GREENFIELD, MA (FRANKLIN COUNTY NOW) — A crowd of just over 100 gathered on the Common in downtown Greenfield on Thursday afternoon for a celebration of the Juneteenth holiday. A federal holiday, Juneteenth commemorates the end of slavery in the United States.
Greenfield Mayor Ginny Desorgher read an official city proclamation, which was then presented to Greenfield Human Rights Commission Chair Mpress Bennu.
“This celebration today goes to show how far we’ve come in four years,” said Bennu. “People who I now call sisters, brothers, family and friends, I truly appreciate you. I love you and I wish you nothing but the best.”
Greenfield Police Chief Todd Dodge was invited to speak and pointed out the progress toward equality that has been made in his department.
“It wasn’t that long ago that your police department was frowned upon and wasn’t trusted by too many,” said Dodge. “We continue to work every day to fix that, restore confidence, and bridge that gap. We have a long way to go, but I truly believe we are heading in the right direction. Look at what’s happening in our small community.”
In addition to Thursday’s proclamation, there will be a full celebration on Court Square in Greenfield Saturday from Noon to 7:00 p.m., featuring music, live entertainment, and sidewalk sales by the downtown businesses.
Special guest speaker will be Dr. Amilcar Shabazz, Professor in the W.E.B. Dubois Department of Afro-American Studies at UMass-Amherst.
