The Massachusetts Democratic Leadership’s Secret Assault on Ownership of Black Historical Celebrations And The Fight to Appropriate It For Financial Gain.
By Doreen Wade
On June 2, 2025 I was sitting in my home contemplating how I wanted to celebrate Juneteenth and the day of Black Emancipation, when I received a text. This is exactly how it reads. (Exhibit A).
As we celebrate America’s 250, many in the Black community are asking, WHY! Why does a mayor in a large Democratic Massachusetts city, want to control a 285year black legacy?
The reason why Salem United, which I founded, is not hosting Negro Election Day/Black Picnic is because the Administration for the City of Salem began a mission to deny us our rights and sno longer want us to be the Gatekeeper. What the City of Salem MA did not know is I had trademarked Negro Election Day. That means I own the Name and the Brand. The Name is Negro Election Day, and the Brand is the annual event once labeled the Black Picnic.
A Salem city official stated Salem United had declined to apply for a permit because there were some hurdles. As its founder, I can no longer allow years the of slander and misrepresentation to continue. The fact, the current administration of Salem now claim they can own Negro Election Day/Black Picnic and not celebrated as it does annually is a shame.
SUMMARY :
A staff member of the City of Salem on July 23, 2024, called and attempted to use extortion tactics, causing me to go to the Salem Police Department to file a Police Report. I was not able to file a police report because they are public information. It was suggested, instead of filing a report, I share my story and have it documented in an internal memo. This document was emailed to the Essex County District attorney, but no action has yet to be taken.
In 2025 a member of Salem United was approached by officials, leaving them to feel intimidated. It does not end there, the submission of the annual paperwork to apply for a permit, despite what the city claimed, was declined.
The city demanded we file a form (RFP) which would force Salem United into a formal partnership. The city also stated, “they would bring in selected organizations to assist in the logistics/administrative tasks of the Negro Election Day events at the Willows. On the surface this sounds very much like the start of a hostile takeover. To avoid funding this proposed partnership the city found a law from the 1700’s to justify their lack of funds to Salem United.
Without the RFP, there would be no official city permit. This means in 2025, Salem United would not be able to have vendors, a parade, speeches and awards or live music by youth or adults.
In rejecting the partnership between Salem United and the City of Salem, on February 3, 2025, the city of Salem submitted a public RFP (Request for Proposal). The RFP announced a new project and invited qualified contractors or vendors to submit their bids for an event that was 285 years old. A lawyer on behalf of Salem United sent a cease-and-desist letter, and the city of Salem stated, “a person cannot own a State Holiday”.
On April 26, 2025, Massachusetts celebrated the 60th Anniversary Of 1965 Freedom Rally. In attendance was Martin Luther King, III and several Black leaders. Also, in attendance was Lt. Governor Kim Driscoll, who, during her speech, I took a knee in protest. Why? Because I believe support is only for those who are considered acceptable members of the Black Community, of which I am obviously not.
I ask why? Why are our leaders, Black and White, not supporting the survival of this 300+ year Black historical event legacy? Why isn’t our community supporting our ancestors, who labored, so we could stand on the grounds of Salem Willows annually, where they practiced democracy? Why isn’t the black community allowed to celebrate a legacy which was here, before this country was established as the United States of America?
Negro Election Day is one of the most important and significant contributions in American History. Descendants and members of the community know, the Black Picnic, but it is not just a Black Picnic; it is the beginning of a democratic system still practiced in American politics. Established by enslaved Africans forced to live in America, and then practice for centuries by all Americans.
Why during America’s 250 is Negro Election Day not being commemorated instead of being appropriated? In 1832 we were banned from having Negro Election Day on the Boston Common, today we are being banned from celebrating Negro Election Day in Salem Willows Park; unless we give up our rights. In case you do not know, in 1868, 1999 and 2018, other attempts were made to stop Negro Election Day. They failed then and with the help of the community, all our leaders, the legal system and all of us banning together, they will fail now.
We should all Rally on July 19, 2025 at Salem Willows Patk, for the Negro Election Day Hands-off Rally.
