History

JP Forum on Apr. 4: It’s Time to Change the State’s Racist Flag & Seal

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The next Jamaica Plain Forum will be discussing how to change Massachusetts' official flag and seal, which is regarded as a symbol of white supremacy. "The current flag and seal, which features a Colonial broadsword held in a white hand over the head of a composite 'Ideal Native American,' is one of two state flags in the United States that remains controversial due to its representation of white supremacy," says the Jamaica Plain Forum website. (The other state is Mississippi, which still uses the Confederate Stars and Bars.)

For more than 30 years there has been proposed legislation to establish a special commission to review the state flag and seal, while working with Native American leaders of the Commonwealth to create a new flag and seal. This year state Rep. Nika Elugardo, D-15th Suffolk District, co-filed a bill to establish the commission. Elugardo is one of the scheduled speakers for the April 4th forum.

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Business

10 Jamaica Plain Nonprofits to Support on #GivingTuesday

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First there was Thanksgiving, then came Black Friday, then Cyber Monday, which were then followed by the virtuous #GivingTuesday. #GivingTuesday is an international day of giving before we get into the commercialized holiday season -- and here are just a few Jamaica Plain nonprofits that help the community in many ways. All of these nonprofits accept donations in different forms and many are also eager to have volunteers donate their time to help their programs. Please contact them for more info. Bikes Not Bombs (284 Amory St. and 18 Bartlett Square) is a unique local nonprofit that "uses the bicycle as a vehicle for social change."

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