Mayor Ballantyne Message for Welcoming Week

Diversity is our strength. Throughout Somerville’s long history of welcoming immigrants, our residents have come here from across the globe, and together we have all made our city thrive. Our reasons for migrating may vary, but what we all share is hope. We hope for a better life for ourselves and our families. We hope for safety. We hope that through hard work and determination we can all achieve the American dream. We hope that we too can contribute to our common good.

As we wrap up Welcoming Week, as an immigrant myself and as Mayor, I’m more than proud that our community values are to welcome and support our newcomers, because we understand the power of lending a hand as folks gain their footing. We not only respect but celebrate and learn from our differences. We recognize the contributions we each make to our community, our economy, and the quality of our lives. And we seek positive solutions and connections rather than giving in to the call to hate and division.

When I ask community members the question, “what are we aspiring for?” I so often hear that we want Somerville to lead and be a model of inclusion, of peace, of community. When I ask what folks like about Somerville, diversity is always right on top. In Somerville, we can be proud that Welcoming Week is not just a brief celebration, but the foundation of our values year-round – and always. As we move through these difficult times, let us make space for others, let us listen intently, and let us build a better Somerville for all.