Support Jim Himes for Congress,Easton
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Easton Celebrates Juneteenth at Morehouse Park Easton held its second Juneteenth celebration this year, hosted by the Easton Diversity & Inclusion Task Force (EDIT). This year’s event focused on teaching attendees about the history of the day and more broadly about the African diaspora. The African diaspora refers to the “mass dispersion of peoples from Africa during the Transatlantic Slave Trades, from the 1500s to the 1800s.” To support the educational component of the day, EDIT had the Juneteenth flag and African American art on display in the Morehouse Park pavilion for all to enjoy. The pavilion was also decorated with the Juneteenth flag and exhibits with information about cultural symbols of West Africa, the African diaspora, information regarding the early experience of African Americans in Easton, and historical biographies of accomplished Black residents in Connecticut. Attendees were also welcomed to make beaded friendship bracelets that incorporated the colors of Juneteenth. The day’s program included several speeches and calls to action. Whendi Cook- Broderick, co-chair of EDIT, opened with a rousing and joyful welcome. Cook-Broderick greeted the audience by singing and reciting lines from a greeting song from Malawi, a small diverse country in southeast Africa. The greeting encompassed a message of seeing one another with open hearts and minds. Many of Connecticut and Easton’s political delegation attended: U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal, U.S. Rep. Jim Himes, state Senator Tony Hwang, state Rep. Anne Hughes and First Selectman David Bindelglass all spoke. Many of the speeches emphasized the importance of towns around Connecticut commemorating the day, and the ongoing work to be done to address and eradicate racism. Members of Connecticut and Easton’s political delegation speak at the Juneteenth event. -Kelly Wendt Photo All members of the delegation applauded the recent declaration of Juneteenth as a national holiday and the degree of bipartisan support for this action. Many also reflected on the ongoing dialogue around race in the country. “We celebrate today an emancipation that makes us proud, but we still have a lot of work to do,” said Blumenthal, referring to the heightened focus in the nation and local communities around issues of race and racism, and the importance of advocating for voting rights and upholding the principles of our democracy. Himes discussed the importance of holding Juneteenth celebrations and engaging in continued efforts to dismantle systemic racism in all communities. “Racism is not just a Bridgeport issue. This is an Easton issue, and this is an American issue.” Bindelglass expressed pride that the town was able to orchestrate another Juneteenth celebration, and underscored the importance of continued efforts to make Easton an inclusive, welcoming community for all. “We can be Americans, we can be Eastonites, we can be ourselves; all those things are possible at the same time,” said Bindelglass. Easton resident Wiley Mullins speaks to the crowd. -Kevin Oliver Photo Wiley Mullins, Easton resident and civic organizer, distributed free Moon Pies to all in attendance later in the day, explaining that the pies were a staple at his family’s Juneteenth celebrations in Alabama. He explained that chicken was also a part of his family’s Juneteenth meal; together, the foods symbolized the desire to “be free to fly,” “persevere against adversity” and “shoot for the moon.” Mullins also reflected on Easton’s first Juneteenth celebration in 2020, following the murder of George Floyd. He expressed his delight that the town was again acknowledging this holiday. “To me, Juneteenth is about hope and giving people hope for a better future,” said Mullins. In addition to the speakers and activities, local musician Kwame Henry Jones performed a set. His music included songs with relevance to the meaning of Juneteenth. Letter: Support Jim Himes for Congress To The Editor: We have been very fortunate to be represented by our extremely hard-working and effective Congressman, Jim Himes. While providing exceptional constituent services, Jim fights to build and maintain affordable health care, secures resources for our state’s economy in expanding and creating jobs, and diligently works to protect individuals’ constitutional rights. Jim also is a leader on Congress’s Intelligence Committee where he has overseen our critical international security interests to keep us safe. Jim works tirelessly for his country and constituents. Join me in voting to return Jim to Washington so he can continue his outstanding service. John Cunningham Easton Easton Democratic Town Committee Commentary Democratic values Elections have consequences. Elections are about selecting representatives who abide by their oath of office with integrity and do not disparage American values and principles. This year, our lives and future depend on who leads us. On November 3rd, we get to decide the destiny of our state and country. Your Democratic candidates possess the right stuff at this crucial time. Their combined individual strengths — intelligence, integrity, experience, compassion, dedication — will fuel our recovery and forge a positive path forward. They are ready and able to take on the critical challenges facing our state and country. We must restore honesty and integrity in the White House and support the quality representation we have today in Congress. Joe Biden tells us that this presidential election is a battle for the soul of our nation. He and Kamala Harris will build jobs and economic recovery, racial equity, and a sustainable clean energy future. Congressman Jim Himes is a tireless voice for common sense, independent solutions to the challenges facing Connecticut. He works for the middle class, fighting for affordable health care for all, creating economic opportunity and tax fairness for working families, and taking on the NRA to end gun violence. In Hartford, we need a firewall to protect Connecticut and Easton from the dismantling of our fundamental rights and to build an equitable and strong economy. State Representative Anne Hughes is a worker, a fighter, and an influential legislator, delivering COVID-19 PPE throughout the district and helping get power restored after the hurricane. Now she is fighting to make the utility companies accountable. She is always accessible to her constituents with the latest updates and resources. Anne’s Republican opponent does not represent Easton values: he waffles on Trump; voted against expanding the ban on assault weapons; opposed Obamacare and, even in this pandemic, cites private sector competition, not government, as the way to make health care more affordable. Michelle McCabe has spent her career tackling the biggest economic challenges by investing in the people and businesses of Connecticut. She will fight for gun safety, education, affordable health care, and a green economy. We need Michelle’s professional, on-the-ground experience working for us. Michelle’s Republican opponent does not represent Easton values: He voted against mailing absentee ballot applications to all registered voters during the pandemic, for making it easier to carry a gun into state parks, and against paid family medical leave. We urge you to put your absentee ballot in the official drop box as soon as possible or vote in person on November 3. See details on how to vote at EastonDemocrats.com. The Easton Democratic Town Committee supports candidates who work within local and state communities to engineer solutions which drive long-term prosperity for our residents, improve the quality of life, and ensure all members of our community’s needs are addressed. Maggie Silverstein is chair of the EDTC Elections Team. Easton Courier Political Campaign Publication Policies Election season is upon us. So that we can publish as many statements and letters as possible, the Courier has some rules and guidelines for candidates, parties and supporters for the Nov. 3 Presidential Election. The Courier will focus on the competitive Connecticut races that directly affect Easton. These are as follows: U.S House of Representatives U.S. Rep. Jim Himes, D Challenger Jonathan Riddle, R Connecticut Senate 28th District State Senator Tony Hwang, R Challenger Michelle McCabe, D Connecticut House of Representatives 135th District State Rep. Anne Hughes, D Challenger John Shaban, R Fair play: We expect candidates and supporters to stick to issues and not indulge in personal attacks on candidates. We may reject any letter or statement we think is unfair, libelous or in poor taste. Letters to the editor: The Courier will accept letters from Easton residents, former Easton residents, and Easton employees who work for the town, the schools or local businesses. Please indicate in your letter your connection with one of these categories. Letters on general election issues may be 300 words or fewer, but may not be cloaked endorsements (that is, a writer cannot analyze an issue for 250 words and then say, “Joe Smith is the best person for handling this problem.”). No letters about general election issues will be published during the last week before the Nov. 3 election, i.e. on Oct. 27 or after. Letters touting a candidate or group of candidates must be 100 words or fewer. Longer letters will be rejected; shorter letters will get preference if the volume of letters becomes an issue. Please include a word count with your letter and a daytime phone number. A person may write one letter per candidate. We will not publish more than one letter from the same person on a single day, nor will we publish letters from candidates regarding their races. Profiles: We will publish profiles of each of the candidates prior to the election. We ask each of the candidates to please submit a 300-word biography and 500-word statement discussing three top issues Easton is confronting and how you will help solve them. Profiles are due Oct. 1. Political statements: Candidates may submit two additional political statements, explaining their positions, to run between Sept.