Great Barrington Academy Participates in Hoopfest

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ROSELLE, N.J. — The Scholarship Fund for Inner-City Children (SFIC) raised about $107,000 to support partial tuition assistance scholarships for underprivileged students attending Archdiocese of Newark Catholic schools at its Founders' 22nd Annual Hoopfest on Jan. 17 at Roselle Catholic High School.
 
Approximately 400 spectators braved a snowstorm to attend the SFIC tradition, where there were three competitive games featuring some of New Jersey's most talented high school basketball players. Two of the participating teams—Roselle Catholic and Oak Knoll School of the Holy Child—represented the Archdiocese, with many players being SFIC scholarship recipients. The other teams hailed from respected schools throughout the Northeast, including Thrive Charter School, The Patrick School and Great Barrington Academy.
 
Outside of the games, SFIC recognized the players with the highest grades on each team by presenting them with academic achievement awards. 
 
"SFIC is so grateful to everyone who supported the Hoopfest—not even the snow could keep them away," said Dr. Michelle L. Hartman, the fund's chief executive officer. "This was one of most exciting Hoopfests we've ever had. But most importantly, it raised a significant amount of money, which helps our mission of providing children with the invaluable gift of a Catholic education. Our founders, Joseph J. Oakes III and Kenneth F. Kunzman, would be proud."
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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.
 
"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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