Barrington Stage Director Speaking at Chamber Luncheon

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Julianne Boyd

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Berkshire Chamber of Commerce will host the 9th annual Women in Business Luncheon on Wednesday, Dec. 5, from 11:45 to 1 at the Berkshire Hills Country Club.

This year's keynote speaker is Julianne Boyd, artistic director and co-founder of Barrington Stage Company. Carrie Saldo of "Connecting Point," a news magazine program on PBS member station WGBY, will be the emcee.

Boyd co-founded the Barrington Stage Company in January 1995. She has directed many productions at BSC, including last season's critically acclaimed world premiere of "The Best of Enemies" by Mark St. Germain; "The Crucible" and "Sweeney Todd"m(both in 2010), "Streetcar Named Desire" (2009), "West Side Story" (2007), "Follies" (2005), the world premiere musical "The Game" (2003), based on "Les Liaisons Dangereuses"; "Cyrano de Bergerac" (2004) and "The Importance of Being Earnest" (2005).


Saldo is the host, writer, and producer of "Connecting Point," now in its third season. Saldo's more than 10 years of experience as a journalist includes work not only in public television, but Web, public radio and print.

The public is welcome to attend this event. The cost is $30 for chamber members and $45 for non-members and includes a plated lunch. The luncheon is sponsored by TD Bank.

This is expected to be a sell-out event so those planning to attend are advised to register soon. To register: 413-499-4000, Ext. 126, choyt@berkshirechamber.com or www.berkshirechamber.com.

 

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Reps. Leigh Davis, Bud Williams Filing Legislation Honoring Freeman

SHEFFIELD, Mass. — State Reps. Leigh Davis of the 3rd Berkshire District and Bud L. Williams, of the 11th Hampden District, are filing legislation establishing Aug. 22 as Elizabeth Freeman Day of Equality, Healing, and Remembrance in the commonwealth.
 
The legislation would direct the governor to annually issue a proclamation recognizing the courageous contributions of Elizabeth Freeman, an enslaved Black woman known as Mum Bett, whose landmark freedom suit helped spark the legal end of slavery in Massachusetts.
 
In 1781, Freeman, of Sheffield at the time, challenged the institution of slavery by filing suit against her enslaver, Col. John Ashley. In the landmark case Brom and Bett v. Ashley, a Berkshire County jury ruled in favor of Freeman and her fellow plaintiff, Brom, granting them their freedom. The case demonstrated the power of the Massachusetts Constitution's declaration that all people are born free and equal and helped pave the way for the Quock Walker decisions that ultimately ended slavery in the commonwealth. 
 
"Freeman's courage changed the course of history in Massachusetts," said Williams. "At a time when the odds were stacked against her, she stood up and demanded that the promises of liberty and equality contained in our Constitution apply to her as well. She risked everything to challenge an unjust system, and her victory helped lay the foundation for the end of slavery in our commonwealth. Her legacy deserves to be recognized and remembered by every resident of Massachusetts."
 
Although unable to read or write, Freeman understood the meaning of freedom and equality and took extraordinary action to secure those rights for herself and others. Her story remains one of the most powerful examples of individual courage in the face of injustice. 
 
Elizabeth Freeman Day will provide an opportunity for reflection, education, healing, and remembrance, said Williams. 
 
"Her story reminds us that progress is often made because ordinary people perform extraordinary acts of courage. By honoring Elizabeth Freeman, we honor not only her struggle for freedom, but also the ongoing pursuit of equality and justice for all. Her example teaches us that courage is contagious," he said. 
 
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