Snow Pond Arts Academy students, Mars Bisson, Dawud Bloomstein, Gantt Fraser, Evie Mercier and SPAA graduate Stephen Bard, served and performed during the meal honoring the residents of Malaga Island on July 12.
While a repast is defined as a meal, it also describes a tradition within the African American Community. This tradition brings mourners together over food to celebrate their loved one, according to a news release from Cassandra Roy, Grant Writing and Development Specialist, Snow Pond Arts Academy.
Myron Beasley of Bates College curated “Repast Malaga Island” which gathered together some 45 guests to celebrate the lives of the Malaga Island residents. Malaga Island, off the coast of Phippsburg, was home to a community of black, white and mixed race people in the early 1900s. In 1912, these residents were ordered by the State of Maine to leave their island and take with them their homes, according to the release.
Many stories have surfaced over the past decade covering the injustices these people suffered at the hands of state officials at the time, according to the release.
Repast Malaga Island celebrated the lives of these residents with readings, songs and performances while the meal was served.
Many came together to create the memorial, including Craig Hickman, state representative from Winthrop who served as keynote speaker.
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