Roberta McCulloch-Dews to discuss ‘The Policing of Black People in Public Spaces’
Pittsfield — On Wednesday, June 17, at 7 p.m., the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Berkshire Community College’s Distinguished Speaker Series, along with the NAACP Berkshire County Branch and the Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center, will present Roberta McCulloch-Dews in an online talk titled on “The Policing of Black People in Public Spaces: An Old Trend That Legislation Has the Power to Stop.”
McCulloch-Dews noted: “Our current climate of social unrest has resulted in multiple conversations around dismantling systemic oppression in the United States. Part of this oppression includes the policing of black people by civilians who use law enforcement to support their discriminatory actions. It is time to recognize these acts not as isolated incidents, but shameful reflections of systemic racism. It is my hope that as elected officials and policymakers now seek to make meaningful and sustainable reforms across the country, they will also consider implementing legislation to prevent the weaponization of law enforcement in this way.”
McCulloch-Dews is the director of administrative services in the office of the mayor of the city of Pittsfield and is a communications professional with two decades of experience. She serves as a trustee on the board of the Norman Rockwell Museum and is a member of the board of the Elizabeth Freeman Center. She is also a member of the Central Berkshire Regional School District Equity and Diversity Committee and a youth mentor with the Rites of Passage and Empowerment Program.
The talk is free and open to the public. Registration is required. For more information or to register, see the Berkshire Edge calendar or contact the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Berkshire Community College at (413) 236-2190 or olli@berkshirecc.edu.
–E.E.
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‘Dance We Must’ virtual event to support Jacob’s Pillow
Becket — Jacob’s Pillow will host the virtual event “Dance We Must” Saturday, June 20, at 7 p.m. Co-hosted by Pillow trustees Kyle Abraham and Wendy Whelan, the event will be streamed on the Pillow’s website and social media channels.
Occurring on the same date on which the Pillow’s season opening gala had been planned, “Dance We Must” will include performances by Abraham’s A.I.M, Michelle Dorrance, Irene Rodríguez, Daniel Ulbricht and Danielle Diniz, and Calvin Royal III; pop-up visits by artistic directors of acclaimed dance companies from around the world; and the announcement of the recipient of the 2020 Jacob’s Pillow Dance Award.
The event is free and open to the public. Registration is required. For more information or to register, see the Berkshire Edge calendar or contact Jacob’s Pillow at (413) 243-9919 or info@jacobspillow.org.
–E.E.
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Online art show to benefit local aid organizations
West Stockbridge — The Guild of Berkshire Artists has announced its online art show, “Art in the Time of Pandemic,” which is viewable on the guild’s website. An opening reception will take place over Zoom Thursday, June 18, at 5:30 p.m., during which several of the show’s 22 artists will give brief talks about their work.
“Art in the Time of Pandemic” will continue through mid-July. Artists participating in the show have pledged to donate a minimum of 25% of the proceeds from the sale of their art to benefit 501(c)(3) organizations helping those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The show and reception are free and open to the public. For more information, see the Berkshire Edge calendar or contact the Guild of Berkshire artists at berkshireartists@gmail.com.
–E.E.
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Williamstown Theatre Festival to offer online theater workshop
Williamstown — On Wednesday, June 17, from 5 to 6 p.m., Williamstown Theatre Festival will offer a Community Works theater workshop via its Facebook page. No prior experience is necessary and all ages are welcome. WTF will post instructions about how to tune in via Facebook; an audio-captioned recording of the workshop will also be available. The workshop is free and open to the public. A Facebook RSVP is not required to attend. For more information, contact Hayley at community@wtfestival.org.
–E.E.
