National

As recorded by English colonist John Rolfe, the arrival of “20 and odd” African men and women in late August 1619, was a pivotal moment in the nation’s history. These Africans were stolen by English privateers from a Spanish slave ship and brought to Point Comfort on a ship called the White Lion. African Landing Day does not celebrate the circumstances surrounding the arrival of the first Africans to our shores. The commemoration serves as a marker in history that shines a light on the incredibly powerful 402 year journey, and offers some hope in the continued struggle to dismantle the systems of oppression created by the original sin.

Vermont First African Landing Day was established by the Vermont Racial Justice Alliance to educate the public about the arrival of Africans in the United States; to recognize and highlight the resilience and contributions of African-Americans since 1619; and, to acknowledge the impact that slavery and laws that enforced racial discrimination have on the United  States. It offers food, storytelling, dance, drumming, musical performances and more. Vermont First African Landing Day provides an opportunity for those who are interested to learn about the heritage, struggles and triumphs of the first Africans who were brought to the shores of what would become the United States.

Vermont First African Landing Day “2021”

This is a time for Vermont to join the global commemoration, to recognize and highlight the resilience and contributions of African-Americans since 1619 as we reflect upon one of the historical events that forever changed what would become the United States and the planet as we know it!

firstafricanlandingvt.wordpress.com

Many Public, Educational, and Governmental (PEG) centers across the Northeast are experiencing significant budget shortfalls with no relief in sight. Their services are critical for airing local government proceedings, town hall meetings, etc., yet cable companies are eschewing any efforts to pay for continuing free-to-air access for this kind of programming.

A panel of industry experts and state officials discuss how states in the Eastern Region are working to ensure the continuity of public access to state and local news.

MODERATOR: Lonnie Reed, Chair, Connecticut Green Bank

SPEAKERS: Lauren-Glenn Davitian, Executive Director, CCTV Center for Media & Democracy, Vermont; Walter Mann, Co-Chair of CT Community Media Association, Connecticut; Mike Rispoli, News Voices Director, Free Press and board member, the Civic Information Consortium, New Jersey; and David Gauthier, Executive Director, Winchester Community Access & Media, Massachusetts.

See more: csg-erc.org/welcome-to-the-60th-annual-meeting-and-regional-policy-forum

Gene Bergman interviews Thomas Hanna of The Democracy Collaborative about Trash Collection in Burlington.

Host Bruce Wilson talks with Bor Yang, Executive Director of the Vermont Human Rights Commission.