The freedmen were well by received the Blacks of Great Barrington. Although there was concerned because they segregated themselves, we often attended. We observed that they had joyous services, and organized activities and clubs.

I would become secretary to their women's Sewing Society, probably because of my reading and writing ability. I would sometimes offer help in their activities.

I would also attend the town meetings. There I observed discussions on various issues followed by voting. In this way, I gradually learned to appreciate the workings of democracy.

I noticed that there were no "colored" men at one of these meetings, and I mentioned it in one of the Sewing Circle pieces. And at another instance, I wrote a commentary that the best thing for colored people to do would be to create a literary society.