EASTHAMPTON — The beginning of Black History Month was marked in the city by officially recognizing Juneteenth as a holiday.
Although Juneteenth Independence Day has been recognized as a state holiday as well as a federal holiday, the City Council agreed that the day needed to be officially acknowledged in Easthampton. Juneteenth observes the end of slavery in the U.S. and commemorates the day that federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas on June 19, 1865 to take control of the state and ensure that all enslaved people be freed.
“I do think it’s very important, especially in 2022, when as far as we have come, there is still significant racism in our country,” said Councilor Owen Zaret. “It is very important to acknowledge this holiday and affirm that we do indeed recognize it here.”
Following discussion and a 3-0 vote in the Ordinance Committee, the City Council unanimously approved a resolution on Feb. 2 that states the city recognizes the Juneteenth holiday.
The resolution notes that “the day shall be spent in recognition of the social and cultural significance of the abolition of slavery in the United States and punctuated by the gravity of historical and ongoing racial injustice of our country.”
In celebration of Black History month, City Council President Homar Gomez also shared a quote from the late civil rights activist and U.S. Rep. John Lewis, D-Georgia.
“When you see something that is not right, not fair, not just, you have to speak up. You have to say something; you have to do something,” Gomez said. “Black history is American history.”
Democrats will convene virtually to elect three delegates and three alternates to represent Southampton at the 2022 State Democratic Convention on Saturday, Feb. 12 at 9:30 a.m. Pre-registration is recommended. This caucus will take place online via Zoom at https://bit.ly/3ovgyC5.
Registered and pre-registered Democrats in Southampton that are 16 years old by Feb. 4 may vote and be elected as a delegate or alternates during the caucus. Youth between the ages of 16 and 35, people with disabilities, people of color and members of the LGBTQ+ community not elected as delegates or alternates are encouraged to apply to be add-on delegates at the caucus or by visiting massdems.org/caucus.
The 2022 Convention will be a hybrid convention, with in-person proceedings taking place alongside virtual participation options on June 3-4 at the DCU Center in Worcester. Delegates will convene to endorse candidates for statewide office ahead of the September Democratic Primary. The MassDems are monitoring changes in public health guidance and will update plans accordingly.
Those interested in getting involved with the Southampton Town Democratic Committee should contact Janet Cain at southamptonmadems@gmail.com or 413-575-5932.
A vaccine clinic will be held in the cafeteria of Hampshire Regional High School on Wednesday, Feb. 9, from 2:30 to 5 p.m., located at 19 Stage Road in Westhampton.
Patrons are encouraged to bring an identification and insurance card to their appointment. Those without insurance are still eligible for a vaccine.
Pre-registration is required. To register, visit https://home.color.com/vaccine/register/northampton.
