The death of legendary civil rights icon Dr. Bernard Lafayette on March 5 resonates deeply throughout the city of Watertown. “Doc” first came here for several days in 2016, at the behest of former Watertown Middle School teacher Ruth Henry. Henry had trained in Kingian Nonviolence Conflict Resolution under Dr. Lafayette. Lafayette had promised Martin Luther King, Jr. before his 1968 assassination that he would spread King’s nonviolence teaching and practice around the world.
Later that same year, Watertown hosted Dr. Lafayette for a two-week long Trainers’ Institute, organized by then Superintendent Dr. Jean Fitzgerald. Forty-four Watertown students, school faculty and police officers became certified nonviolence trainers. This first cohort rippled their learning throughout the community, with students successfully advocating for Kingian courses at the Watertown Middle School, teaching mini-lessons to fifth graders across the district, hosting professional development sessions for faculty, facilitating community courses for parents and others, and forming a Kingian Club at Watertown High School.
By 2017, Watertown Public Schools had achieved national recognition for its unique accomplishment in officially adopting Kingian teachings, which impart lifelong values to training participants.
Spearheaded by Henry, Lafayette’s initial visit was organized by World in Watertown, the Watertown School Department and the Watertown Police Department. Additional financial sponsors included Watertown Citizens for Peace, Justice, and the Environment (WCPJE), Watertown Community Foundation, Watertown Savings Bank, First Parish of Watertown, Partners of the Americas, and the Belmont/Watertown Chapter of Amnesty International.
During this visit, Doc shared memories to a packed audience of Watertown residents of his lifelong civil rights and voting rights work with King and many others. He also spoke of his commitment to promoting nonviolence training. Later in the week, he met with students, local officials and Watertown police officers. As president of WCPJE, I was honored to be part of a special luncheon at the WPD. It was truly a privilege to share this intimate meal and conversation with him and his inspiring wife, Kate. Before Dr. Lafayette left Watertown in 2016, he made it clear that Watertown had a special place in his heart.
In 2018, Dr. Lafayette returned to Watertown, invited by Ruth Henry to help celebrate a large, colorful mural project she created, illustrating the 6 fundamental Kingian Principles. The mural, called “The Time is Always Right”, was created by over 400 students and Watertown community members on the outside wall of the Watertown Boys & Girls Club in Saltonstall Park. Dr. Lafayette was delighted to join us for this festive dedication, and we were again blessed by his presence.
Periodic community Kingian trainings continue to be offered to Watertown residents (see information on next upcoming course here), and the curriculum Dr. Lafayette worked to develop has now been taught around the globe for over 50 years. He has truly been an inspiration to Watertown, and planning is underway for a local remembrance of his life and legacy.
Sue-Ellen Hershman-Tcherepnin
President, Watertown Citizens for Peace, Justice & the Environment