Recent events have infused the African American holiday with renewed purpose and fresh awareness.
Kelley Bouchard
Staff Writer
Kelley writes about Maine businesses large and small, focusing on economic development, workforce initiatives and the state’s leading business organizations. Her wider experience includes municipal and state government, immigration, education, transportation, history, human rights, health and elder care, the environment and the housing crisis. A Maine native and University of Maine graduate, she was a college intern for two summers at the former Lewiston Evening Journal. She previously worked at the Ipswich Chronicle, Beverly Times and Salem Evening News in Massachusetts. Favorite pastimes include gardening, cooking, streaming foreign TV series and kayaking at camp.
South Portland may launch human rights panel with money cut from police budget
The proposal, developed with support from the police chief, is the first known effort in Maine to redirect police funding to address systemic racism.
Maine governor, supreme court pledge to root out racism in law enforcement and courts
Gov. Janet Mills and the Maine Supreme Judicial Court issue statements promising to identify racism in the justice system and provide additional training to police and court personnel.
David Botana: Casco Bay High School
He’s a world-class equestrian with a deeply personal reason to become a biomedical engineer.
Ladislas Nzeyimana: Deering High School
He has become a school and community leader after only four years in the United States.
Nicole Printy: Bonny Eagle High School
She missed much of her sophomore year while in the hospital but is graduating cum laude with her class.
Haley Stark: Falmouth High School
She nearly died from a debilitating stroke at age 12 and now she’s heading to Harvard.
Joseph Gilbert: Greely High School
He is a top student and frequent volunteer who plans to study engineering.
Elias Matso: Traip Academy
He developed a passion for fashion as a young boy and plans to continue his education in New York City.
Deixi Wu: Thornton Academy
She speaks three languages and plans to become a teacher to help others communicate.