Human Rights Committee Welcomes First City Councilors Of Color

NEEDHAM, MA — The Human Rights Commission in Newton publicly welcomed Needham's new city councilors, Lakshmi Balachandra and Marcus Nelson, to their roles.

"As the first people of color to be elected to the Board, we are excited to collaborate with this diverse body to continue our mission of making Needham a more inclusive and welcoming place for all who reside, work and visit our community," the letter from the HRC reads.

The HRC said the addition of Balachandra and Nelson will help to further the initiatives of the Needham United Against Racism Initiative, which calls to create a community "free of racism, racial bias, prejudice, and discrimination. "

“For the first time in the history of Needham, we are experiencing what NUARI named as guiding principle 1(a): people of color will see others of color in leadership roles in government, business, the school system, and civic groups," the letter says.

The HRC thanked Maurice Handel and John Bulian, the city councilors who will not be returning, for their service to the town and their commitment to human rights. Handel came in third in the city's election and Bulian did not seek reelection.

“The business of advocating for human rights in Needham is deeply enhanced by having many different perspectives represented in analyzing any situation," the commission said in the letter. "Today we have more voices than ever at the table to do this work. The Needham Human Rights Committee is eager to continue to join forces with the Select Board to amplify community concerns and protect human rights."