Social Activism in Biddeford & Saco
Social activism is working with other people to bring about a change in society
The word “social” refers both to “society” and to the idea that the activism fosters opportunities for participation. It reflects a personal choice to engage in society. Activism refers to action taken challenging those in power to bring about change that will benefit the greater good.
Biddeford Saco area Showing Up for Racial Justice (SURJ) is part of the national SURJ organization. SURJ mobilizes white people for justice across the country.
Oct 2022 - Migrant Justice
Several local SURJ members protesting at the Saco Hannaford in support of Migrant Justice for Milk with Dignity.
“It was powerful to show up at Hannaford with you and some others to protest their support for farms that mistreat migrant workers. Upsetting that it didn’t shift them, as far as I know. But still important to do.”
“Participating in Biddeford/Saco SURJ events over the last few years has brought a valuable sense of solidarity to my activism. Standing for racial justice with like-minded community members reminds me that there is nothing radical about wanting a better world for all people, and that there is nothing radical about condemning the injustice, direct or
systemic, that stands in opposition to that vision.”
Anti-Fascism Rally - Oct. 2023
There was a good turnout at mechanics park for SURJ’s Fighting Hate Together Rally.
George Floyd Protest - June 2020
First event held by Biddeford Saco Area SURJ, attended by about 300 people.
Ceasefire Protest - March 2024
BSA SURJ holds weekly Ceasefire Protests in front of Susan Collins’ office in Biddeford most Friday afternoons from 5-6pm.
This research was compiled as part of The Inclusive Walking Tour, which took place in Biddeford on October 27, 2024. For more information about this walk, click here.
For more research related to this area, click on the tags below. To download a hi-res version of the posters below for educational use, please contact where@atlanticblackbox.com.
This walk was a collaboration between Community Change Inc., Biddeford Saco area Showing Up for Racial Justice (SURJ), Heart of Biddeford, the City of Biddeford, and Atlantic Black Box.