![]() “I’m just in awe of her,” said Carmen Baker. He went on to say that he thinks it will inspire more people to learn the history of Freeman and her story. “It’s important to lift up her voice and her story and make it a part of the fabric of the town,” said Joe Baker. Joe and Carmen Baker, both Sheffield residents, said the statue was an important expression of equality. “That alone is going to cause folks to stop and see who she is.” “I’m glad she’s in the center of town,” Leonard said. Leonard said she was also glad to see a full statue in her honor … one that’s hard to miss. President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama, who recognized Freeman as “an American hero whose story has not been told enough.”įor Great Barrington resident Luci Leonard, the statue recognizing Freeman’s contributions was long overdue. ![]() Patrick went on to read a letter written and signed by former U.S. “None of our ideals mean a thing unless someone, somewhere stands up and gives them meaning,” Patrick said. Patrick went on to acknowledge Freeman’s case as an example of our courts lifting up truly positive ideals, which we need more of in the present day. Deval Patrick speaks during a ceremony Sunday to mark the unveiling of a statue of civil rights pioneer Elizabeth Freeman in front of Sheffield’s Old Parish Church on Main Street. The winning essay writer, Anouk Bizalion, spoke at the event as well.įormer Massachusetts Gov. VanSant spoke about some of her group’s efforts, including educational programs, scholarships and an essay contest about Freeman’s legacy. Gwendolyn VanSant, CEO and founding director of Multicultural BRIDGE, a grassroots organization dedicated to promoting equity and justice through education and support for people of color in Berkshire County, spoke about Freeman’s legacy and importance and how it is being taught in the community through the organization’s programs. Members of the Sheffield Select Board also came forward to decree Aug. Jill Graham of Old Parish Church, Theodore Sedgwick representing his family and sculptor Brian Hanlon. GILLIAN JONES - THE BERKSHIRE EAGLEĪmong the speakers at the unveiling were Paul O’Brien, president of the Sheffield Historical Society, the Rev. The unveiling’s master of ceremonies was Diane Patrick, former first lady of Massachusetts.Įmcee Diane Patrick speaks during a sculpture unveiling ceremony of civil rights pioneer Elizabeth Freeman, in front of Sheffield’s Old Parish Church on Main Street on Sunday. Smitty Pignatelli, NAACP Berkshire County branch president Dennis Powell and Frances Jones-Sneed, who is professor emeritus of history and political science at the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts in North Adams. Among them were the Elizabeth Freeman Host Committee, which included State Rep. The statue is the result of a yearlong project by the Sheffield Historical Society with the support of many partners and donors. The scar from the wound on her arm, one she chose to display prominently to showcase her mistreatment, is also visible on the statue. In one hand, she holds a small shovel, the same tool that one of her enslavers used in an attack against her - in another, the judgment that gave her freedom from slavery 241 years ago to the day. Freeman was also known as “Mum Bett” before she took the name “Freeman” after winning her freedom. ![]() as a landmark decision that affected the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court’s decision to outlaw slavery in the state in 1783. Historians credit her case, Brom & Bett v. In Sheffield, panel seeks truth in Black history, where narratives often run white
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |