Winter Walk Boston, taking place on February 12, was among three upcoming events discussed at the recent meeting of the Somerville Human Rights Commission.

By Ana Celerier Salcedo

On Wednesday, January 25, the Racial and Social Justice Department Human Rights Commission of the City of Somerville met virtually to discuss the upcoming Boston Winter Walk, Spring into Action event, and Turtle Island project.

Deputy Director of Winter Walk Boston, Amanda Grant Rose, attended the meeting to discuss upcoming details regarding the event. The Winter Walk is an initiative to raise awareness, break stigma, and funds to help end homelessness. It is an annual two mile walk on February 12, the coldest month of the year.

Last year approximately 2300 participated, and this year 3000 participants are anticipated. Rose mentioned that those interested could register using the winter walk website: https://winterwalk.org. Rose said the walk is open to all and is family and pet friendly.

Following the discussion of the Winter Walk, the agenda of the meeting shifted to speaking about the Spring into Action event, which will be returning to Somerville in 2023. All proceeds from the event will benefit Somerville Homeless Coalition clients facing homelessness, eviction, and food insecurity.

One of the final points on the agenda was the Turtle Island project budget and next steps. Present at the meeting was Jessica Boston Davis, who serves as the Interim Assistant Superintendent for Academics at the Somerville Public Schools. Davis provided insight into some of the next steps for the turtle Island project.

The Turtle Island Project is an art display showing North America as a turtle in honor of the indigenous tribes. Previously the $500 budget for the project was approved, and the project was seeking a group of pre-k or kindergarten students to help create a mural for the project. Davis added that the logistics would be in the works until she receives a formal description of the project, time, and location where the mural will be painted.