CATO - The Coalition of Us

02/23/2026

Black History Month is more than a celebration — it’s a reminder.

A reminder of resilience.
A reminder of brilliance.
A reminder that Black history is American history.

From the courage of Harriet Tubman to the dream of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., to the excellence we see every single day in our communities — we stand on powerful shoulders.

This month, I honor the past, celebrate the present, and commit to building a future rooted in justice, equity, and opportunity for all.

01/19/2026

01/19/2026

MLK Day is more than a moment of remembrance—it’s a call to serve.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s vision challenges us to turn reflection into action. Today and every day, CATO is committed to uplifting communities, confronting inequity, and working toward a more just and inclusive future.

Let’s honor Dr. King by continuing the work.

08/11/2025

Step into history. Spark a conversation.

Join us on Saturday, Sept. 27 for a private tour of the Royall House & Slave Quarters in Medford — one of the only surviving slave quarters in the North.

🚌 Transportation from Reading Public Library
🥪 Light lunch & community discussion with CATO Director Philmore Phillip II to follow.

$20 tour | Optional $20 bus donation
📩 Register by Aug. 22: [email protected]

A powerful experience that connects our past to the future we’re building together.

08/06/2025

CATO Conversation

🗓️ Sat, Sept 27 | 🚌 Departing Reading Public Library at 9:30 AM

Step into history with a private tour of the Royall House & Slave Quarters — a rare look at one of the North’s only remaining slave quarters.
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Afterward, enjoy a light lunch and dive into a thoughtful, fun, and engaging discussion led by CATO Director Philmore Phillip II.
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💵 $20 Tour | Optional $20 for bus
📧 RSVP by Aug 22: [email protected]
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Come learn, reflect, and connect — this isn’t just history, it’s our story.

02/28/2025

The Final Day of Black History Month—But Not the End of the Journey! ✊🏾🎉

As Black History Month comes to a close, we challenge you to keep the momentum going! Our CATO Bingo Card is still here to help you reflect, learn, and take action beyond February. How many squares did you complete?

🎯 Last chance to play! → Click here

💡 Ways to participate:
✅ Check off any remaining squares & explore new resources
✅ Share what you’ve learned using
✅ Keep the conversations going—Black history is every day!

This month is just the beginning. Let’s carry this energy forward, together! 💪🏾🔥

02/23/2025

CATO invites you to our 5th Annual Black History Month Takeover Event! This year, we’re challenging the way we engage with Black history—moving beyond the usual narratives to celebrate, reflect, and learn in a deeper, more meaningful way.

🎯 Join the challenge! Play along with our interactive BINGO card → Click here to get started!

📌 How to participate:
✅ Follow, like & share: FB @ CATO - The Coalition of Us
✅ Click each square on the virtual board for powerful resources
✅ Share your experience using

Let’s honor Black history beyond the basics. Are you in? 💡🔥

02/20/2025

Happy Black History Month! Welcome to CATO’s 5th Annual Black History Month Take Over Event - click here for interactive bingo card https://bit.ly/CATOBHM25.
This month the goal of CATO is to change the way we view and experience Black History Month. Too often, the narratives of Black history during BHM are oversimplified, repetitive, and/or whitewashed. So we invite you to go further, to celebrate, reflect, and learn with our CATO Bingo Card.
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- Follow, Like & Share our page FB @ CATO - The Coalition of Us
- Click on the squares of our virtual board (linked above) for resources
- Tag your activity on social media with the following hashtags , , ,

11/15/2024

🌙 Tomorrow morning, join us for a powerful journey through Reading’s history. We’ll be sharing the stories of enslaved residents from the Colonial Era—a chance to honor their lives and learn together.

🗓 Date: Saturday, November 16
⏰ Time: 10:00 - 11:30 AM
📍 Starting Point: Reading Town Common

We hope you’ll be there to walk with us and reflect on our community’s past. For details, visit CATO - The Coalition of Us. See you in the morning!

Reading Cultural Council - Reading, MA

11/11/2024

📣 Just a reminder! Join us THIS SATURDAY, November 16, for a meaningful walking tour through downtown Reading. We’ll be exploring the stories of enslaved residents from the Colonial Era—a powerful look into a part of our community’s past.

⏰ Time: 10:00 - 11:30 AM
📍 Meeting Point: Reading Town Common

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn and reflect with us. Visit CATO - The Coalition of Us for more details. We hop

Reading Cultural Council - Reading, MA

11/07/2024

📜✨ Join us for a powerful walking tour of downtown Reading as we uncover the stories of enslaved residents in the Colonial Era. Together, we’ll bring to light an often-overlooked part of our town’s history.

🗓 Date: Saturday, November 16
⏰ Time: 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
📍 Starting Point: Reading Town Common

This is a chance to honor and learn from the stories of those who lived here before us. Join us in understanding our shared history and ensuring these voices are remembered.
Visit CATO - The Coalition of Us for more details.