A Day to Honor the Fight to End Slavery in Mass.?

Representative Bud L. Williams of the 11th Hampden District and Representative Leigh Davis are filing legislation establishing August 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. 

In 1781, Freeman challenged the institution of slavery by filing suit against her enslaver, Colonel 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.

“Elizabeth Freeman’s courage changed the course of history in Massachusetts,” said Representative 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. “Her story reminds us that progress is often made because ordinary people perform extraordinary acts of courage. By honoring Elizabeth Freeman, we honor not only her struggle for freedom, but also the ongoing pursuit of equality and justice for all. 

Her example teaches us that courage is contagious.” The proposed observance would serve as an annual opportunity for residents, schools, community organizations, and local governments to learn about Freeman’s contributions to Massachusetts history and the broader struggle for civil rights and human dignity. The legislation establishing Elizabeth Freeman Day of Equality, Healing, and Remembrance is being filed for consideration during the current legislative session.