My name is Dana Rebeiro and I want to represent the people on the New Bedford School Committee. I have never run for office before and am learning as I go in this game of politics. I decided to run because I saw things lacking in our School Department, I find it odd that in this city when people point out what needs to be improved and suggest ways of improvement they are called complainers. I liken the situation to being annoyed with someone for telling you your new car in your driveway has two flat tires when you are admiring the paint job and sound system, yet you are still walking around the city. Well, I think we should fix the tires and get on the road.

I have been talking to a menagerie of people that make up our city about what they think our school department needs: parents, students, teachers, ex-teachers, ex-students, principles, policemen, coffee baristtas, outreach workers, shop owners, mail carriers and so on. The response has been overwhelming… new blood. I felt reassured that voters were willing to take a chance because everyone is tired of politics as usual. People are fed up with feeling like the people they elect are completely unapproachable and have lost touch with their needs. Someone new, I keep hearing that will see the position not as a steppingstone but actually take it seriously. I want to offer you that and more.

First and foremost I am not a politician. I am not trained at making my opinions and beliefs palatable to everyone. I don’t have chameleon like abilities and often I find my chutzpah makes me stand out which is not good for a politician. When I feel something needs to be fixed I am unrelenting and have been told by those that know not to appear so passionate. People elect leaders that can handle situations they themselves cannot and the worst thing I can do is seem to care too much. I disagree but then I am not a politician I am an activist.

I was born in 1969 and my father was a Black Panther. He started a breakfast program and my mother volunteered, and these are my roots. I believe in public service. I believe we the people have the power. I believe we can make a difference. When I was in high school I volunteered at Amnesty International and we worked to end Apartheid and free a man named Nelson Mandela. I can’t tell you how many people told me it was pointless and that I was wasting my time and energy. Each time I left a rally with my boycott Shell sign I felt certain that Apartheid would end and Mr. Mandela would not die in prison. I was encouraged by the lyrics of Bob Dylan, Rage Against the Machine and Nina Simone. I was inspired by the writings of Fred Hampton, Angela Davis and Martin Luther King Jr. I argued the injustice of Apartheid at birthday parties of classmates and field hockey practice and officially became my high school bore. Even when I attended Howard University I found myself defending why we as Africans in America should care about Apartheid. I will always remember the feeling when Mr. Mandela came to America a free man and seen for the first time unanimously the way I saw him a hero.

I am letting you know now, you the voters will not agree with my every belief. I won’t always have the answers neatly packed in a thirty- second sound bite. I might have to complete errands immediately after my daily run and will be sweaty when you see me downtown. I am not a politician I am an activist a member of the working class. I will promise you that I will take the responsibility seriously, that I will make myself available to everyone even if you never attended a fundraiser or can’t help me get a job. I will accept accountability and welcome constructive criticism for my decisions and actions.  I will not be bullied, controlled or persuaded by the in crowd. I believe in public service and I ask for your support on November 6th.

Dana Rebeiro

Dana Rebeiro was born on June 6, 1969. She remained in New Bedford until attending  Brimmer  and May School for girls in Brookline, Massachusetts. While attending Brimmer and May she volunteered at Amnesty International, participated in the Huntington Theatre Company’s Young Critic’s Program, studied ballet and classical piano, played tennis and field hockey for the school team, and traveled throughout Europe and to Japan.

Upon graduating she attended Howard University for both Undergraduate and Graduate schools. It was during this time she began volunteering at a battered women’s center, working specifically with children. Ms. Rebeiro left Washington, D.C. to move to New York City where she worked on feature films, music videos, and television commercials. Eventually she moved to Los Angeles, where she worked as a media liaison for various concert promoters. She took time to travel throughout Mexico, Puerto Rico, Venezuela and Cuba producing her first photo exhibit for a small gallery in Venice, California.

Ms. Rebeiro returned to New York after being awarded a grant to produce a short documentary. She then went on to produce a short film, a series of hip-hop showcases and began work as a freelance writer. Eventually she was recruited to the new editing team for High Times Magazine, her creativity, business sense, and political acumen were to be utilized to return the magazine to it’s once prestigious position in the world of publishing.

Since returning to New Bedford Ms. Rebeiro has been an avid activist as well as producing documentaries on issues that effect our city.

Dana can be contacted at: strangefruitproductions@hotmail.com

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