To the editor:

As a lifelong Bristolian growing up in the 1960's and 1970's, never in my wildest dreams did I think I would see a Juneteenth national holiday commemorating the abolition of slavery, and I felt there was an even smaller chance of seeing a large public ceremony in Bristol marking that day, but last week I had the honor and privilege of attending such an event at St. Michael's Church on Hope St.

The event, which was hosted by the Bristol Middle Passage Port Marker Project in conjunction with St. Michael's was a wonderful celebration with authentic African food, eloquent speakers, numerous activities for children, and with the highlight being the presentation of a $50,000 donation check by T-Mobile Wireless Co. for the construction of a monument honoring the enslaved at Independence Park that was recently approved by our town council.

The event was educational, emotional, and inspirational, and while the issue of Bristol's involvement in the notorious slave trade has gone largely unnoticed for many years, this event highlighted that history in a way that was not confrontational or adversarial, but instead was an educational experience that promoted peace, harmony, and reconciliation.

I hope that in the future this event will become an annual occurrence, and due to the generosity of companies such as T-Mobile and many other generous individuals and businesses, the memorial at Independence Park honoring those most affected by Bristol's involvement in the transatlantic slave trade at will soon be a reality and a source of inspiration for many generations to come.

Mike Proto
245 Chestnut St.