UMass Amherst AfroAm

06/17/2026

06/16/2026

Join us, this Friday 6/19 in a celebration of freedom, resilience, and the enduring strength of our community. All are welcome!

06/16/2026

Celebrate Juneteenth holiday together!

06/16/2026

While celebrated as a holiday in Texas for more than 150 years, many people in northern states first became aware of Juneteenth for the first time about 40 years ago. The first official Juneteenth gathering took place in June 1998.

The NAACP-Berkshire County Branch is hosting a celebration event on June 21 at Durant Park in Pittsfield 11am-6pm. City offices will also be closed in Pittsfield on June 19.

Other celebrations in the region include:
-Merchants Park in Bennington on Friday, June 19, from 1:00 - 4:00 PM
-Stanley Park in Westfield, MA on June 18, 12pm-3pm
- Deerfield guided walking tour of Witness Stones of enslaved individuals who lived in Deerfield - Hall Tavern 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m.

Any other Juneteenth events in the region that should be listed?

06/14/2026

46 years ago today! On 13 June 1980, a remote control bomb, disguised in a walkie-talkie, handed to by a senior military officer, Gregory Smith, was the weapon used to assassinate him. The bomb exploded in Walter Rodney's lap, ending his life. He was 38 YEARS OLD!

06/10/2026

While researching Japanese imperialism, historian Garrett L. Washington discovered a gap: “in all of these studies, I couldn’t help but notice the lack of women.”

His new project, “Faith in the Realm,” centers on elite laywomen involved in Christian and Buddhist organizations. Although these women were not ordained, Washington emphasizes that his work looks “beyond these auxiliary, supportive roles to reveal how they were leading, acting, and expressing themselves in relation to Japanese imperialism.”

This research brings together his scholarship and role as the history department’s Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion by creating more inclusive historical narratives.

Learn more about Garrett’s work at the link in our bio.