The Eastern Shore Network for Change (ESNC), along with its many community stakeholders, is commemorating the Civil Rights Movement in Cambridge with a four-day series of events entitled “Reflections on Pine: Cambridge commemorates civil rights, community and change” on July 20 through 23.

In July 1967, the town of Cambridge was shattered after long-simmering racial tensions erupted in clashes between black residents and white police officers. The riots and resulting fires burned 17 buildings in a two-block area of Pine Street, the center of African-American commerce, culture and community.

According to Dion Banks, co-founder of ESNC, “I was born and raised in Cambridge, and it wasn’t until our event in 2012, ‘45 Years After the Fire: How Do We Know Where We’re Going If We Don’t Know Where We’ve Been,’ that I realized that this community had never talked about the fire. The healing process never really started here. We aim to change that with this series of events.”

Eastern Shore Network for Change was founded by Dion Banks and Kisha Petticolas in 2012. The mission is to raise awareness of issues in Dorchester County that disproportionately impact the African-American community and to creatively work with the community to inform, educate and foster change that leads to social and economic empowerment.

ESNC’s intent is to use this commemoration as another opportunity to bring together segments of the community that normally do not mix and create events that will enlighten as well as heal. As Dion and Kisha say, “we want to be responsible for telling our own story of progress and unity and create a path forward that celebrates all of our rich history and diversity.”

Reflections on Pine is made possible by a broad coalition of community partners committed to making Cambridge a place where everyone is welcome – and every person can be successful, happy and healthy. Partners include leaders in education, economic development, public safety, recreation, culture, business and the faith community.

Kisha said, “We are elated that so many organizations have decided to join us in commemorating such a turning point in our community. The only way to learn from the past and move on from it is to have all parts of the community to acknowledge what happened. The vast array of organizations that have come to the table makes us believe that healing is possible.”

Event highlights include:

“A Conversation with Gloria Richardson Dandridge.” Ms. Richardson Dandridge was a central figure of the Movement and was vital in negotiating the Treaty of Cambridge in 1963. She will give a one-hour talk about her memories and thoughts of the Movement at 7 p.m. on July 20 at the Hyatt Regency.

A gala dinner on July 21 at the Hyatt will honor Harriet Tubman, Gloria Richardson Dandridge, Fred Jackson and Victoria Jackson-Stanley; four people from Dorchester County who refused to accept the status quo and worked to move our community forward.

A community conversation on race will take place on July 22. This will be a professionally facilitated conversation about race and our community. A boxed lunch will be provided. The day is topped off with Groove on Pine, a street festival featuring live music, food and vendors.

A 5K race entitled “Race Against Racism” will begin at 7 a.m. on July 23. The weekend commemoration will end on a joyous note with a Sunday morning community church service through a partnership with the Ministerial Alliance in an effort to desegregate the most segregated hour in America.

For a detailed list of all events, visit www.reflectionsonpine.org.