Projects
Reading Remembrance Tour
The Reading Remembrance Tour is a biannual event held in downtown Reading a unique exploration of various historical spots that hold significance to the community. This immersive experience provides participants with the opportunity to connect with the town’s diverse and compelling history, particularly shedding light on the stories of Black and enslaved individuals.
For those unable to attend the physical tour, an online version has been thoughtfully curated, allowing residents and community members to take the tour at any time. This virtual platform extends accessibility, enabling individuals to engage with Reading's history from the comfort of their own spaces. The online tour serves as an inclusive resource that promotes continuous learning and a deeper understanding of the town's heritage.
Whether experienced in person or virtually, the Reading Remembrance Tour stands as a testament to the community's dedication to preserving and sharing its history. Through these initiatives, Reading continues to build connections, promote understanding, and celebrate the diversity of its residents, contributing to the ongoing narrative of a community united by its past and present.
Bill Russell Projects
The efforts of The Coalition of Us (CATO) in working on various projects related to Bill Russell are both commendable and crucial for fostering awareness, understanding, and positive change within the community of Reading. By screening the Netflix documentary, CATO is providing a platform to showcase the experiences of a prominent figure and, in doing so, bringing attention to the historical realities of racial mistreatment that Bill Russell and his family faced while living in Reading.
Conversations facilitated by CATO around these projects create spaces for community members to engage in meaningful dialogue. Discussing the mistreatment faced by Bill Russell and his family is an important step toward acknowledging historical injustices and working collectively towards a more inclusive and respectful community.
Moreover, CATO's commitment to ensuring that the town properly honors Bill Russell's legacy reflects a broader dedication to recognizing the impact of historical discrimination and striving for a more equitable future. By actively engaging with these projects, CATO is contributing to a narrative that values transparency, education, and progress.
In essence, the work that CATO is undertaking not only sheds light on the mistreatment faced by a prominent resident but also serves as a catalyst for broader conversations about racial equity, justice, and community healing. By addressing these issues head-on, CATO is playing a vital role in shaping a community that learns from its history and actively works toward creating a more inclusive and respectful environment for all.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service
The Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service is an annual event designed to honor the legacy of courage, peace, and justice championed by the civil rights icon. Members of the CATO - The Coalition of Us actively participated in supporting various facets of the LMK Jr. Day of Service hosted at Reading Memorial High School. This Day of Service aims to serve as a comprehensive educational opportunity for the community, engaging students from all public schools in Reading to share their knowledge with their families and the broader community.
The event is organized by the Office of Equity and Social Justice, along with students from the Students of Color and Allies For Equity, Justice, and Inclusion (SOCA4EJI) group. They oversee the day’s proceedings, introducing various student groups that deliver speeches and performances celebrating Black role models who have been historically underrepresented. The hallways adjacent to the Performing Arts Center features a district-wide art project showcasing Black figures across diverse fields, including sports, music, disabilities, and more.
Juneteenth Celebrations
Juneteenth is an annual celebration marking the formal end of slavery in the United States, celebrated following the arrival of emancipation news in Texas after the conclusion of the Civil War and the issuance of President Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation. Since 2021, the Town of Reading has hosted an annual Freedom Festival on the Town Common. This event features Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) vendors and organizers with missions centered on anti-racism and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility (DEIA), alongside live music performances and DJs.
CATO - The Coalition of Us, participates by hosting a table to showcase our community work, promoting upcoming events, recruiting new members, establishing connections with anti-racist groups in neighboring towns, and engaging with community members on fostering a more inclusive and welcoming environment for individuals from all backgrounds.
