On January 14, 2022, Representative Bud L. Williams, of the 11th Hampden District, House Chair, Joint Committee on Racial Equity, Civil Rights, and Inclusion announced his support for H.3117 and S.2059, an act designating July 8th as Massachusetts Emancipation Day a.k.a. Quock Walker Day which would direct the Governor to issue a proclamation declaring July 8th as Massachusetts Emancipation Day.
Quock Walker, who was born to enslaved Black parents in Massachusetts, was the driving force behind the July 8th, 1783, Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court ruling that the Constitution of the Commonwealth’s Declaration of Rights rendered slavery unconstitutional. At 28 years old, after being promised his freedom on multiple occasions, Walker self-emancipated. When his former enslaver then found him, Walker sued for his freedom, and in the subsequent trial, the jury found that Walker was a free man. This critical decision served as the precedent that ended slavery in the Commonwealth on constitutional grounds and led to Massachusetts becoming the first state in the nation to abolish slavery.
“Due to the fact of his courage, I believe Quock Walker deserves recognition and should hold a significant place in our American history. It is altogether fitting that we should officially mark this monumental step toward justice each year in our Commonwealth,” states Williams
Quock Walker Day can be time to reflect, learn and gain a greater understanding of our past and the struggles of Black Americans in order to help all of us come together to forge a brighter future.
“The story of Quock Walker highlights the contribution of how slaves fought to gain their freedom, honoring the courage of the oppressed and the resistance of the disadvantaged. This young Black man who was determined to challenge an institution as big and prominent as slavery is inspiring and deserves recognition,” says Williams.
The Quock Walker Bills H. 3117 and S.2059 are now before the Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight, where they await further consideration. “I support these Bills to set the record straight. Our Commonwealth is a trailblazer for the cause of equality and liberty. The establishment of the Massachusetts Emancipation Day raises awareness of the monumental commitment of the Commonwealth towards liberty and justice. It also yields opportunities for the dialogues and understandings necessary to continue moving towards building racial equity, civil rights, and inclusion in every sector of society. As a result, this recognition grants Massachusetts a means of continuing to lead the way towards reconciliation, peace, and equity. There are many individuals in our society today who feel powerless and trapped in systems of racism, classism, ableism, and sexism. The establishment of Quock Walker Day is not only for them but for all; courage is contagious. I am hopeful of the passage of H.3117 and S.2059.” says Williams.
