I am Anika (A-nee-ka) Lopes (rhymes with hopes).
I’m running for re-election to Town Council in District 4, and I am asking for one of your two votes. Thank you for taking a minute to get to know me.
If you believe our Town Council members should better represent the diversity of our town; make it affordable to live here; and involve and respect the needs of youth, seniors, and every age resident in between, then vote Anika Lopes for District 4 Town Council.
Inclusion crucial in solving Amherst’s housing woes
I grew up on Amity Street, spending my formative years navigating the neighborhood on my way to school, visiting friends, and seeing my grandfather, Dudley Bridges, at work at UMass. It was a neighborhood that was economically diverse, housing professors, custodians, store owners, and students.
The conversations during my recent canvassing downtown not only brought back cherished memories but also created new ones. They highlighted a shared desire for a more diverse and inclusive community that welcomes young families, supports first-time homeowners, and offers housing options for retirees who want to downsize while staying in the community.
I am honored to represent District 4
I have deep roots in Amherst, where I grew up downtown and attended our public schools. After a career in New York City, I made the deliberate choice to return to my hometown, which has been home to my family for seven generations.
I carry with me the aspirations of generations past, and I am dedicated to shaping a brighter future for our District. I honor their enduring legacy by advocating for policies that ensure every member of our community is not only seen but also heard. Together, let's build a stronger, more inclusive Amherst.
Let me introduce you to my ancestors, generations of Black and Afro-Indigenous residents of Amherst, who predated colonies and were enslaved.
They lived in the historically Black, Westside neighborhood around Hazel Avenue, along the train tracks. They started businesses and churches, they provided homes to Black people newly arrived from the South, they performed jazz music internationally, and they were denied scholarships, jobs, and opportunities due to systemic racism.
Generations of my family were not considered fully human, were denied the right to vote, and could not hold public office. I bring their hopes for a better future with me when I represent our district and honor their legacy by advocating for policies that ensure all members of the community are seen and heard.
Gil Roberts, 1920s
Snell Street, 1940s
Snell Street, 1950s
I appreciate the diverse people who have contributed to progress in our community over centuries and feel strongly that more of our history should be highlighted, like the Civil War Tablets and the Ancestral Bridges exhibit at Amherst College.
The Civil War Tablets list my 4 times great-grandfather, Amherst resident, Christopher Thompson, and other family members who served in the Massachusetts 54th Regiment and 5th Cavalry. Some of whom were in Texas on June 19th, 1865, to deliver news of freedom on the day we now celebrate as Juneteenth. This is the legacy that makes Amherst an important place in the history of Juneteenth. The Civil War Tablets are now available for public view at the Bangs Community Center.