We were disappointed in the lack of press coverage (thanks to News Center Maine WCSH for its excellent and thorough coverage) of the powerful, informative and sold-out Juneteenth Day event, The State of Black Maine Symposium (“Juneteenth show will explore what it’s like growing up Black in Maine,” June 18). It was held in Hannaford Hall at the University of Southern Maine’s Portland campus. We can only conclude that this is emblematic of the “invisible life and history of Black people in Maine,” the whitest state in the country.
The day was full of informative sessions and panels addressing the Black experience in Maine, both past, present and future, featuring topics presented by panels of Black elders, high school students, educators, artists, entrepreneurs and many more Black leaders in their respective fields of expertise. The sessions covered topics such as growing up Black in Maine, the state of Black industry, the state of Black education, the state of Black justice and the state of Black arts. There were also poetry readings and performances by Black artists. As white allies, we listened and learned so much.
It is so important, in this time of national “backsliding,” to engage in more of these difficult conversations and dialogues that address the historical and current Black experience.
Janet and Phil Bruen
Falmouth
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