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. 8 through Oct. 27. Statements must be 500 words or fewer.
Photos: Parties and candidates may electronically submit campaign-related photos with a caption and brief article. Photos should be in jpg format and should not be compressed or altered in any way. Photos will be used on a space-available basis.
Commentaries: The Easton Democratic and Republican town committees will be asked to submit one “commentary” column of up to 500 words, discussing their slate and the slate’s advantages. The deadline is Oct. 1.
Deadlines: The letters, political statements, and commentaries deadlines and the word limits for each, will be strictly enforced. All articles should be submitted through the submission page at EastonCourier.news.
Global Health Security
To the Editor:
In the midst of reopening procedures in Connecticut and the U.S., I would like you all to take the time to think about how our perspective of global health has changed, and how it should continue to change.
Before COVID-19, many people in our community did not worry about infectious disease outbreaks. However, in some places in the world, diseases are a constant threat. Tuberculosis, for instance, is the world’s most lethal disease, and is one that not many of us think about on a daily basis, or at all.
The Global Health Security Act, sponsored by our own U.S. Senator Chris Murphy, works to invest in global responses so as to prevent future outbreaks such as our current one. As we have seen in the past few months, diseases do not respect borders, and thus the threat of disease on any country is a threat on our own.
Because of this, I urge you all to reach out to U.S. Rep. Jim Himes as well as U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal in support of the Global Health Security Act.
Ellie Cliff Easton
Easton Police Department Has a Visit from Congressman Jim Himes Congressman Jim Himes stopped by the Easton Police Department on Monday, April 13 to drop off food and give thanks to Easton’s first responders. Chief Richard Doyle (who was recently promoted to the rank of chief on Monday, April 6) discussed all the ways that Easton’s first responders and community members have gone above and beyond to make sure that this town gets through the COVID-19 crisis together. Doyle even mentioned the balloon creations that adorned the library green during his swearing in ceremony and on the corner of Bibbins Road throughout this stay-at-home order.
Many of the department’s police officers were out responding to downed power lines and trees due to the high wind and rain when Himes arrived on site. Easton First Selectman Dave Bindelglass noted that “our first responders have to answer the calls of potentially infected patients, take care of them, and then field other calls or duties like downed trees on a day like today. They are just amazing.” First Selectman Bindelglass and Congressman Himes discuss local coronavirus efforts. Bindelglass shared his appreciation for the congressman’s visit during this unprecedented time, and Himes acknowledged the incredible risk and work of first responders followed by his sincere thanks before heading out into the torrential downpour.
To learn more about Coronavirus relief and other government actions for Connecticut residents, you can visit Congressman Himes FAQs online.
Himes Will Hold Telephone Town Hall Friday on COVID-19
U.S. Rep. Jim Himes, 4th District, invites constituents to participate in a Telephone Town Hall on Friday, March 13, to learn more about the coronavirus pandemic and how they can protect themselves and their family. Following is his message:
As coronavirus spreads through the country and in Connecticut, I want to do everything possible to keep you informed of developments, guidance from health officials, and Congressional actions.
First and foremost, keep yourself informed. For the latest information, go to the Connecticut Government website here or the CDC’s website here.
Connecticut residents can also call 2-1-1 for general inquiries about the virus.
I hope you can also join me for a telephone town hall tomorrow.
What: Telephone Town Hall with Congressman Jim Himes to Discuss the Coronavirus
When: Friday, March 13, 10 a.m.
Phone Number: 855-962-0953
I want to take a moment to once again share the guidance on how to identify a coronavirus infection and how you can protect yourself:
What is it?
The coronavirus is a virus that can cause a respiratory disease called COVID-19 in people who are exposed to it.
What are the symptoms of coronavirus/COVID-19?
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the symptoms can include:
Fever (100.4°F/38°C or higher) Cough Shortness of breath
What do you do if you develop these symptoms?
The CDC recommends that you call your healthcare professional if you develop symptoms, and have been in close contact with a person known to have COVID-19 or if you have recently traveled from an area with widespread or ongoing community spread of COVID-19.
How does it spread?
The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person.
Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet). Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
Spread from contact with infected surfaces or objects
It may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.
How can you prevent infection?
According to the CDC:
Avoid close contact with people who are sick. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. Stay home when you are sick. Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe. Only use a facemask if you are showing symptoms. Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
Take care of yourself and take care of each other. We’re all in this together.