Unveiling & Dedication of Memorial to Those Enslaved in Needham

Sunday March 22 from 12:15-1:15 pm, beginning in the Sanctuary

As an early action toward reparations, First Parish in Needham, Unitarian Universalist, has co-created a Memorial Installation honoring those who were enslaved during colonial times by residents of Needham, including members and the first minister of First Parish. The Memorial names 15 men, women, and children known to have been enslaved in Needham in the 18th century. Among those honored is Homer, who was enslaved by the first minister of the congregation and whose stolen labor included acting as sexton for the church. The Memorial also acknowledges that there were likely more enslaved Needhamites whose names have been lost to history.

All are welcome to attend this important community event to unveil and dedicate this Memorial on Sunday March 22 beginning in the Sanctuary at 12:15 pm. Among those participating in the unveiling and dedication ceremony are: the artistic collaborator and descendant of Jupiter and Pvt. Ishmael Coffee, whose names are included in the Memorial; the Memorial’s artist, a First Parish youth group member and Needham High student; members of First Parish’s Community & Relationship Committee, who shepherded the development of this Memorial; and, Needham History Center director Dr. Gloria Greis and First Parish minister Rev. Catie Scudera, who have partnered on enslavement history research since 2019. The ceremony will feature ritual and music. A reception with light refreshments will follow. 

Please RSVP by March 16 at uuneedham.info/MemorialRSVP so organizers can plan accordingly. For more information, contact the Community & Relationship Committee at communityandrelationship at uuneedham dot org.