Activism
By Mary Berninger
When asked
to explain community activism, it would be simple to claim a desire to
improve roads, to plant more trees, to lobby agencies for respect or
funding, and to advocate for the young and elderly among us – and all are
necessary for the well-being of a community. But those are tangible aspects
to activism. It’s the intangible that also deserves mention.
Newcomers to
East Boston may wonder about the strength that is the fabric of our
neighborhood. Simply, our strength comes from those who came before us and
instilled a love of family and community that knows no rival. Our strength
will grow as each generation assumes the responsibility of teaching its
young what really matters in an increasingly detached world. Many leave
Eastie to find an elusive better place. Those who stay and those who return
to reestablish their roots know there is a special connectedness that comes
from living here.
East Boston
is a special place where families are raised and where friendships are
strong. A small community in many ways, Eastie has lost many good people
recently, all of whom are survived by lasting legacies of family and
friends, and their absence has left this neighborhood with voids that will
be slow to fill. Yet their passing has also served to reinforce what East
Boston has always been and what it will continue to be: a community where
people matter first and care about each other.
Our young
people understand that there will always be strong mentors to help them to
master academics, to excel at sports or to navigate the challenges of
becoming parents themselves. The elderly among us know that they are never
forgotten by their community and that they will be respected and cherished
as the years present different sets of challenges. East Boston’s reputation
as a nurturing community knows no bounds and that is our strength, too.
Many people
of various backgrounds are active in community affairs: homeowners and
renters; small business owners; city and state employees; single, married
and widowed individuals. All bring a unique talent or perspective, but all
have a love of community at heart and want to see the strengths that are
East Boston continue to grow.
Those who
have left us prematurely knew that love of community and were an integral
part of the fabric of the neighborhood. They will be sorely missed. We can
honor their memory best by remembering their contributions and striving to
emulate how they gave back to Eastie.