American social reformer, abolitionist, orator, writer, and statesman Frederick Douglass.

By Rachel Berets

On July 5, 1852 Frederick Douglass asked “What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?” in his now-famous speech of the same name. He proceeded to reply to his own question, stating, “I answer: a day that reveals to him, more than all other days in the year, the gross injustice and cruelty to which he is the constant victim. To him, your celebration is a sham; your boasted liberty, an unholy license … a thin veil to cover up crimes which would disgrace a nation of savages.”

While searching for equitable ways of dealing with the legal status of domestic partnerships, the Somerville City Council happened upon a less than well-known issue lurking in the shadows, yearning for light to be shed on it.

Eagle Feathers #208 – Independence Day

By Bob (Monty) Doherty

The importance of the 4th of July in Massachusetts and Somerville’s history predates:

• the signing of the Constitution
• the raising of American’s first flag, the Grand Union, on historic Prospect Hill
• the beginning of the Revolutionary War

Arrests:
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Danielle Lopes, of Harwich, June 27, 3:33 p.m., arrested at Bond St. on warrant charges of larceny of credit card, improper use of credit card, larceny under $1200 by single scheme, felony daytime breaking and entering, felony nighttime breaking and entering, and larceny over $1200.

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Recently I spoke with Rachel Strutt of the Somerville Arts Council about the Art Beat Festival coming up July 8-10. Because of the pandemic, most of the events will be virtual, but there will be some live happenings as well.

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A Resident Scholar at Brandeis University’s Women’s Studies Research Center, Rosie Rosenzweig has recently published book of poems called Bring Me into Flesh. Her travel memoir, A Jewish Mother in Shangri-la (Shambhala), describes receiving transmissions from leading Buddhist monks and teachers. Her play, Myths & Ms, illustrates the themes of abortion and reincarnation. Her current book, newly published is called EMERGENCE: The Role of Mindfulness in Creativity. http://www.brandeis.edu/centers/wsrc/scholars/profiles/Rosenzweig.html

Thirty-fourth Middlesex District State Rep. Christine Barber.

Representative Christine P. Barber of Somerville and Medford has filed new legislation to protect the family members of people who have received long-term care services through MassHealth during the COVID-19 pandemic, partnering with Senator Jo Comerford of Northampton. 

Dear Community Members,

Here is a COVID-19 update for Monday, July 6. Please also check somervillema.gov/covid19 for information and resources that are updated frequently.

President Matthew McLaughlin has rescheduled the Regular Meeting of the City Council that was previously scheduled on Thursday, July 9.

The next Regular Meeting of the City Council will now be at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 14.