Southern Berkshire Public Health Collaborative Vaccine Clinic

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LENOX, Mass. — The Southern Berkshire Public Health Collaborative will hold a vaccine clinic on Saturday, Jan. 11, from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at St. Ann Church in Lenox.
 
The clinic aims to provide COVID-19 vaccines for individuals who contracted the virus this past summer and were previously ineligible for vaccination, as well as for families and people who cannot attend weekday clinics. The event is open to everyone.
 
COVID-19 vaccines, including Pfizer doses, will be available for individuals aged six months and older. Flu vaccines will also be offered, with normal-dose, high-dose (for seniors), and egg-free options available.
 
Participants are encouraged to preregister at this link and provide insurance information if possible. Those needing assistance with registration can call (413) 717-7209 and leave a message for phone registration.
 
For further information, contact Jayne Smith via email at jayne@tritownhealth.org. The Collaborative also invites community members to help spread the word by sharing the announcement, posting flyers, or including clinic details in newsletters.
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

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.
 
"Elizabeth Freeman's story began here in the Berkshires, but its impact reached every corner of the commonwealth," said Davis. "More than two centuries later, her legacy continues to inspire us. Establishing Elizabeth Freeman Day will ensure that future generations learn not only about her extraordinary bravery, but also about the power of one person to change the course of history."
 
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. 
 
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