Local chapter of Showing Up For Racial Justice established

BIDDEFORD — In a time where many American citizens have decided enough is enough, demonstrations have broken out across the country in a fight for equal rights. Although this is a country wide fight, change is being fought for within each community.

Locally, action is being taken by an activist group called Standing Up for Racial Justice, or SURJ. SURJ is a nationwide organization made up of “chapters” which are small groups in communities across the states. Delilah Poupore and Holly Culloton of Biddeford and Sandy Katz of Saco have created the local chapter.

During a June protest in Biddeford regarding the death of George Floyd, the three realized that there was a passion to improve the community’s treatment of Black, Indigenous and people of color. According to Culloton, the group has gained over 90 members within the last few weeks. The 90 plus members have begun to find the balance between education and action.

By organizing protests and setting goals, the group aims to create change while also taking time to read informative speeches and literature from authors of color as a way of group education. The Saco/Biddeford SURJ chapter has created a Facebook page, where locals can learn about meetings, protests, and can join the movement.

The local chapter has responded to many of the national concerns in regard to the Black Lives Matter movement. To maintain proper social distancing the two prior meetings have been held over zoom and the protesters at the protest were asked to stand in Hula Hoops which had been placed six feet apart. Poupore said that SURJ strives for “steady progress,” and the goal is to create a linear progression through peaceful and planned action.

 “We have reached a critical point in this country, and around the world really, where we must stop just talking about racism and intolerance, and get to work saving lives and creating a world that is just and fair for BIPOC,” said Culloton.

Some of the current issues the local group has discussed are education and policing, however the chapter is still too new to have a set idea of what the local community needs. Symbolism throughout the communities is one issue that has however been brought to the attention of the group, said organizers. Paralleling the removal of confederate statues in the south, SURJ is working toward removing inaccurate depictions and symbols of Native Americans in our communities. The local chapter is in contact with organizations that display plaques in an attempt to try and update any inaccurate information about Native American history.

The group believes that by slowly changing the systems and broken parts of our society, it is possible to provoke a positive change and produce racial justice.

 “It will require days, weeks, years, decades of action to dismantle this entrenched system of racism that has been in existence for centuries,” said Culloton.

As 94.4% of Maine is made of Caucasians, it is important to understand that the community must gather white people to follow the leadership of Black, Indigenous and people of color said Poupore. She said the group wants community members who are Black, Indigenous and People of Color are aware that “they are welcome, integral parts of the community and that we believe addressing systemic racism is part of making a welcoming community.”

Emily Hedegard is a student at Thornton Academy.