Salem-Rooted Negro Election Day Act Passes State Senate

SALEM, MA — A day that has been recognized and celebrated in Salem going back nearly 300 years is one step closer to becoming officially recognized statewide.

The state Senate on Thursday enacted an act establishing the third Saturday in July as Negro Election Day. Negro Election Day began in 1741 when enslaved and free individuals from within Salem and across New England came together to hold an election of a king or governor as a show of self-governance.

Massachusetts Salem United, Inc. President Doreen Wade organized an exhibit at Hamilton Hall
last summer to display the rich history of Negro Election Day.

Wade told Patch that Negro Election Black Celebration Day is intended to be a "day of remembrance, education and celebration" of the first Black voting system in America dating back to 1740, as well as provide a history of the Black Picnic — a largely informal gathering of families traditionally held in Salem on the third Saturday in July that can be traced back to 1741.

"I am honored and proud that Negro Election Day, which was once a holiday in 1741, has now returned to its holiday status in 2022," Wade said.

Wade told Patch last summer that the Negro Election Black Celebration Day is not meant to place the Black Picnic, but to educate on its history and encourage Black civic engagement.

State Sen. Joan Lovely (D-Salem) and State Rep. Paul Tucker (D-Salem) have been primary proponents of Negro Election Day legislation at the State House.

"I am deeply grateful to the Massachusetts Legislature for enacting my bill establishing Negro Election Day," Lovely said. "This annual celebration demonstrates that our communities of color have always been engaged in our Commonwealth's civic process. We must continue to commemorate the meaningful milestones African Americans have contributed to Massachusetts and our nation today and in all the days going forward.

"I am humbled to have been a part of such a historical moment for the city of Salem," Tucker added. "Negro Election Day is not just a holiday, but a recognition of the African American community’s historical legacy, which is instructive and a great lesson for us all. I am appreciative to have learned of this history and for the leadership of Senator Lovely and Salem United Inc."

With versions of this bill having been enacted by the House and Senate, An Act establishing the third Saturday in July as Negro Election Day now moves before Gov. Charlie Baker for approval.

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)