To the wonderful citizens of Greenfield: Greetings! My name is Mpress Bennu Nembhard, and I would like to clarify the events that occurred on Saturday, which led me to resign from the Human Rights Commission and discontinue my involvement with Juneteenth (under Moving Mountains Media). As most of the community knows, I am the president/CEO, marketer, producer, facilitator, and sole brain power behind the Greenfield Juneteenth Celebration, which has taken place for the past four years. What started as an idea has grown into a community event that isn’t only recognized in Franklin County but now throughout the Pioneer Valley. In the four years we have had entertainers and vendors from Hampden and Hampshire counties, Vermont, New York, and New Jersey. But most importantly, Greenfield Juneteenth gained attention throughout the Pioneer Valley because it showed who we are as a community and how we have evolved by being the only Juneteenth celebration in Franklin County.

In the first year of Juneteenth, I had a petting farm, donkey rides, free food which consisted of Caribbean food, veggies/fruit platters, cotton candy, free hot dogs/chips/drinks, a balloon twister, and a magician for the kids, not to mention five hours of entertainment. In the second year, I brought you the first Juneteenth Parade, the third year, I had the firetrucks to provide a cooling station for the whole family, along with the assistance of the Greenfield Recreation Department, on one of the hottest days of the year. And finally, in the fourth year, I brought you the first Juneteenth Proclamation in Franklin County and also the first Juneteenth Award Ceremony.

Take a bow, Greenfield, because without all of my supporters, I wouldn’t have been able to do it myself. I thank you, and I appreciate the individuals and organizations who have supported me. You will never be forgotten. However, this is not what I’m here to speak about. I am here to mention what happened at the dance party because I canceled it at approximately 7:30 p.m. because I was disrespected. For those who came out to the dance party early and had to leave, I truly apologize. For those who came after I shut the dance down, I also apologize. But one thing about me: I give respect and I expect respect. And when I am disrespected to my face by someone who knows nothing about me, nor the substance of unity, I will not put up with it. My moral and character will not allow me to bow to anyone and their negativity. I was called a puppet, a tool for the city of Greenfield and my employer. I was belittled, disrespected, and disgraced in front of a group of people who did not look like me. Can you imagine how that feels for a second to be the outsider in a space and talked down to by someone who looks nothing like you? It’s not a good feeling.

I am nobody’s tool, and definitely not a puppet! I have my own mind, my own feelings, my own intelligence, and I am my own decision maker. A strong Black intelligent woman, a leader, a mentor, a teacher, a confidante, an entrepreneur, a mother, a sister, and a wife, who is beloved by her husband. What I do is because that’s what I want to do because I believe the community must be united to be strong and sufficient. Obviously, it fell on deaf ears, and that’s OK, too. Negativity and positivity cannot coexist with that being said, new opportunities have opened up for Moving Mountains Media to expand in both Hampshire and Hampden counties. I will also be working on a book soon about Greenfield Juneteenth, how it got started, and the wonderful time we all shared together.

However, my time facilitating Juneteenth in Greenfield is done. My time serving on certain boards and commissions also is done. But the movement will live on forever. A special thank you to Amy from Mesa Verde who provided the wonderful food for the dance party.

The torch is lit, and someone else will carry on.

It’s been my pleasure and honor to serve the wonderful citizens of Greenfield, and may God continue to bless each and every one of us.

Mpress Bennu Nembhard lives in Greenfield.