Monday, February 8, 2021

Monday, February 8, 2021

  • Elizabeth Freeman -

    Elizabeth ‘Bett’ Freeman was born into

    slavery around 1744 and was given to Hannah and her husband by Hannah’s father Hogeboom. Bett stayed with them until 1781, during this time she had her daughter Little Bett. Bett was a midwife, herbalist and a servant and was said to have a strong spirit and sense of self. 

    Soon after the Revolutionary War, Elizabeth heard the Massachusetts constitution being read aloud. She recognized the potential legal and moral effect of the words Soon after she sought an attorney to sue for her freedom. Mr. Sedgwick, with the help of lawyer Tapping Reeve, agreed to represent Bet and Brom, another of Ashley’s slaves. The case of Brom and Bett v Ashley was heard in August 1781. Sedgwick and Reeve asserted that the constitutional provision that “all men are born free and equal” abolished slavery. The jury ruled in Bett’s favor and she became the first African American woman to be set free under the Massachusetts State Constitution.  Elizabeth Freeman's case was cited as precedent when the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court heard the appeal of Quock Walker v. Jennison, and upheld Walker’s freedom. These two cases helped set the legal precedent that ended slavery in Massachusetts.  

    Tomorrow, we will highlight Fritz Pollard

    A moment in Black History brought to you by Janita Varela

  • The Environmental Action Club has partnered with an organization called Tree-Plenish to plant trees in the Amherst community! Our goal is 230 trees, which will offset the school’s yearly paper consumption. If you’d like to request a tree, go to https://www.tree-plenishevents.org/amherst. You can also volunteer for our planting event on April 24th. Trees are only $5, and we’re offering red oak, red maple, or river birch saplings.
  • What does artificial intelligence (AI) have to do with engineering? Come find out at a free virtual AI camp hosted by Western New England University (WNE) on Feb. 15-19 from 3:00-4:15pm. Each day, you'll hear from WNE faculty about their engineering specialty and learn some AI basics. Join one day, or join all of them. Free registration here and more information here. Hope to see you at the camp!
  • Help people stay warm this winter! The Class of 2024 has set up a box at Provisions (113 Cowls Road, North Amherst, MA) to collect usable coats, hats, mittens, or any other items to help people stay warm. These items will be dropped off at the Amherst Survival Center, an organization that provides resources for people experiencing homelessness. During the coronavirus pandemic, it is really important that we try to help those who need it, especially during this harsh winter. Please lend a hand to families in our town by donating one or more winter items to our drop-off box. The community needs your help!