The nine panelists participating in Bedford Embraces Diversity’s virtual forum Wednesday evening represent half-a-century and almost three generations of life in Bedford for people of color.
The event is scheduled for Wednesday, June 10 at 7:30 p.m. on the Zoom platform. To gain access, persons may register by writing [email protected].
Bedford Embraces Diversity, now in its eighth year, organized the discussion in an attempt to enlighten residents about the visceral impact of current events, explained by those who experience them most directly.
Panelists are expected to relate personal experiences, explain the significance of the outrage sweeping the country over the deaths of unarmed Black citizens, and paths to a better future.
Here are brief biographies of the participants in the forum:
Zaria Brewington attended Bedford Public Schools between kindergarten and high school under the auspices of the Metco program, graduating in 2018. She began her college career at Norfolk, VA State University before returning to study closer to home. Zaria is a sophomore at Bridgewater State University majoring in criminal justice. She hopes to serve as an agent for the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Dwayne Clachar, also a Metco student, played football and basketball and served as a peer leader at BHS, graduating in 2009. He earned his undergraduate degree in communications and a master’s degree in sports leadership from Northeastern University. Dewayne is director of athletics for the non-profit All-Dorchester Sports and Leadership and has served on the basketball coaching staff at state-champion Tech Boston Academy for 10 seasons.
Jason Chisholm, a 1992 BHS graduate, lived with his family at Hanscom Air Force base during his student years. He resides in Rochester, MA, with his family and is a manager with Microsoft Corp.
Kyle Draper has nearly 20 years’ experience as a television broadcast professional. His face is familiar to thousands as host of Celtics Pregame and Postgame Live on NBC Sports Boston. He also has served as a play-by-play announcer and sideline reporter for Celtics telecasts. Previously he worked at television stations in Kentucky, Washington, and Wisconsin. Kyle is a self-proclaimed basketball junkie who dedicates time helping young journalists work towards their dream.
Claudia Fox Tree teaches courses and workshops on transforming curriculum and culturally responsive teaching practices and leads conversations “un-erasing” Native American First Nations People. Claudia has been a middle school special education teacher for over 30 years and has taught social justice courses at the college level for more than 25 years. She earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology and anthropology from the University of Massachusetts, Boston, and a master’s degree in education from Northeastern University.
Robin Grace, a Boston native, and a 27-year Bedford resident, worked as an international and domestic tour manager for many years. She is an elected member of the Board of Library Trustees and has a long resume of volunteer leadership with the schools, Carleton-Willard Village, and other boards. Robin holds a master of science degree in journalism earned at Boston University. She is married to Ed Silbert and has two sons who attended Bedford Public Schools.
Scott Jones, a 33-year veteran of the Bedford Police Department, is currently the detective lieutenant and the department’s civil rights officer. Scott has a bachelor of science degree in criminal justice and a master’s degree in public administration both from Northeastern University. He is also a graduate of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) National Academy.
Justin McAfee, a Metco alumnus, graduated in 2012 from BHS, where he had a distinguished career in basketball and football. He attended Johnson & Wales University and for the past year has worked as a campus aide and an assistant football and basketball coach at his He is now on the varsity football coaching staff at his alma mater.
Terrence Parker, a resident for 50 years, was the first African American chair of the Middlesex County Bar Association and the Massachusetts Bar Association Young Leaders Division. After graduating from UMass Amherst with a degree in communication studies, Terrence earned his J.D. at Suffolk University School of Law. He is a former president of the Rotary Club of Bedford.
Loading ...
