Rep. Dr. Evans takes part in Black History Month panel discussion

Rep. Dr. Richard Evans, D-Dover-Foxcroft — who represents House District 120 comprised of Atkinson, Dover- Foxcroft, Lake View, Medford, Orneville, Milo and Brownville — participated in a panel discussion on Feb. 23 in observance of Black History Month. The discussion was sponsored by the Maine Democratic Party and held via Zoom.

The discussion, entitled “Advancing Economic Justice,” was facilitated by Dillon Murray of the Maine Democratic Party. Ambassador Maulian Dana of the Penobscot Nation and Joby Thoyalil of Maine Equal Justice rounded out the panel. Each panelist began with an historic perspective with Ambassador Dana discussing the long history of injustices experienced by Maine’s indigenous people as well as current efforts to gain equity as sovereign nations.  Joby Thoyalil discussed the difficulties of people of color who face systemic inequities on multiple fronts.

Dr. Evans shared his experience of growing up in poverty in East Texas and the challenges his family faced every day. He went on to express that the poverty experienced by many in Piscataquis County is no different – food insecurity, healthcare inequities, lack of access to education and more. All panelists agreed that we have the opportunity to move forward toward a more equitable society – the door is “cracked open,” according to Dr. Evans.  But we cannot move on without addressing the inequities of the past.

Drew Gattine, chairman of the Maine Democratic Party, stated, “Let’s commemorate the centuries of Black history in our country, and how that history has shaped and strengthened our communities today. And in the process, let’s remember that building a more equitable and just society is urgent, but requires a long-term commitment from us all.”