Latest news with #WilliamsMiddleSchool
Yahoo
6 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Longmeadow honors 18th-century enslaved individuals with ceremony
LONGMEADOW, Mass. (WWLP) – A ceremony to honor two enslaved individuals from the 18th century was held at the First Church of Longmeadow Thursday morning. New Urgent Care facility now open in Longmeadow These stones come as part of the Witness Stones project, and they not only show that slavery existed in Longmeadow, but also that it's a history that must be acknowledged. The project is a non-profit initiative that aims to restore the history of enslaved individuals who lived in communities here in the Northeast. Students at Williams Middle School have researched Nicholas and Peter, two individuals enslaved by Reverend Stephen Williams in the 18th century. They delivered powerful remarks telling these individuals' stories and emphasizing their humanity. Their teacher, Tracy Bradshaw, says that's the goal of the project. 'They have created narratives, they have created artwork and poems, and now we feel like we have a complete history of our town and the kids are really hearing and listening to all of that,' said Bradshaw. The Witness Stones Project emphasizes that slavery did not just exist in the South, and through its stones, educates students like those in Longmeadow. The ceremony concluded with a blessing of the stones by Reverend Doug Bixby. Now, their goal is to place a plaque above the stones to explain their purpose to all who pass by. You can donate to the project by visiting their website. WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
12-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Antisemitic hate speech found at Williams Middle School in Longmeadow
LONGMEADOW, Mass. (WWLP) – An antisemitic hate speech was found written inside the boy's bathroom at Williams Middle School in Longmeadow on Tuesday. In a letter sent to family members of students on Tuesday from Principal Nicole Forys and Superintendent of Schools Marty O'Shea, a police report has been filed after 'Heil Hitler' was written in large print on the outside of a boy's bathroom stall. Westfield Middle School to raise awareness of antisemitism after swastikas found The superintendent says the public school system is committed to creating school environments free from hate, racism and discrimination in any form. Resources have been shared within the letter for educators and parents for combatting hate in schools. LPS Bullying Policy LPS Bullying Prevention and Intervention Plan 'This act of hate speech is profoundly troubling and disheartening. Certainly, antisemitism, like all forms of racism, bias, hate, and discrimination, is not tolerated. It is not consistent with the policies or values of Longmeadow Public Schools and it is not aligned with the Williams Middle School charter to be a welcoming and affirming community that celebrates all. This painful incident reminds us that our efforts toward respect, inclusivity, and tolerance are essential and must be ongoing,' states in the Superintendent's Newsletter. To report antisemitic incidents or threats, the school urges to submit an anonymous online tip at WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
