Photo Event to Support Berkshire Works Therapy Herd

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RICHMOND, Mass. — Berkshire HorseWorks is inviting the community to its Annual "Romance at the Ranch" event on Sunday, Feb. 9, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The pre-Valentine's Day gathering offers participants the chance to take unique photos with rescued horses and donkeys while supporting a good cause.

The event, held at Berkshire HorseWorks’ facility at 101 Patton Road in Richmond, will feature hot cocoa, cookies, and a raffle to win an equine activity. A suggested donation of $25 will go directly toward medical care and food for the therapy herd.

Berkshire HorseWorks has provided equine-assisted psychotherapy, learning, team-building, and educational programs for over a decade. The nonprofit’s offerings include Horse Powered Reading and Math curriculums, serving more than 3,000 individuals across the Berkshires and New England, including at-risk youth, veterans, and families.

For more information, call 413-698-3700 or email info@berkshirehorseworks.com

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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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