History of No Place for Hate

Evolution of Hull Is No Place for Hate

The Town of Hull has been a welcoming community for many years. This was officially recognized in 2001 when Hull, led by its newly-created No Place for Hate Committee, earned the designation of No Place for Hate (NPFH) as part of that statewide program to promote respect and inclusion in Massachusetts communities. Since then, residents and officials continue their enthusiastic support for these principles. They promote and participate in town-wide NPFH events and programs which are designed to bring neighbors closer together and build a strong sense of community. These activities generate discussions about what diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEIB) mean in Hull. Led by the NPFH Committee activities, we are, as individuals and as a community, exploring how to reflect the DEIB principles in our daily lives. 

Timeline of the No Place For Hate Committee

2000 - Wellspring, Hull’s non-profit social service organization, acting on its mission to promote respect, asked the Hull Board of Selectmen to join the No Place for Hate Program. This program was an initiative of the Anti-Defamation League, the Mass Municipal Association and numerous other regional and community organizations. It was intended to promote respect and appreciation of diversity. 

2000 - The Hull Board of Selectmen agreed to join the NPFH program and to form a NPFH Committee. The Board was unanimous and enthusiastic. 

2001 - The Board of Selectmen created the Hull No Place for Hate Committee. The committee members were residents and town officials. The committee members themselves were diverse in age, ethnicity, religion and line of work, and included Hull students. The committee began immediately to plan and hold events and opportunities for the community to come together.   

2001 - 2024 - The NPFH Committee conducted numerous community-wide events and activities. 

Examples include: 

  • “Beleaf” Walk” - held in autumn, 2001; it focused on learning about diversity of religious beliefs in Hull.
  • Annual Martin Luther King Day Programs - Activities for remembering and honoring Dr. King and his work; for many years, the events focused on a free pancake breakfast and program of videos, readings and games; in 2024, the event promoted community service that focused on supporting Wellspring’s Food Drive; all events celebrated Dr. King and taught about his work and words.
  • Diversity Fair - small group instruction and discussions; promoted learning about mediation and dispute resolution skills.
  • Diversity Film Fest - showing a film depicting and confronting racial injustice.
  • Rec for Respect Day - which was an afternoon of games promoting cooperation and collaboration; NPFH and participants provided food for all.  
  • Art of Peace - art show sponsored by the South Shore Charter School.
  • Take a Stand in the Sand - beginning in 2001 and continuing, the NPFH committee has organized four “Take a Stand in the Sand” events; in these, hundreds of people have stood shoulder to shoulder on Nantasket Beach to declare and spell out “Hull is No Place for Hate” , “The  South Shore is No Place for Hate”, and “Hull for All”.
  • Feasts of Conversations - small group discussions designed to bring residents together to share their histories, experiences and views while also sharing food; the goal is to promote awareness and appreciation of diversity and possibly the delight of commonality within diversity. 
  • Naming of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Bridge - organized by the South Shore Charter School, the NPFH committee supported the naming.
  • Weekly Message to the  Community - NPFH submits weekly inspirational and thoughtful messages which are printed by the weekly newspaper; the messages promote kindness, caring and respect for all; enduring thanks to the Hull Times. 
  • Other Community-wide Events - NPFH has participated in Hull’s Endless Summer annual street fairs, and local parades.
  • Supporting the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) work of nearby municipalities’ Diversity Organizations - this involves writing letters or attending  meetings, events and demonstrations in support of DEIB; groups include the Hingham Unity Council, South Shore Unity Council, the Interfaith Group.
  • Diversity Information and education - includes outreach through the lawn sign program; book donations; posting lists of informational resources.

2021 - The Hull Select Board formally reorganized the No Place for Hate Committee as an official town committee. The Board set the number of members, agreed on the committee mission and objectives, and appointed members.

2024 and Beyond - The No Place for Hate Committee will continue to support DEIB principles in Hull through events and activities; education and information; town policy; and community engagement.