DAY 5: DIMENSIONS OF LAW

Our work in state government is to serve as educators, policymakers, enforcers, litigators, and more. The full scope of our work requires involvement from the judicial, legislative, and executive branches. More importantly, it requires commitment to community.

The Legacy of John Lewis

A champion of civil and human rights in the U.S. was John Lewis, the late Congressmember whose commitment to justice was solidified at a young age and lasted all the way until his death in 2020.

You may remember that John Lewis came to Vermont on October 7th, 2019 to discuss the graphic novel series he authored, titled March, which won the National Book Award. He was introduced by his dear friend, Vermont’s beloved Senator Patrick Leahy.

Congressmember Lewis’ co-author, Andrew Aydin, returns to Vermont to reflect on “the creation of RUN, becoming an author, how he became involved in politics, and his experiences working with Congressman and civil rights icon John Lewis.”

This event is sponsored by the Vermont Humanities Council and is part of the Farmer’s Night series, a 100+ year-old tradition through which artists from around the state perform in the well of the House Chamber each Wednesday night during the legislative session. See the “Coming Up” section below for details.

Video for "Crétin de Terrien" by The Architect

You can read and listen…

We don’t know about you, but we need a little background music while we work to keep us inspired (and to keep us sharp after the caffeine wears off). One of our favorite background tracks is “Crétin de Terrien” by The Architect. One of the reasons we love this song is because it features inspiring snippets from John Lewis’ speeches. Check it out by clicking the video or visiting here: Crétin de Terrien

Pop Quiz!

A one-question trivia check to make sure you’re on your Black History A-game. How many will you get correct throughout the month? Click the button that reads “Today’s pop quiz” to see today’s question.

In honor of the legal heroes we featured above, today’s pop quiz question tests your knowledge of the long (and ongoing) legal road to racial justice in education.

TODAY’S POP QUIZ

Coming up

Check out some of the events happening throughout Black History Month 2023.

Now through 2/12 – “Bov Water” play at Northern Stage

What: A running production of a new play in which “four generations of Black women breathe and bathe in a past that’s both intentionally and accidentally forgotten. Challenging and discovering their own narratives from the Civil War to the 1960s to modern-day America, these strong and inquisitive souls wrestle to unearth a family’s past and build resilience for the future.”

Logistics: This play is running until Feb 12th. Performances are at the Barrette Center for the Arts, located at 74 Gates St. in White River Junction. Learn more here: Bov Water

2/5 – “Afro-Caribbean Brunch for Black History Month”

What: The Archives partners with Exclusive Vermont Events to host an event featuring live music, art, and games aimed to help you “celebrate Black history, culture and excellence through food, music, and the arts.”

Logistics: This event is being held on Sunday Feb 5th from 12:00-4:00 p.m. at The Archives, located at 45 Main St. in Winooski. Learn more here: Afro-Caribbean Brunch

2/8 – Farmers’ Night: “John Lewis & RUN”

What: National Book Award winner Andrew Aydin describes the creation of RUN and his experiences working with Congressman and civil rights icon John Lewis.

Logistics: This free event is being held on Wednesday Feb 8th at 7:30 p.m. at the Vermont State House, located on State St. in Montpelier. Learn more here: Farmers’ Night

2/9 – Panel Discussion on Police Violence

What: The Vermont branches of the NAACP partner with ACLU of Vermont to host a panel discussion with five family members whose loved ones were lost to police violence and who are a part of the Love Not Blood Campaign.

Logistics: This free, hybrid event is being held on Feb 9th at 6:00 p.m. with two options to join: [1] at the Pavilion Building located at 109 State St. in Montpelier, or [2] via Zoom. Learn more and RSVP here: Voices From the Front

2/16 – “Soul Food: Honoring Black Voices in Music”

What: A late-night musical experience that “honors Black music of yesterday and today.”

Logistics: This free event is being held on Feb 16th from 9:00 p.m. - 1:00 a.m. at Club Metronome, located at 188 Main St. in Burlington. Learn more here: Soul Food

This Week’s Raffle

Each week, we will draw 3 names from the list of those who signed up for this e-mail series. We hope you win (yes, you!). The drawings are random; we use the True Random Number Service, which will pick 3 numbers each week from the sign-up list. You don’t need to do anything from here—we’ll e-mail you if you’re a lucky winner.

This is an installment in the State of Vermont’s 28-day Black History Month e-mail series, offered by the Vermont Human Rights Commission and the Vermont Office of Racial Equity. The Human Rights Commission protects people from unlawful discrimination in housing, state government employment, and public accommodations. Learn more about the HRC here. The Office of Racial Equity provides guidance and oversight to identify and mitigate systemic racism in state government. Learn more about the ORE here. Did you receive this e-mail from a friend? Want to sign yourself up for the remainder of the month? Subscribe to this list here.

Copyright (C) 2023 State of Vermont Office of Racial Equity. All rights reserved.

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