Northshore magazine showcases the best that the North Shore of Boston, MA has to offer.
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I N - D E P T H the three quickly recognized a desire from the wider community to engage in anti-racist work, and created an associated Facebook page for allies, which has ballooned to more than 2,000 followers. Those social media connections are important, but the three women have wasted no time bringing their mission out of the virtual and into the real world, despite the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic. In June, MVBBV helped to host a socially distanced outdoor Black Lives Matter vigil at the North Andover Youth Center, and shortly thereafter, held a Juneteenth celebration and rally. Juneteenth is an annual holiday marking the end of slavery in the United States. MVBBV is clearly filling a need on the North Shore, and it's a challenge the cofounders have embraced wholeheartedly. "It's been an unexpected career change," says Walther- Grant, who also works as an esthetician and makeup artist. She says MVBBV hopes to host many more community-building events in the contact mvbbvoices.org future, in addition to making the Juneteenth commemoration an annual celebration, especially if the pandemic retreats and allows for normal gatherings to take place. Meantime, the organization has adapted to the times, hosting a series of outdoor marketplaces—by appointment only to ensure social distancing—featuring Black and brown-owned businesses, selling everything from skincare products and African-inspired clothing to photography and locally roasted coffee. With the weather turning too cold for outdoor events, MVBBV will be moving that event to a virtual marketplace, accessible via their website and Facebook pages, through the spring. The organization also lists a continually updated directory of Black and brown-owned businesses on their website. Recognizing that BIPOC are disproportionately affected by the pandemic, from shutdowns of local businesses to technology needs for kids who suddenly have to learn virtually, MVBBV has also raised thousands of dollars to support local Black and brown families in need. "Given COVID-19, we know people are really struggling this year," Walther-Grant says. An MVBBV technology fundraiser this fall provided backpacks full of school supplies to 30 families, and put laptops or tablets in the hands of 20 kids. At press time, a Thanksgiving dinner gift-card drive was ongoing, and plans were in the works for a holiday gift fundraiser as well. And all of this is still just the start—the organization has applied for 501(c)(3) status, to become a tax-exempt nonprofit, and has future goals to amplify Black and brown voices in local education and politics, alongside celebrating and connecting with other BIPOC. "We see the long-term needs of the community. There's definitely a lot that we need to push for, and buckle down and help with," Walther-Grant says. "We're excited, since we're only about five months in now, to see where this goes in the future." Professional. Fast. Reliable. Call today! 973.771.8082 COVID-19 Safety and Sanitation Certified! Cleaning Services North Shore Cleaning Company • Commercial • Residential • Carpets • Windows • Event Cleanup • Post-Construction Cleanup • And much more northshorecleaningcompany.com | northshorecleaning@paisanohg.com