Nonprofit Center Launches Film Showcase Celebrating Berkshire Nonprofits

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GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — The Nonprofit Center of the Berkshires (NPC) has launched its first  film sharing event, "REEL GOOD: Nonprofits Strengthening the Berkshires," sponsored by Talon Media.

The event highlights 20 Berkshire County nonprofits through short films that share their missions and invite community engagement.

"There are so many nonprofits doing essential work across the Berkshires," said McCaela Donovan, NPC associate director. "This event uses storytelling to amplify their impact, reach new audiences, and show people how they can get involved."

The free event will take place during the City of Pittsfield’s 10x10 Upstreet Arts Festival on Wednesday, February 18, from 3–5 p.m. at the Berkshire Athenaeum auditorium. A brief panel discussion with nonprofit leaders will follow the screening, focusing on the year ahead for the sector and the importance of effective storytelling. NPC welcomes local nonprofit leaders and staff, local businesses and entrepreneurs and the general public, especially those interested in nonprofit involvement.

Featured organizations include: Berkshire Agricultural Ventures, The Berkshire Botanical Garden, Berkshire Bounty, Berkshire Busk, Berkshire Community Land Trust, Berkshire County Arc (BCARC), Berkshire Film & Media Collaborative, Berkshire Grown, Berkshire Natural Resources Council, Berkshire HorseWorks, Child Care of the Berkshires, Community Development Corporation of South Berkshire (CDCSB), Flying Cloud, Kids 4 Harmony & 18 Degrees, Music in Common, Nonprofit Center of the Berkshires (NPC), Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) & the City of Pittsfield, Sheffield Historical Society, Tamarack Hollow Nature & Cultural Center, Turn Park.

To RSVP, visit www.npcberkshires.org/events and select the Feb. 18 event.

For more information, contact McCaela Donovan at mccaela@npcberkshires.org.


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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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