North Shore NAACP Looks To Host Marblehead Candidate Forum

MARBLEHEAD, MA — The North Shore Chapter of the NAACP is looking to bring racial justice and equality issues to the forefront of the crowded campaign for Select Board.

The branch said it has invited all 15 candidates for the five spots to participate in a forum to "identify those candidates who confidently champion and value civil rights and values of the American founding principles of equality for all."

Branch Director Natalie Bowers will moderate the discussion that is being developed "after hearing from many of our members who reside in Marblehead and other Marblehead stakeholders who are deeply concerned about issues of fairness, justice and equality."

The branch cites recent racially charged incidents within the town for the need for a specific forum focusing on those issues.

While candidate forums are generally conducted by the town parties or the League of Women Voters, Swampscott's campaign also included a forum from the Swampscott Antiracist Caucus.

"This is a new approach that we hope will provide a helpful platform to have this important discussion," the NAACP said.

The event is scheduled for 6 p.m. on June 7 at the North Shore NAACP Branch. The forum will be available for all residents to watch on Zoom.

"We approach this forum with much excitement and hope to facilitate a meaningful and worthwhile discussion that will help our Marblehead constituency make informed voting decisions," the NAACP said.

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(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)

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