Newburyport, MA – Every year, Newburyport celebrates William Lloyd Garrison’s legacy on his birthday with a lecture about Garrison’s life, and how it is still relevant today. This year the lecture takes place in person at Newburyport’s Old South Presbyterian Church and will be simulcast on YouTube.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 2, 2021
Media Contact: Jack Santos, jack@jacksantos.com , 603 674 7454
NEWBURYPORT’S ANNUAL WILLIAM LLOYD GARRISON LECTURE TO TAKE PLACE DECEMBER 10
Newburyport, MA – Every year, Newburyport celebrates William Lloyd Garrison’s legacy on his birthday with a lecture about Garrison’s life, and how it is still relevant today. This year the lecture takes place in person at Newburyport’s Old South Presbyterian Church and will be simulcast on YouTube.
William Lloyd Garrison, Newburyport’s native son, was a driving force in the 19th century abolition movement that led up to the civil war. One of the first to demand immediate and unconditional freedom for all slaves, he published the Boston anti-slavery newspaper “The Liberator” from 1831-1865. After the civil war he went on to champion women’s rights and women’s right to vote.
A group of Newburyport residents, calling themselves “Friends of William Lloyd Garrison” formed a coalition to raise awareness of Garrison’s role and national prominence, his birthplace on School Street, and his relevance today.
Jack Santos, one of the “Friends”, said “In a world where “Back Lives Matter” is still controversial, and the Equal Rights Amendment, drafted almost 100 years ago, is still not a part of the U.S. Constitution, Garrison’s words still ring true. He was a progressive well ahead of his time.”
“Friends” member Mary Anne Macaulay said “Now more than ever, Newburyporters and all Americans need to recognize Garrison, and understand how he laid the foundation for change, change that is still happening.”
Andrea Eigerman, supporter of new signage celebrating Garrison’s birthplace on School Street, to be placed in the “Garrison Gardens” parklet, said “The City of Newburyport and its residents need to celebrate William Lloyd Garrison’s bravery, determination, and, ultimately, success. It is a message as relevant today as it was then. ”
Another Garrison “friend”, Rebecca Regnet, said: “I became intrigued about the life story of William Lloyd Garrison five years ago when I visited Newburyport for business and stayed at the Garrison Inn. As my work brought me to Newburyport to live and work this year, I consciously made the decision to “act” upon this interest. Putting beliefs into action has meant creating a DEI Council at Newburyport Bank and starting a DEI Book Group that meets monthly.”
The annual talk focuses on Garrison’s life, the legacy of slavery, its continuing impact on the United States, and current issues around diversity, inclusiveness, and LGBTQ acceptance.
This year the talk is given by Edward Carson, the Dean of Multicultural Education at the Governor’s Academy and a leading organizer and activist in the Greater Boston area. Carson will discuss Garrison’s relevancy in twenty-first century issues like voting rights, Critical Race Theory, and Black political thought.
Edward Carson said “In my talk I’ll challenge the greater Newburyport community to learn more about Garrison and understand how to dismantle the remaining vestiges of white supremacy. Garrison gave voice to twentieth century Black leaders and organizations, such as: W.E.B. Du Bois, Mary Church Terrell, Martin Luther King Jr. and the NAACP.”
Says Santos: “I am excited about learning more about Garrison, the topic, and hearing this amazing speaker. In a racially and culturally homogeneous community, a lecture like this that encourages a broadening of horizons while keeping it in the context of the life of an important Newburyport historical figure is a major event in Newburyport. I am so appreciative to all that have made this happen.”
This year’s lecture is made possible through the support of The Newburyport Daily News, Newburyport Preservation Trust, Old South Presbyterian Church, and a grant from the Massachusetts Humanities Bridge Street fund. Presenting Partners include the Museum of Old Newbury and Amesbury’s Imagine Studios.
More information about the Annual William Lloyd Garrison lecture can be found at http://lecture.porthistory.com . Last year’s lecture is also available on the website.
The lecture will be held Friday December 10, 2021 7 PM at Old South Presbyterian Church, 29 Federal Street. Pandemic mask rules will be in effect. Simulcast on YouTube will be available via the website.
