BELCHERTOWN — Eight years after its formation, Belchertown CAN! will host a community feast to stand against hate and bigotry.
The event, One People Potluck, will be held Jan. 16 at the Belchertown School cafeteria from 4:30 to 7 p.m.
“A few of us were sitting around feeling angry about the level of hate and bigotry that had resulted since the election and around the election time,” said Cliff McCarthy, a member of the Belchertown CAN! “We started thinking what could we do? What can we do to take a proactive stand and not wait around for something ugly to happen?”
McCarthy said the group was formed in 2009 in response to President Barack Obama’s call for community service. The organization’s first event was a food drive.
Gail Gramarossa, a founding member of Belchertown CAN!, reiterated McCarthy’s sentiment about the need for the community meal.
“In seeking an appropriate response to the increased level of bigotry and hate recently, we were attracted by the idea that cooking and sharing foods have always been essential parts of the way families and communities have come together in crisis,” Gramarossa said in a news release.
Food, McCarthy explained, was one of those things that brings the community together all throughout history.
“The idea of breaking bread with your neighbor is a way to get past differences with your neighbor and build a sense of camaraderie,” he said.
The meal will be a potluck style diner and those wishing to attend are asked to create a simple meal to share with others. The event is free but donations will be accepted to offset the costs of the event, with additional monies going to the Southern Poverty Law Center or other organizations working in the fight against hate, according to the organization.
In addition to the meal, a representative from the state attorney general’s office as well as local officials are expected to speak.
“We’re hoping to learn some things about the nature of hate crimes and bigotry and the actions that people can take when they see something happening to try and ameliorate the situation,” McCarthy said.
Those who plan on attending and will be bringing a dish are asked to call 413-283-9912. Information about the event is also available on the group’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/BELCHERTOWNCAN.
Emily Cutts can be reached at ecutts@gazettenet.com.