Together Against Racism (S.T.A.R) is an anti-racist non-profit organization whose mission is to is to equip residents of New Canaan, CT and neighboring communities with tools and resources to understand systemic racism—including its history, root causes and the structures that perpetuate it— and to proactively advocate for racial equity and bias elimination. We believe that by working together, we can drive transformative and sustainable social change in our community and beyond.
About NewCanaanite.com
Launched in 2014 by Michael Dinan, the New Canaanite is a news site covering quality-of-life matters in town, such as local businesses, parks, pets, public safety, government, resident profiles, local history and parking.
S.T.A.R. Local Partners
A Better Chance, Inc. of New Canaan | B Kind | The Glass House | Grace Farms Foundation | Horizons at New Canaan Country School | Interfaith Council of New Canaan | LiveGirl | NCTV New Canaan Television 79 | New Canaan CARES | New Canaan Chamber of Commerce | New Canaan Community Foundation | New Canaan Country School | New Canaan Land Trust | New Canaan Library | New Canaan Moms Group | New Canaan Museum & Historical Society | New Canaan Nature Center | New Canaan Tourism and Economic Development Advisory Committee | New Canaan YMCA | Summer Theatre of New Canaan
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Stand Together Against Racism
(S.T.A.R.)
ㅡ
Board of Directors
Fatou Niang, Chair
Susan Borst, Vice Chair
Mike Rodgers, Treasurer
Karima Bryant
Christa Carr
Afsaneh Djabbari-Aslani
Dao Engle
Nancy Geary
Bob Lord
Alyssa MacKenzie
Michael Rodgers
Alan Rwambuya
Myrlove Stanfield
Michael Turpin
Operating Board
Christa Carr
Gabriela Deambrosio
Jasper Engle
Janet Fonss
Shona Goldenberg
Olive Goldenberg
Freya Goldenberg
Thea Haley
Jane Himmel
Nancy Huan
Katrina Kaupp
Tess MacKenzie
Elijah Manning
Shandia Mitchell
Mary Ntiri
Lauren Nussbaum
Avery Russey
Sophia Rwambuya
Amy Silberfein
Bryant Soohoo
Annette Terry
P.O. Box 1175, New Canaan
S.T.A.R. responds to racist letter left anonymously on New Canaan doorsteps.
October 18th, 2021
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Info@Star-ct.org
Stand Together Against Racism (S.T.A.R.) would like to address a letter that was left on many New Canaan residents’ doorsteps related to the upcoming Board of Education (BOE) election. The letter is racism masquerading as “neighborly concern.”
The letter specifically names Fatou Niang and Janet Fonss, the only two candidates of color on the Democrats’ BOE slate, and highlights both candidates’ connections to S.T.A.R.
“This letter saddens us, but it also offers a valuable lesson: that our work, and that of S.T.A.R.’s many community partners, is as important—perhaps more important—than ever,” said S.T.A.R. Vice Chair Susan Borst. “We will continue to proactively educate about and advocate for racial equity and bias elimination. We will listen, and we will engage in dialogue about difficult issues. What we will not do is remain silent in the face of racism—especially when it is deposited on our doorsteps. The anonymity of the “concerned parents” speaks volumes and reveals the cowardice of the authors.”
We stand by both Fatou and Janet for the work they have been doing for S.T.A.R. As a community, we encourage all to come together and engage in open dialogues.
At S.T.A.R., our mission is to equip residents of New Canaan, CT and neighboring communities with tools and resources to understand systemic racism — including its history, root causes and the structures that perpetuate it— and to proactively advocate for racial equity and bias elimination. We believe that by working together, we can drive transformative and sustainable social change in our community and beyond.
Sincerely,
Stand Together Against Racism’s Board of Directors and Operating Board
About Stand Together Against Racism:
Stand Together Against Racism (S.T.A.R.) is an anti-racist non-profit organization whose mission is to is to equip residents of New Canaan, CT and neighboring communities with tools and resources to understand systemic racism—including its history, root causes and the structures that perpetuate it— and to proactively advocate for racial equity and bias elimination. We believe that by working together, we can drive transformative and sustainable social change in our community and beyond.
S.T.A.R. Local Partners
A Better Chance, Inc. of New Canaan | B Kind | The Glass House | Grace Farms Foundation | Horizons at New Canaan Country School | Interfaith Council of New Canaan | LiveGirl | NCTV New Canaan Television 79 | New Canaan CARES | New Canaan Chamber of Commerce | New Canaan Community Foundation | New Canaan Country School | New Canaan Land Trust | New Canaan Library | New Canaan Moms Group | New Canaan Museum & Historical Society | New Canaan Nature Center | New Canaan Tourism and Economic Development Advisory Committee | New Canaan YMCA | Summer Theatre of New Canaan
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