Representatives Leigh Davis and Bud L. Williams File Legislation Establishing Elizabeth Freeman Day of Equality, Healing, and Remembrance

H.D. 6221 — An Act Establishing Elizabeth Freeman Day of Equality, Healing, and Remembrance in the Commonwealth

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 12, 2026

Contact:

Office of State Representative Leigh Davis

Serena.Keenan@mahouse.gov

413-854-4623

BOSTON, MA — Representative Leigh Davis (3rd Berkshire District) and Representative Bud L. Williams (11th Hampden District) have filed legislation establishing August 22 as Elizabeth Freeman Day of Equality, Healing, and Remembrance in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Elizabeth Freeman, whose landmark freedom suit helped pave the way for the abolition of slavery in Massachusetts, is buried in Stockbridge, where her legacy remains an enduring part of Berkshire County's history.

The legislation would direct the Governor to annually issue a proclamation recognizing the life and legacy of Elizabeth Freeman, also known as Mum Bett, whose landmark freedom suit helped pave the way for the abolition of slavery in Massachusetts.

Enslaved by Colonel John Ashley in Sheffield, Freeman challenged her enslavement and helped change the course of history in Massachusetts. Widely recognized as the first enslaved woman in Massachusetts to successfully sue for and win her freedom, Freeman helped establish legal precedents that contributed to the abolition of slavery in the Commonwealth.

The legislation designates August 22 in recognition of the August 22, 1781 jury verdict in the landmark Berkshire County case Brom and Bett v. Ashley, which granted Elizabeth Freeman her freedom and helped pave the way for the abolition of slavery in Massachusetts.

Freeman is buried in Stockbridge, where her legacy remains an enduring part of Berkshire County's history.

“Elizabeth Freeman's story began here in the Berkshires, but its impact reached every corner of the Commonwealth,” said Representative Leigh Davis. “More than two centuries later, her legacy continues to inspire us. Establishing Elizabeth Freeman Day will ensure that future generations learn not only about her extraordinary bravery, but also about the power of one person to change the course of history.”

The proposed observance would serve as an annual opportunity for residents, schools, community organizations, and local governments to reflect on Freeman's contributions to Massachusetts history and the ongoing pursuit of equality, justice, and human dignity.

The legislation is being filed for consideration during the current legislative session.

About Representative Leigh Davis

State Representative Leigh Davis represents the 3rd Berkshire District, the largest geographic district in the Massachusetts House of Representatives, encompassing eighteen communities across Berkshire County. She serves on the Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight; the Joint Committee on Election Laws; the House Committee on Federal Funding, Policy and Accountability; and the House

Committee on Climate Action and Sustainability.