Hi John,

From the very beginning, Black history has been American history. So while this month is a time to pause and celebrate the rich heritage of African Americans who have fought for our independence and to keep the union together, who organized and marched for civil rights and voting rights that had been stripped from them, and who have profoundly shaped American civic life and culture, let’s not treat Black history as somehow separate from American history only to be forgotten when the calendar turns to March.

Black History Month is important. We can, and should be celebrating the lived and shared experiences of African Americans, both here in Maine and across this country. And we should also use this time to reckon with our nation’s grim history and the white supremacist ideology that continues to exploit and oppress Black Americans and people of color. Because by examining the unvarnished truth of our past, we can chart a better future.

That’s why, on Tuesday, February 23rd at 6pm, the Maine Dems are hosting a virtual panel to highlight the injustices Black, Indigineous, and people of color have faced in Maine, and how that has led to persistent inequities. We will also explore what we can do alongside BIPOC communities to ensure we’re advancing economic justice for everyone going forward. Joining us will be:

• State Representative Richard Evans (Dover-Foxcroft);
• Ambassador Maulian Dana, Penobscot Nation;
• Councilor Pious Ali, Portland At-Large City Councilor; and
• Joby Thoyalil, Senior Policy Advocate at Maine Equal Justice.

RSVP here to watch the Black History Month Panel livestream on Facebook on Tuesday, February 23rd at 6pm OR click here and register to watch the Black History Month Panel on Zoom!

Many thanks,

Drew

Drew Gattine
Chair
Maine Democratic Party