GREENFIELD — When Bertha D. Josephson was retiring from her helm at the Massachusetts Superior Court in 2016, she was approached to speak as the keynote for the 40th anniversary of a women’s empowerment and social justice nonprofit.
“I thought we would talk about finally breaking through that tallest glass ceiling,” Bertha D. Josephson said to a gathering of about 160 people at the New England Learning Center for Women in Transition’s (NELCWIT) sold out 10th annual fundraising event, held at Greenfield Community College Thursday night.
Instead Josephson spoke about the need to continue to rally and the will to not “lose an inch,” referencing national politics and its influence locally in Franklin County. She spoke of her fellow friends in their 60s who remark about how they feel they’re living in the ’60s again. She spoke about the days when NELCWIT was founded around the bicentennial and how Roe v Wade was still in its infancy and how a presidential scandal had rocked the country.
“We have not been in this precise place before but we certainly have had to learn how to move forward through uncertainty and opposition,” Josephson said to a group nodding in agreement.
The retired judge was the Regional Administrative judge for the four western counties while on the state’s superior court and once served on NELCWIT’s Board of Directors. She recalled her time starting out as a judge in Hampden County — working in a system where domestic violence was not treated as a criminal act, and spoke to where the social justice system has progressed since then.
Regardless of the feelings of looming darkness that were prevalent in the evening’s speeches, there was a resounding message of hopefulness.
“Community is without question in my mind our lifeline and organizations like NELCWIT are our hope,” the Rev. Andrea Ayvazian said in the evening’s opening remarks.
Annually, NELCWIT tries to raise $70,000 to support its work, in addition to federal grant money. This year the speakers emphasized the need to help the organization reach its goals because of potential federal cuts.
“It’s wonderful that we have such a strong group of people that care about survivors of domestic violence,” Northwest District Attorney David E. Sullivan said.
The event encouraged those in attendance to donate to the nonprofit. There were also raffles to bid on items like tote bags and vouchers for local establishments like Five Eyed Fox and Berkshire Brewing Company.
“It’s really important work locally, contribute locally and keep our own community safe — while working and thinking about the big picture as well,” President and Founder of Friends of NELCWIT Anne Wiley said in the closing remarks.
You can reach
Joshua Solomon at:
jsolomon@recorder.com