Portland Solidarity Committee Plans 2027 Juneteenth Celebration, Approves Funding For Heritage Video

PORTLAND, CT — Portland's Committee on Solidarity is planning a June 19, 2027, Juneteenth celebration with participation from local schools and has unanimously approved a $100 contribution toward an Asian Heritage Month video featuring a Portland resident.

The committee discussed both initiatives during its Oct. 20 special meeting, along with plans to recognize a local civil rights advocate, expand its social media presence and organize activities for Transgender Day of Remembrance.

Juneteenth Celebration Scheduled For June 19

The committee outlined preliminary plans for its 2027 Juneteenth celebration, scheduled for Saturday, June 19, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Speakers are expected to begin at 11:30 a.m., and Portland schools will co-sponsor the event.

Committee members Nancy Goodwin and Hope Jones are serving as co-chairs of the planning group, with Susan Bransfield as secretary and Janet Ellsworth as treasurer. Barbara Shaw also will participate.

The group held its first planning meeting virtually.

Chuck Hershon has been contacted about increasing student involvement and is expected to join a planning meeting in November.

Goodwin was assigned to contact Dr. Britton to finalize arrangements, while the planning committee will continue coordinating the event.

Committee Approves $100 For Asian Heritage Video

The committee unanimously approved a $100 contribution toward completion of an Asian Heritage Month video featuring Ann Hibino.

Elizabeth Sequenzia Hibino provided updates on the Voices of Portland project, including transcription work on its second volume and the completion of the heritage video.

Hibino also discussed a proposed plaque honoring Eugenie Shaw for her contributions to civil rights and the Portland Housing Authority.

Committee members considered additional expenses associated with completing the video.

Ellsworth moved to approve the $100 contribution, and Emily Bickhardt seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.

Hibino also described Middletown's Cultural Connections program, which offers free arts and cultural events celebrating the city's 250th anniversary and its diverse heritage.

Committee Plans Social Media Expansion

Members discussed establishing the committee's Instagram presence after receiving approval for the account from Mike Pelton.

The committee's email account will be used to manage the Instagram account.

Student representative Audrey Morico was assigned to update the account and share articles from the RiverEast newspaper.

Jones will provide a digital copy of the committee's logo, while Morico, Chair Cindy Tyler and Ellsworth will coordinate social media content.

The committee also established assignments for its upcoming RiverEast columns.

Goodwin will write the November column, Tyler will prepare December's installment, and either Bickhardt or Jones will write the January column.

Committee member Glenn "PJ" Eason reported attending the Oct. 16 Board of Selectmen meeting, where his comments were reported in the RiverEast.

Membership Changes Under Consideration

The committee discussed potential changes to its membership, including moving Sarah Kopac to full voting membership and having Scarlett Wood serve as an alternate.

Tyler was assigned to follow up with Sue Malecky of the Portland Democratic Town Committee to obtain additional information concerning Wood.

No vote on the proposed membership changes was recorded.

Transgender Day Of Remembrance Activities Planned

The committee discussed plans to prepare remembrance kits in connection with Transgender Day of Remembrance.

Volunteers are scheduled to assemble the kits at the Portland Library on Nov. 7 from 1 to 2 p.m.

The kits are expected to be available for pickup beginning Nov. 16.

Committee members were encouraged to assist with assembling and preparing the materials.

Follow-Up Planned On Online Hate Presentation

The committee discussed follow-up activities related to a presentation by Parker Thibault concerning hate online.

Members agreed that Hershon or another school representative should participate in the next steps.

Tyler was assigned to coordinate the follow-up with school representatives.

Solidarity Book Club And Portland Fair Participation Reviewed

Committee members who attended a recent Solidarity Book Club event expressed interest in organizing another gathering.

Kopac was assigned to survey attendees about possible future topics and activities.

Members also reviewed their participation in the Portland Fair.

The committee agreed to return to the fair next year but plans to seek a different booth location.

Volunteers who staffed the committee's booth included Eason, Kopac, Jones, Ellsworth and student representative Audrey Morico.

Committee Reports $3,090 Balance

The committee reported a balance of $3,090.81 as of Oct. 20.

Eight T-shirts had been sold to members and at the Portland Fair.

Members discussed adding magnets to the merchandise offered at future Pride and Solidarity events.

No additional spending authorization was recorded beyond the $100 contribution for the Asian Heritage Month video.

Previous Minutes Approved

The committee unanimously approved its Sept. 8 meeting minutes.

Eason introduced the motion, which Goodwin seconded.

Portland Library representative Jennifer Billingsley also reminded members about the library's Oct. 22 event, "So You Want to Be an American."

During open discussion, members received information about Q Williams' Taste of Middletown event, scheduled for Oct. 21 at Wadsworth Mansion, with a portion of ticket proceeds benefiting the Q Foundation.

Meeting Details

The Oct. 20 special meeting was held at the Waverly Senior Center, 7 Waverly Ave., with an option to attend through Zoom.

Tyler called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m.

Members present included Eason, Bickhardt, Goodwin, Jones, Ellsworth, Tyler and student representatives Charlie Caratasios and Audrey Morico.

Kopac and alternate Shelly Nolan were absent.

The committee adjourned at 8:30 p.m. following a motion by Eason, seconded by Goodwin.

This report is based on the Portland Committee on Solidarity's Oct. 20, 2026, special meeting minutes.