Edward Carson, dean of multicultural education and a member of the History Department at the Governor’s Academy,

Northern Essex Community College is proud to present the upcoming webinar “Reclaiming Black Identity on Juneteenth” on Thursday, June 17, 2021 at 6:30pm. Free and open to the public, this event will feature Edward Carson, the dean of multicultural education and a member of the History Department at the Governor’s Academy.

Carson will explore how the many achievements of Afro-connected peoples have disrupted the patterns of racism that persist. While we continue to struggle with Black identity, we can rejoice in the progress that’s been achieved. The talk will introduce the audience to recent scholarship regarding Black progress, and address age-old narratives about Black people and Juneteenth.

Carson’s research looks at 20th century race, religion, and Black thought, particularly that of W.E.B. Du Bois. He has published and presented papers in peer-reviewed journals and sat on panels at leading conferences on Black identity, religion, Du Bois, and creating inclusive policies at independent schools.

NECC Grad Michael Bastien organized the BLM street mural in Lawrence last year.

Joining Carson will be NECC alum Michael Bastien ’19. Bastien is an entrepreneur, philanthropist and activist from Lawrence. He organized the BLM street mural in the city last year, and has founded a non-profit aimed at shifting the mindset of youth in the community through mentorship.

Juneteenth (June 19) is a holiday commemorating the emancipation of enslaved people in the U.S. The holiday was first celebrated in Texas, where on that date in 1865, in the aftermath of the Civil War, slaves were declared free under the terms of the 1862 Emancipation Proclamation.

The webinar is free and open to the public. Registration is required. This is event is sponsored by NECC Lawrence Campus along with Lawrence Community Relations, International Student Advisors, NECC Civic Engagement and NECC Student Affairs.

Register here

For more information, contact Analuz Garcia, assistant director of community & international relations, a garcia@necc.mass.edu

Northern Essex Community College has campuses in both Haverhill and Lawrence. It offers approximately 60 associate degree and certificate programs as well as hundreds of noncredit courses designed for personal enrichment and career growth.  Each year, 6,000 students are enrolled in credit associate degree and certificate programs on the Haverhill and Lawrence campuses; and another 2,000 take noncredit workforce development and community education classes on campus, and at businesses and community sites across the Merrimack Valley.  For more information, visit the website at www.necc.mass.edu or call 978-556-3700.