Community Development Corporation of South Berkshire Welcomes Two New Board Members

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GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — The Community Development Corporation South Berkshire (CDCSB) announced the appointment of two new members to its Board of Directors: Mark Blumkin and Timothy Prinz. 
 
Both bring professional expertise and a shared commitment to strengthening communities through expanded opportunity, economic vitality, and access to affordable housing.
 
"Mark and Tim each bring deep experience that will help guide the CDCSB's work as we expand affordable housing opportunities and strengthen the small business ecosystem across South Berkshire County," said Jim Harwood, Board Chair. "Their insight will help ensure our projects are both impactful and sustainable for the long term."
 
Mark Blumkin brings more than four decades of experience advising on capital construction projects, with particular expertise in project planning, delivery strategies, and cost-effective implementation. As Principal of MSB Advisors LLC, he supports organizations in delivering complex projects on time and within budget. His career includes more than 30 years with leading professional services firms, as well as roles with the City of New York and an engineering consulting firm. A Berkshires resident for nearly a decade, Blumkin is committed to advancing affordable housing solutions that support the region's workforce and long-term economic health.
 
Timothy Prinz is a public health and health policy expert with nearly 20 years of experience translating research into effective policy and programs that improve outcomes for underserved populations. His work has spanned national health reform efforts, nonprofit leadership, and academic research. Dr. Prinz has held senior roles with organizations including The Children's Health Fund, the United Hospital Fund, and the Blue Sky Health Initiative at UCLA, where he contributed to policy ideas incorporated into the Affordable Care Act. He holds a Ph.D. in political science from Harvard University and has taught American politics at the University of Virginia.
 
The CDCSB works to strengthen South Berkshire communities by developing affordable and workforce housing, supporting small businesses, and advancing initiatives that promote economic opportunity and community stability. 
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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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