PORTLAND, Maine — Dozens of Mainers attended the inaugural State of Black Maine Symposium this Juneteenth.
More than 10 state and local organizations helped organize Monday's all-day event at the University of Southern Maine, which featured multiple expert panels—specifically from older and younger generations—that shared their lived experiences; educational exhibits, including an interactive map displaying Maine towns where ships carrying enslaved people were either built or captained locally; and a handful of Black-owned business that sold goods as attendees walked around the room.
Adelaide Solomon-Jordan is a longtime elementary school teacher and sits on the board of directors for the state archives. She teaches kids about everyday Americans they may have never heard of.
"I talk about George Crum who invented the potato chip, Selma Burke who did the portrait that is on the dime of President Roosevelt, and Lonnie Johnson who invented the Super Soaker," Solomon-Jordan explained. "Because that is the world of six-year-olds, and I want them to grow up knowing that something happened before the 'I have a dream' speech."
Omar Kingston is a business owner and a board member of Black-Owned Maine, an organization that offers business guidance. He and his daughter, a second grader, were also there to learn.
"I'm just excited to hear everyone's story, to see how they can impact other people's lives, and how they can impact my life," he said.
This was the first of what organizers plan to make an annual event.