Being an ally is not a title, but an action

Published: June 27, 2024, 3:00 p.m.

To the editor,

My husband and I attended a Juneteenth event at the State Capitol sponsored by the Commission on Women, Children, Seniors, Equality and Opportunity in partnership with the Black and Puerto Rican Caucus and the Martin Luther King, Jr Holiday Commission. It was a beautiful event attended by many current and former Senators and Representatives. Children read essays about the meaning of the holiday, there was African dancing and a panel discussion. We were so proud to see Newtown resident Nicole Maddox, Esq on the panel. Nicole is an entrepreneur and social activist and co-chair of Newtown Allies for Change. When asked about the meaning of Juneteenth, Nicole spoke about both the celebration of freedom and the long-standing racist hiding of information, truth and history in our country that continues to drive her work in Newtown. To that end, Newtown Allies for Change educates our community, helped stop an attempted book ban, hosted a United Against Hate program with the U.S. Department of Justice, and hosts an annual celebration for Newtown educators who are actively promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in our classrooms. I would urge all Newtown residents to learn more about this important work, attend a NAFC event, borrow a book from the little library in Treadwell Park, and learn how to broach difficult topics to address racial issues. If there’s anything I’ve learned from NAFC, it’s that being an ally is not a title, it’s an action!

Respectfully,

Christine E. Miller

Sandy Hook