FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
“America 250 Doesn’t Add Up to 250 Years of Equality, Liberty and Justice for All”
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS — May 26, 2026 — 11:00 – 2:00 PM
Massachusetts State Representative Bud Williams, Chairman of the Massachusetts Joint House and Senate Committee on Racial Equity, Civil Rights and Inclusion, will host a historic public gathering on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at noon in Gardner Auditorium at the Massachusetts State House, Boston, MA, USA.
The event, titled:
“America 250 Doesn’t Add Up to 250 Years of Equality, Liberty and Justice for All: Time for Healing, Repair, Reconciliation & Unity”
will bring together elected officials, diplomats, clergy, educators, students, historians, civil rights leaders, and members of the public to examine unresolved historical contradictions involving race, citizenship, colonization, and democracy as the United States approaches the 250th anniversary of its independence.
Representative Williams stated:
“Massachusetts helped spark the American Revolution and also led the legal abolition of slavery through the courageous victory of Elizabeth Freeman. As America approaches 250 years of independence, we must confront the unfinished truths of our history and continue the work of healing, reconciliation, and unity.”
The gathering will examine the historic relationship between the United States and Liberia, a nation established in the 1800s through direct involvement of the federal government for the settlement of free Black Americans following the racial restrictions imposed by the 1790 Naturalization Act, which limited citizenship to “free white persons.”
Organizers note that:
- Over one billion citizens from more than 40 countries currently qualify for entry into the United States through the Visa Waiver Program;
- Not a single African country is included;
- Liberia, a nation with deep historic ties to the United States, faces visa refusal rates approaching 80%.
The event will also honor the legacy of Elizabeth Mumbet Freeman, whose historic freedom lawsuit in Massachusetts helped end slavery in the Commonwealth and inspired broader abolition efforts across the United States.
Two Core Purposes of the Gathering
Organizers stated that the event is centered around two principal goals:
1. Recognition of August 22 as Elizabeth Mumbet Freeman Day
The gathering will support official recognition of August 22 in honor of Elizabeth Freeman, whose successful legal challenge against slavery in Massachusetts became a landmark victory for human freedom and equality under the Massachusetts Constitution.
2. Restoring U.S. Citizenship to All Persons Born in Liberia
The event will also advance discussion surrounding federal legislation and national reconciliation efforts aimed at restoring or recognizing United States citizenship rights for all persons born in Liberia, based on the historic relationship between the United States and Liberia and the settlement of Black American citizens in Liberia during the 19th century.
Distinguished Guests Invited
Invitations have been extended to distinguished local, national, and international leaders, including:
- Governor Maura Healey and members of the Massachusetts Congressional Delegation;
- Members of the Massachusetts House and Senate;
- The Massachusetts Black and Latino Legislative Caucus;
- Senator Ed Markey;
- Senator Chuck Grassley;
- Presidents and representatives of leading Massachusetts universities and colleges;
- Interfaith leaders from across Massachusetts;
- E. President Joseph N. Boakai;
- E. President Julius Maada Bio;
- Honorable Hassan Sankor
- Senator Brown of Maryland County, Liberia, who is expected to head a high-level Liberian Civil Society delegation;
- His Excellency Samuel Yao Kumah, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Ghana to the United Nations;
- His Excellency Lewis G. Brown II, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Liberia to the United Nations;
- His Excellency António Guterres; Secretary General United Nations
- Representatives of the African Union and international human rights organizations.
Representative Williams added:
“Healing requires truth, and reconciliation requires courage. If America is to genuinely celebrate 250 years of freedom and democracy, we must ensure that equality, liberty, and justice truly belong to all people.”
The event is free and open to the public.
CONTACTS:
Chief of Staff
Office of Representative Bud Williams
Massachusetts House of Representatives
Phone: +1-413-316-4743
Email:Malo.Brown@mahouse.gov
Universal Human Rights International (UHRI) Boston
Rev. Torli H. Krua
Tel: +1-857-249-9983
Email: TKrua@universalhumanrights.us