Prince Hall marker, North End.
Prince Hall, a path-breaking black leader in the late 18th century who is identified withArlington, had his historic words reread on the steps of Town Hall at 7 p.m. Friday, June 24.
The recognition, about 30 minutes, is community-organized, led by Precinct 9 Town Meeting member Beth Melofchik with the support of the Envision Arlington Diversity Task Group and Jillian Harvey, town director of diversity and inclusion.
Read was “A Charge,” the address Hall gave in Menotomy, as Arlington was then known, on June 24, 1797 — the 225th anniversary of its initial reading .
Hall was a community activist, abolitionist and leader in the free black community of 18th-century America. East Arlington is the home of the Prince Hall Cemetery.
Hall was recognized by the 2021 Town Meeting through Melofchik’s resolution. Asked about her interest in this historical figure, she wrote:
“It is fitting to observe this occasion and honor Prince Hall, the first person to use the language of the Declaration of Independence for a reason other than war with England.”
This news announcement was published Thursday, June 23, 2022.
