Opinion

Op-Ed: S.T.A.R. Five-Year Anniversary

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As founder and CEO of Stand Together Against Racism (S.T.A.R.), I am deeply honored to celebrate our organization’s fifth anniversary—a milestone made possible by the unwavering support of the New Canaan community and our many partners. Five years ago, S.T.A.R. was born out of a collective call for justice following the murder of George Floyd. What began with a march through our town and a commitment to partnership with the New Canaan Police has grown into a movement that empowers residents with the tools, resources, and brave spaces needed to drive transformative change. Our mission remains clear: to ensure that everyone in New Canaan feels they belong. Over the years, S.T.A.R. has brought people together through impactful programming—from our Juneteenth celebrations drawing hundreds, to youth art showcases that elevate student voices on social justice, our annual fund-raiser, Soul•Fête which is a celebration of elevated black cuisine and culture, and many more.

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Op-Ed: Observing Juneteenth in New Canaan

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Happy Juneteenth! Juneteenth became a federal holiday in 2021 and, effective this year, Connecticut will join at least 27 other states and the District of Columbia to observe Juneteenth as a state holiday. 

Accordingly, New Canaan’s town government issued its own official Juneteenth proclamation. 

While Stand Together Against Racism (S.T.A.R) acknowledges the Town of New Canaan recognition, it is important to emphasize that New Canaan, while embracing the journey to Diversity, Inclusion, Equity and Belonging, still has a long way to go in growing our knowledge and efforts together. The town’s Proclamation recognizes the historical significance of Juneteenth, marking the arrival of union troops in Galveston, Texas two years after President Lincoln had issued a proclamation liberating all slaves living in confederate states. June 19th, 1865 marked the official day when all enslaved in America were granted freedom. Hence marking the end of slavery in America with the emancipation of the last slaves in Texas.