June 13 proclaimed ‘Race Amity Day’ in Wareham

In an effort to acknowledge the town’s “multicultural, multiethnic and multiracial citizens” and promote the goals of “friendship, collegiality, civility, respect and kindness,” Wareham will observe Race Amity Day annually on the second Sunday in June.

This year, Race Amity day will fall on June 13. 

During a June 1 meeting, the Board of Selectmen introduced a proclamation establishing an annual Race Amity Day with no additional comment beyond reading the proclamation. 

Race Amity Day is part of an initiative out of The National Center for Race Amity. The Boston-based organization, which has been around since 2010, is ultimately working toward establishing a National Race Amity Day. But, in the meantime, it has encouraged communities across the country to begin observing Race Amity Day independently on the second Sunday in June. 

On Race Amity Day, citizens are encouraged to “join in introspection and reflection on the beauty and richness of the diverse peoples of this great nation while reaching out with a spirit of amity toward one another,” according to the proclamation. 

The Board of Selectmen urged “the citizens of the Town of Wareham to take cognizance of this event and participate fittingly in its observance,” Selectman Judith Whiteside said, reading the proclamation. 

The National Center for Race Amity suggests a variety of ways people can observe the day, including hosting a Race Amity Day potluck, hanging a Race Amity Day banner, hosting a Race Amity observation on the steps of Town Hall or holding a Race Amity Day 2k run/walk. For more information about Race Amity Day and to learn more ways to participate, visit: www.raceamity.org/race-amity-day-overview