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For many years, the Juneteenth holiday which celebrates the end of slavery in our country was primarily celebrated in the South. Now it is rightfully observed throughout the country, including Connecticut. In 2022, the Connecticut General Assembly voted to make Juneteenth a state holiday.
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The Emancipation Proclamation did not end the practice of slavery in America. On June 19, 1865, 2 months 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. Freemen organized the first of what became known as "Jubilee Day" and the commemorations spread as Black people moved to other parts of the country.
Last Saturday, West Hartford celebrated Juneteenth. As your state representative, I appreciate the opportunity to continue to learn and celebrate this holiday and recommit to the fight for true freedom and equality.
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Learn more about Juneteenth at this page from the National Museum of African American History and Culture.
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Today, June 20th, is designated as World Refugee Day.
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World Refugee Day is an international day designated by the United Nations to honor refugees around the globe. It falls each year June 20th and honors the strength and courage of people who have been forced to flee their home country to escape conflict or persecution. As the wife of a refugee I've learned first hand from my husband and his family about the strength, resilience, and much needed supports to rebuild your life in a new country.
Right now, many immigrants and refugees, and the organizations that serve them—are feeling uncertain and afraid. Earlier this year, our refugee resettlement organizations in Connecticut had all federal funding frozen. In the budget we passed this legislative session I was proud to advocate for state funding for these organizations to continue their important work.
The thousands of refugees who call Connecticut home often need support for housing, language classes and to find new jobs to support their families. This is even more needed with the loss of federal funding for their resettlement. Today on World Refugee Day and everyday, refugees contribute greatly to our communities and our economy.
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In addition to the millions in town aid for West Hartford and Newington, I'm also proud to work with my colleagues to deliver important grants in the budget to our local nonprofit organizations who contribute greatly to our community. See below for all of the organizations we are excited to further support!
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| STATE AND LOCAL RESOURCES |
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Due to an anticipated stretch of high temperatures, the state is activating its Extreme Hot Weather Protocol, effective at noon on Sunday, June 22. The protocol will remain in effect through at least 8 p.m. on Wednesday, June 25.
This is the first time this year that the protocol is being activated. The current forecast calls for temperatures to exceed 90 degrees over this period, with a heat index that could range between 100 to 105 degrees.
The purpose of activating the protocol is to ensure that the most vulnerable populations receive protection from the hot conditions. While enacted, a system is set up for state agencies, municipalities, and other partners to coordinate with United Way 2-1-1 to make sure that information regarding cooling centers is available statewide, providing a location for those in need of relief.
Cooling centers will be available throughout the state. Anyone in need of a place to get out of the heat can locate their nearest cooling center by calling 2-1-1 or viewing the list that will be published online at 211ct.org.
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In celebration of Pride Month, there are two events taking place this weekend in our community.
On Saturday, June 21 at 10:30 A.M. there will be a rally at West Hartford Town Hall (50 South Main Street, West Hartford) followed by the full day festival, then on Sunday, June 22 from 12:00 P.M. to 4:00 P.M. "Pride in the Park" at Churchill Park (1991 Main Street, Newington).
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On Tuesday, June 24 from 6:00 P.M.- 7:30 P.M. at the Noah Webster Library (Meeting Room, 20 South Main Street, West Hartford) there will be a lecture on The Mitigation and Contributions of Caribbean People in Connecticut.
This presentation will be by local educator, activist, and community organizer Leslie Perry and will shine a light on the history of Connecticut's Caribbean community and their countless contributions to the state.
Registration is required for this event and will close on June 24, at 6:00 P.M. Click here to register.
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