Celebrating Juneteenth!

June 20, 2025


 



Thursday, June 19 is Juneteenth, which celebrates the end of slavery in our country. For many years, this important holiday was primarily celebrated in the South. However, thanks to great advocacy work, it is now rightfully observed throughout the country, including Connecticut. In 2022, the Connecticut General Assembly voted to make Juneteenth a state holiday.

The Emancipation Proclamation did not end the practice of slavery in America. It also did not end at the conclusion of the Civil War. On June 19, 1865, 2 years after the Civil War ended, a group of Union soldiers traveled to Galveston, Texas and announced that all enslaved people were now free. They were among the last group of Americans to be notified of their freedom.

Here in the Northeast, we also have a history of enslaving individuals. In early 2024, Branford High School U.S. History students partnered with the Branford Historical Society, the Witness Stones Project, and Branford Community Foundation to honor the life and contributions of Cambridge Gould, an enslaved man who lived in Branford for a portion of his life. 
 
A stone marker bearing Gould’s name, known as a Witness Stone, was installed in front of the First Congregational Church. A Witness Stone is an engraved commemorative stone placed in front of the place where an enslaved person lived, worked, or worshipped. 
 
I hope you will visit the Witness Stone, acknowledging Cambridge Gould, located on the town green in front of the sign of the First Congregational Church.  

If you have any questions about Juneteenth, its history, and how it has been celebrated around the country, please check out this page from the National Museum of African American History and Culture.
 

Branford Festival

Despite the uncertain weather, the Branford Festival was a blast. I stuck around for Friday night’s Prince tribute band after the rain passed. 

On Saturday, I spent the day serving up Strawberry Shortcake with my fellow board members and dedicated volunteers of The Branford Historical Society. 

After a one year hiatus, I participated in the Father’s Day Road Race and was happy with my time. 

I also enjoyed the location of the Festival at Hammer Field this year. I liked the layout and having more elbow room. What did you think? The Festival committee is looking for our feedback. Visit this link. 

https://form.jotform.com/251664676935168
 

Shoreline Adult Education Graduation & Citizenship Ceremony

In these times of graduations and end of school milestones, I want to recognize a very special ceremony by Shoreline Adult Education honoring the incredible adult learners who have received their diplomas. We also recognized our new immigrants who have achieved the remarkable milestone of becoming United States citizens. 

Your determination to learn, grow, and contribute to your communities shows extraordinary strength.

Whether you’re starting a new career, supporting your family’s future, or simply pursuing the dream so many who have come to this country for, you are a role model of perseverance for us all. Congratulations!
 

National Women Veterans
Recognition Day

Sen. Christine Cohen and I visited the Take A Vet Fishing event at Killams Point on Saturday. This annual picnic celebrates our women veterans from across the state. For the last five years we’ve been privileged to present a proclamation from Governor Ned Lamont commemorating June 12th as Women Veterans Day. In 1948 the Armed Services Integration Act was signed into law. This groundbreaking legislation allowed women to serve permanently in regular armed forces for the first time.  In Connecticut this year, we passed into law an annual recognition of National Women Veterans Recognition Day! 

Thank you for your sacrifice, courage, and dedication as you shattered glass ceilings, and opened doors for future generations while defending the freedoms we hold dear. 
 

Community Events
 

Parking will be very limited at the park. Shuttle buses will be available at the Branford High School & Cherry Hill Commuter Lot starting at 5:30 P.M. 
 

Come enjoy live Jazz music every Thursday night this Summer from June 26 to August 21. Shows start at 6:30 P.M. (weather permitting) on the back of the Town Green.

Performance Lineup:

June 26: Central City Stompers
July 3: Rob Zinn
July 10: Rebecca Jade
July 17: Jon Regen
July 24: Steve Oliver
July 31: Alberto Rivera
August 7: Marlowe Rosado
August 14: Bradford Hayes
August 21: Jumaane Smith

Click here to visit the official Branford Jazz' website.