09/25/2026
Several English Studies professors and courses are participating in the Teach-In! Join us!
2026 Second Annual Abolitionist Park Teach-In
You FIT Here: FITchburg Your Story!
(Organized by Danette Day and Kisha Tracy)
Everyone is welcome to attend the Teach-In classes in the Park!
Address: 50 Snow St., Fitchburg (.4 mile from campus)
Tuesday, Sept. 29th (Rain Date: Oct. 1st)
FYE 1014 How to Build Community - 9:30AM
Dr. Danette Day (Professor, Education)
Explore Abolitionist Parkโa โhotโ pocket park in The Burgโto experience a local community building effort and to examine its impact.
ENGL 3560 Global Middle Ages - 9:30AM
Dr. Kisha Tracy (Professor, English Studies)
What was Africa like before the transatlantic slave trade? Learn about medieval African empires; discuss issues reading post-colonial translations.
EDUC 1005 Culturally Proficient Educator - 11AM
Dr. Danette Day (Professor, Education)
Learning beyond the classroom: discover Fitchburgโs broader community culture through its Abolitionist history.
ENGL 1100 Writing I: Communicating Disability - 11AM
Dr. Kisha Tracy (Professor, English Studies)
How are civil and disability rights connected? What does it mean to be multiply marginalized? Discuss these questions and more!
IDIS 4000 Capstone Seminar: Education - 12:30PM
Dr. Danette Day (Professor, Education)
Who were the Fitchburg Abolitionists, and what can they teach us about the future?
Monday, Sept. 30th
AAST 1000 Intro to African-American Studies - 9:30AM
Dr. DeMisty Bellinger-Delfeld (Professor, English Studies)
Discuss Abolitionist songs and poetry.
FYE 1014 Is Everyone Equal? - 9:30AM & 12:30PM
Dr. Will Cortezia (Associate Professor, Education)
Discuss the origin of the abolitionist movement and how it relates to social justice in the present day.
EDUC 2011 Diversity in Education (5-12) - 9:30AM
Dr. Wendy Keyser (Professor, English Studies)
Learn about the Supreme Court case that could have brought equity to public school funding.
FYE 1011 Making Political Change - 11AM
Dr. Eric Budd (Professor, Economics, History, & Political Science)
Discuss the origins of abolitionism and other social movements.
HON 1020 Current Events & Service Learning - 11AM
Dr. Wafa Unus (Associate Professor, English Studies)
Discuss the Press as a public service, from Abolitionist Newspapers to local journalism today.
SPED 3800 Inclusive Instruction (5-12) - 11AM
Dr. Wendy Keyser (Professor, English Studies)
Discuss teaching students with learning disabilities with rigor and challenge.
For more resources on the Park and the abolitionist history of Fitchburg, check out the Fitchburg Abolitionist Park digital exhibit! https://fitchburgabolitionistpark.omeka.net/
โCommemorating the abolitionists who lived in or had close ties to Fitchburg, Massachusetts, the Fitchburg Abolitionist Park educates visitors about the anti-slavery Abolitionist Movement and honors equality, diversity, and the fundamental human right: FREEDOM.โ - Freedomโs Way National Heritage Area
