South Berkshire Community Corp. Awarded State Grant

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BOSTON — Gov. Maura Healey announced $12.8 million in Community Investment Tax Credits (CITC) to 52 Community Development Corporations and Support Organizations across Massachusetts. 
 
These awards will support local nonprofit organizations as they advance affordable housing development and preservation, strengthen neighborhood-based programs, and expand economic opportunity in communities across the state. 
 
In Berkshire County, Community Development Corporation of South Berkshire was awarded $225,000.
 
The CITC program provides a 50 percent refundable state tax credit that incentives donors to contribute funds to Community Development Corporations and support organizations. Since its creation in 2012, the program has been an important source of flexible funding for community-based organizations supporting affordable housing development and preservation, community planning, economic development, homeownership assistance, financial education, foreclosure prevention and workforce development. The Affordable Homes Act, signed into law by Governor Maura Healey in 2024, expanded the program and established a permanent funding source for CITC. 
 
"We are focused on building more housing and lowering costs across Massachusetts. Communities know best what they need to grow and succeed, and the CITC program gives them the resources they need to deliver," said Governor Maura Healey. "These investments will help build more housing, support small businesses and strengthen neighborhoods across Massachusetts. We’re proud to partner with all 52 communities receiving awards to create opportunity and make our state more affordable." 
 
The CITC program is designed to enable local residents and stakeholders to work with and through Community Development Corporations to partner with nonprofit, public and private entities to improve economic opportunities for low- and moderate-income households and other residents in urban, rural and suburban communities across the state. Community partners do this through Community Investment Plans that guide programs, policies and activities tailored to local needs. 
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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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