Words and symbols have come under intense scrutiny during the national debate on racial justice and conversations in Saugus and Swampscott show that even small towns aren’t exempt from uncomfortable discussions.
Saugus Board of Selectmen Chairman Anthony Cogliano invoked town pride and tradition to criticize suggestions that the Sachem Indian head symbol should no longer be displayed. The Sachem looms large on the side of the new high school where it was painted under letters spelling out, “Home of the Sachems.”
It’s a safe bet to say Cogliano spoke for many people in Saugus, and around the country, when he said “tearing down the past” is not the way to bring about racial justice.
That’s not how Zena Osman sees it. The George Washington University student said the Sachem symbol she proudly wore as a Saugus high school athlete represents an “appropriation” of someone else’s culture — a culture “eradicated,” in Osman’s view — when Europeans settled along the riverlands that became Saugus.
In Swampscott, the debate over words challenged the degree to which town residents are willing to analyze the state of racial justice locally. Suggestions to erect “Everyone is welcome here” signs and form an inequality study task force earned sober analysis from Select Board Chairman Peter Spellios.
The town must “manifest itself in actions” if it honestly wants to embrace racial justice, said Spellios. He pointed out during a Wednesday meeting how the ranks of 66 town public safety workers include two women and two persons of color.
Racial justice debates have filled local streets and challenged elected officials’ roles. People who approve town budgets and liquor license requests are now being asked, if not ordered, to frame a debate on whether or not their community talks about or, to use Spellios’ words, manifests equality and inclusivity.
Spellios could have been talking about Saugus as well as Swampscott on Wednesday when he said racial justice conversations for elected officials and the people who elected them cannot simply be “… a passing dialogue.”
The time for hollow words about race and justice has passed. The time for making sure actions on race are truly just is drawing near.
