Letter to the Editor

Building a Wall of Respect for Women

To the Editor:

The recent destruction of the Wall of Respect for Women painted on the side of the Brooks Pharmacy in Davis Square provides an opportunity for the community to come together and create a new mural honoring women who have made an impact in the City of Somerville and beyond.

While this publication has been critical of Alderman {Rebekah} Gewirtz‚Äôs response to the destruction of the Wall of Respect for Women, it is not the appropriate time to criticize her tardy response.  (The appropriate time to discuss her response to this issue is the next election cycle).  Alderman Gewirtz has been in contact with Brooks Pharmacy, and is working with the Arts Council and the Women‚Äôs Commission to create a new mural honoring outstanding women in Somerville. 

Alderman Gewirtz should be sure that the design of the new mural is the subject of public participation and comment.  Holding two or three public meetings about the design of the new mural and how we can further honor women in Somerville will create the silver lining to the cloud of destruction that Brooks Pharmacy brought upon the City of Somerville.  If these steps are taken, the new Wall of Respect for Women will represent more than just paint on a concrete wall.  (I am not suggesting that the former mural was merely paint on a concrete wall).  It will represent the promotion of a culture of honoring women and striving for gender equality in government, the work place, and civic life.

The true test of Alderman Gewirtz‚Äôs leadership and vision will be the resolution of the destruction of the Wall of Respect for Women.  I hope that she reaches out to the community in Ward Six and beyond and successfully creates a new mural honoring women that all Somerville residents can be proud of.

Dominic Santos
80 Grant Street, Unit #3
Somerville, MA 02145