As white folks living in Leeds, we have felt deeply concerned that our, mostly white, neighborhood has been relying on systems of oppression as a guise to “clean up the river.”
We do not condone calling the police for noise or trash concerns – there have been 34 calls by early July. We are in a time of reimagining the local police budget, which we believe could include visions for safe and clean river access for all.
Here are our concerns:
*This is a systemic issue. There is overwhelming research that BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) are disproportionately impacted by class and can therefore not afford to purchase bucolic properties such as the residences on the Leeds riverfront.
*Anytime we white folks rely on the police we, accidentally or not, can cause unmeasurable harm.
*We, as white settlers, are living on Nipmuc/Pocumtuc stolen land. So this river isn’t ours to restrict access to in the first place.
*This is an environmental justice issue. Yes, the trash has increased and it is vital that we care for this river and land the best that we can, especially as white settlers. We must also acknowledge that we cannot be environmental activists without including a racial justice lens.
*We have compassion for the discomfort that is involved in unpacking our own racism. For us it continues to be a lifelong process. We believe we can solve this without calling the police and/or restricting river access.
It is clear that many enjoy the pleasure and beauty of living in and visiting Leeds. Maybe you will consider these questions with us: What would it feel like for our neighborhood to enjoy this gem and move into acceptance of our summer visitors? What would it feel like to experience the joy and relief that these waters provide together?
Al McKusick
Eliza Daniels
Leeds