About Us
CATO - The Coalition of Us
Who We Are
The Coalition of Us (CATO) is a dynamic organization born out of the collective response to the tragic murder of George Floyd at the hands of law enforcement. Founded by Philmore Phillip II, a dedicated individual and a graduate of the Reading public school system METCO program. His experience as a METCO student and his connection to the Reading public school system fueled his commitment to fostering a society where everyone, regardless of background, can thrive. CATO stands as a testament to the power of community activism and the pursuit of justice.
CATO is not just an organization; it’s a family of passionate individuals committed to enhancing our community and acting as steadfast allies for historically marginalized communities. Our members share a common goal of creating an inclusive and equitable environment where everyone’s voice is heard and respected.
At the heart of CATO’s mission is the belief in the power of unity. We strive to bridge gaps, dismantle barriers, and actively participate in the ongoing fight for justice. Through education, advocacy, and community engagement, we aim to be a force for positive transformation, addressing the root causes of systemic issues and working towards lasting solutions.
Join us in our journey to build a more just and equitable society. CATO welcomes all who are dedicated to making a difference and being allies for historically marginalized individuals. Together, we can create a community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive, and justice is the foundation of our shared future.
Our Mission Statement
The Coalition of Us (CATO) is a social justice organization dedicated to advancing racial justice for Black and brown people. CATO will focus on 4 main pillars to address racial inequities in Reading and the surrounding communities to create a more equitable community which can serve as a model for Massachusetts and the broader country.
Advocating for policy evolution (laws, programs, housing, employment, curriculum, environmental justice) to address systemic racism.
Educating the community about historical and present day human and civil rights violations in Reading and beyond, as well as the lived experiences of Black and brown communities.
Engaging with the governing bodies, schools and the broader community to create a welcoming an inclusive environment for Black and brown people.
Empowering current and potential Black and brown community members and supporting them via scholarships, networking, housing, employment, and cultural inclusion.
Our Vision Statement
CATO’s vision is to see a more diverse, representative, welcoming, and equitable community in Reading, Massachusetts in order to set an example for the rest of the country. CATO will focus on advancing equity for Black and brown people, though will intentionally intersect with all communities whose human and/or civil rights have been, or are being, infringed upon or denied. Successful outcomes will include increases in Black and brown residency/home ownership, businesses, educators, and government representation; decreases in discrimination and marginalization of community members based on race; and full transparency in law enforcement, education, housing, employment and other measures.