This week we heard from President of Salem United Inc. Doreen Wade! Salem United, Inc. is a non-profit organization that preserves, protects and builds black history, and has a very important goal that believes in diversity and inclusion. The board is very diverse, as they believe that Black History is American History. For events held by Salem United Inc, they believe strongly that all should feel included. One of the biggest and most important events hosted by this organization is Negro Election Day which will be celebrating it's 284th anniversary next year. It represents the first black voting system in the United States. This event started in Saugus in 1740 and became too big for the venue, so it was moved the Salem Willows. They want young people to feel even though the event is 283 years old; they will see themselves in the day.
Beyond these events, the organization presents at schools and maintains important historical landmarks like headstones for former slaves. Doreen finds herself working often with organizations and businesses to raise awareness about the current state of black history and how it is being erased, altered or otherwise whitewashed in today's educational world. Doreen envisions Salem following her hometown of Cambridge's lead in terms of race relations, and notes that while Salem is very inclusive for other groups, that is not true for the black population. A large part of this push is working with the community to educate the city about the current state of race relations in the city, and also presenting at organizations like the Salem Rotary. Doreen was open about her own experiences as a black woman in Salem and how she does not always feel included in the Salem community. One difficult story she shared was when she wanted to open a museum for people of color. She was told that her services would be better put to use in The Point. The presentation was truly an eye opening experience.
AS THE ROTARY WORLD TURNS...
From DG Lori Karas
September is Basic Education and Literacy month. Have you been thinking you'd like to learn more about volunteering with one of the District committees? Perhaps Membership, Public Image (PI), Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI), the Environment, or Foundation are among your passions. Maybe you're a past president of your club and you've thought - how do I become an Assistant Governor (AG)? You're in luck - as you'll be able to learn, share, explore and sign up when you attend the September 14th 6:30PM Zoom event. To attend, follow this link to sign up https://rotary7930.org/event/help-wanted/
Maui Wildfire Relief
August 9, 2023, was a tragic day for our fellow Rotarians, their families and friends on the Island of Maui. The fires across the island have changed lives forever. The Marblehead Harbor Rotary is sending our love and support to all of those impacted by the devastating wildfires.
As people of action, we are following suit with many others and taking immediate action. We need to Create Hope for Maui.
Through the Rotary District 5000 Foundation, a relief fund has been established. Foundation President Dave Hamil and Treasurer Sharon Amano will handle all donations.
A committee will be organized shortly to find the greatest needs for distribution of monies. A single fund will be the most helpful over time to provide the most significant benefits.
From August 23 - September 23 the Marblehead Harbor Rotary will be donating all club "happy dollars" to the Maui Fire Relief Fund and encourages all who can, to also make a contribution, in any amount.
DUTCH DRINKS is BACK!!
The Landing
Blaney Street
Salem
Visiting Rotarians & Guests
No visitors this week but we had great attendance.
Calendar winner!
Jennifer MacAllister sold by Diane Pabich
50:50 Raffle
$100
Alex Sanchez and Jake Segal played this week. Gerrit did not record the drawing. No winners!
ROTARIAN NEWS
Gerrit Bradley reported on the floods in Leominster which he narrowly missed, mostly because he left his place in New Hampshire later than intended. Some other foolish vehicles followed his lead in skirting around the traffic caused by the floods.
Bob Anthony shared the story of his afternoon out with his grandsons from Plattsburgh. His oldest grandson had called with tickets to the Sox-Yanks game on Monday. His other grandson called later to say that he and his wife would also be going to the game. On the way to the game, they got a call from Bob's son saying that their mom was in the hospital after a mild heart issue. The game ended up being cancelled and was going on as Rotary met.
Tim Clarke returned to Rotary for the first time in a while. He had surgery for a detached retina, which had to be repeated a month later. He's happy to report that he's doing well. He went to a wedding on Labor Day Weekend in which the sister of the bride was the officiant. The couple had met online even though they lived right next to each other in the same apartment building with a shared wall.
Jason Consalvo is older. And present at Rotary. And older.
Matt Ingram explained what the Birthday Fund is used for and encouraged everyone to remember to send their birthday checks in (or pay online).
Club Events & Announcements
LifeBridge Dinner
56 Margin Street
September 13, 2023
Our next LifeBridge dinner is coming up tomorrow night and there is room for ONE more volunteer. Contact Gerrit Bradley if you're interested.
18 Washington Square
Salem, MA 01970 United States of America
NOTE: The fourth Tuesday of the month is an evening meeting, beginning at 5:15.
If you are interested in learning more about Salem Rotary, please email president@salemrotary.com.
50:50 Raffle
LifeBridge Dinner
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