Dear Editor:
On Monday June 20 Hudson’s second annual Juneteenth was a very successful event and enjoyed by a large number of residents and town guests! Coordinated by Mercedes Murphy, The Phoenix Fund Collaborative, Students Against Racism, a Hudson High school student led club and advisor Caitlyn Bradford, the Hudson Anti-Racism Group, Jeannie Vineyard, Bria Milbery, Maggie Crowley and Abby Morgan.
The event started at Wood Park with speeches by the students followed by a walk to Town Hall. At Town Hall the event was begun by a beautiful land acknowledgment by Anna-Celestrya Carr, artist and filmmaker. Two students shared poetry and a speech highlighting their experiences and hopes for the future. Representative Kate Hogan spoke about the need to continue to look forward and celebrate the progress that has been made against hatred and racism. Rep Hogan emphasized that “more work needs to be done”. Senator Jamie Eldrige shared his thoughts about the national holiday and the need for more financial equity for people of color. He cited a Boston study illuminating the financial inequity between black and white families and the need to invest in more equitable solutions for economic equity in our state.
Many Black vendors offered beautiful art, clothing, fabric and jewelry for sale. The Hudson library provided a deeply moving story walk “What It Means to Be Free” by Opal Lee, about the history of Juneteenth and its relevance today. Many people participated in the community quilt project by creating their own unique quilt square.
Music was provided by Crocodile Music, Dj Versatil (Avi Montero), Edwin Cruz, William Ercolini and Marlon Jerome. The event ended with a community potluck at the Unitarian Church.
Submitted by
Tina Grosowsky
Hudson
