LETTER: Gratitude for 4th grade graduation and anti-racism achievements
June 19, 2024 | By Maroni Minter
Maroni Minter with his son, Ezekiel. Courtesy photo
Dear Waterbury community,
Thursday, June 13th, brought immense pride and reflection as we gathered to celebrate fourth-grade graduation from Brookside Primary School. Yes, my son graduated!
This certificate of achievement is more than a recognition of academic success; it is a symbol of the positive change and progress we have collectively achieved in our community. Just three years ago, our beloved school was known as Thatcher Brook Primary School, a name that honored a former slave owner. It was clear to many of us that this did not reflect the inclusive and equitable community we strive to be.
Together, with the Waterbury Area Anti-Racism Coalition (WAARC) that I co-founded, we embarked on a journey to change the school’s name. Through community listening sessions, education, and heartfelt advocacy, we made the case for why this change was necessary. For me, it was personal—I did not want my Black son to attend a school named after a slave owner. Today, as I see him proudly holding his graduation certificate from Brookside Primary School, my heart swells with pride. But this achievement is not just about a name change. It signifies the power of community involvement and the importance of having leaders who embrace and drive change.
Waterbury stands as evidence that when you are committed to change, you can create a community that truly reflects the values of equality and justice. To the Waterbury community members, thank you for embracing the change and for being part of the change. Thanks for being on my side and making sure my voice was heard. As I move to Boston to build a new community, I am proud of the fingerprints I have left on the positive transformation we are witnessing here in Waterbury. Thanks to WAARC and the tireless efforts of its members, we have shifted the makeup of the select board, moving away from what I once called the “old white men club.”
Running a campaign for a candidate whose name wasn’t on the ballot (Roger Clapp)— something I was told had never been done in the history of any campaign—was worth it. It was my determination to defeat candidates who would vote against what I stood for. I was also looking to the future and the change we could make if we elect someone who would embody that change.
Roger Clapp, thank you for serving, and for taking on the leadership of the board chair. This new leadership has paved the way for the progress we see today. I am honored to have played a role in this change and to have worked alongside so many dedicated individuals.
To the members of WAARC, you should all be proud of the strides we have made together. I am grateful for your continued commitment to this vital work. Racism still exists, and we must remain steadfast in our efforts to combat it. Our journey does not end here—onward we go!
With gratitude and pride,
Maroni Minter
Waterbury/Boston