Committee member Luis and others outlined the Human Rights and Inclusion Committee's event calendar and grants process during the Dec. 18 meeting.

Luis previewed the committee's centerpiece: a 2026 Martin Luther King Jr. celebration scheduled for Monday, Jan. 19 at Danvers High School from 3–5 p.m., featuring an art exhibition, student performances and a writing contest called the "Move For A King" essay contest. The essay deadline was set for Jan. 9 with winners to be notified by Jan. 12; winners will be invited to read at a committee meeting.

Dr. Desmond and committee members reported that the HRIC's first round of grants closed Dec. 6 and the committee reviewed 11 applications. Review work is ongoing and the plan is to announce grant recipients at the MLK event in January.

Members also recapped community outreach activities: the menorah lighting drew the largest turnout members recalled and committee members thanked Danvers Public Works for repairing and storing the menorah. The committee announced a Black History Month "Black Excellence" film celebration scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 7 at Maple Street Church.

The committee urged public participation in events and said it would post contest submission links and event details on social channels and partner pages. No formal committee actions were taken beyond scheduling and outreach planning.