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2018 Black History Month Events in Connecticut
African-American History opens minds and changes lives through the exploration and
celebration of African American history and culture. Throughout the month, events such as
films, lectures, exhibits, receptions, theater performances, book readings, concerts and much
more will be held around the state. There are plenty of events to delve into while celebrating and
learning about African-American culture during Black History Month. See below for a list of
events that are being held this month here in Connecticut.
Conversation with Dr. Khaliah Brown-Dean
Date: February 1, 2018
Time: 2:00 pm
Place: Center for Contemporary Culture
Hartford Public Library
500 Main Street
Hartford, CT 06103
Contact: (860) 695-6300
Dr. Khaliah Brown-Dean is an Associate Professor of Political Science at Quinnipiac University in
Connecticut. She is a frequent guest on “The Wheelhouse” politics show on WNPR. Crystal Hayes, a
doctoral student at the UConn School of Social Work, who teaches at Smith College for Social Work, will
be the moderator.
Black History Month Art Exhibition & Reception
Date: February 4, 2018
Time: 1:00pm – 3:00pm
Place: Stamford Campus
Contact: Picture That Art Consultants (203) 977-8203
Annual Black History Month Art Exhibition and Community Reception! Open and free to the public,
students ranging from grades K-12 and from various cultural backgrounds, have submitted wonderful
works of art for this exciting and educational exhibition.
Book Lovers Circle – “The Underground Railroad” by Colson Whitehead
Date: February 7, 2018
Time: 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm
Place: Durham Public Library
7 Maple Avenue
Durham, CT 06422
Discussion of The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead. The discussion will be held in the
Activity Room of the Library. All are welcome. Copies of the book will be available at the check-out
desk.
Year of Wonders Book Discussion Group – Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi
Date: February 8, 2018
Time: 10:30 a.m.
Place: Easton Public Library
691 Morehouse Road
Easton, CT 06612
Discussion of Homegoing, by Yaa Gyasi in the Easton Public Library conference room. Copies of the
book will be available, stop by the circulation desk to check out a copy of the book prior to the
discussion.
Performance by slam poet Lakiyra Williams
Date: February 8, 2018
Time: 6:00pm – 8:00pm
Place: Stamford Campus - Gen Re Auditorium (A)
Contact: Ingrid Semaan, [email protected]
Lakiyra (Oompa) Williams is a slam poet and hip-hop artist from Roxbury who is now a resident of
Cambridge. She is hood, queer, black, womynist, orphan, auntie, sister, friend, and teacher. She is a
member of the 2016 Haley House National Poetry Slam Team, Flatline Poetry, an HipStory. Her work
grapples with the intersections and implications of her many identities, and the hope is that people can
feel her story and find their own. She has been featured at places like Bucknell University, Boston
University, Boston College, Mass. College of Art, and Berklee College of Music, as well as a number of
different venues in the Northeast region.
Connecticut’s African American Heroines
Date: February 8, 2018
Time: 6:30 - 8:00 p.m.
Place: Torrington Library
12 Daycoeton Place
Torrington, CT 06790
An interactive multi-media program by the Connecticut Women’s Hall of Fame. Learn about some of
Connecticut’s most remarkable African American heroines. Explore the important contributions of
African American women in Connecticut from women’s rights advocate Maria Miller Stewart and
legendary contralto and Civil Rights catalyst Marian Anderson to pioneering journalist Adrianne
Baughns-Wallace and our current State Treasurer Denise L. Nappier.
Behind The Scenes Tour: Black History Beyond the Amistad at CHS
Date: February 10, 2018
Time: 11:00 – 12:00 p.m.
Place: Connecticut Historical Society Museum and Library
1 Elizabeth Street
Hartford, CT 06105
Tours last approximately 1 hour and are appropriate for ages 12 and up. Space is limited, and pre-
registration is required.
Her Words Changed the World – Harriet Beecher Stowe
Date: February 11, 2018
Time: 2:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Place: Noah Webster Library
20 S Main Street
West Hartford, CT 06107
Contact: Agatha Monahan x6997
The talk covers Stowe’s life, her childhood, family, education, marriage and motherhood and her
inspiration to write Uncle Tom’s Cabin and the lasting impact of its message.
African Americans and the Impact of the Great Migration Lecture
Date: February 11, 2018
Time: 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Place: Norwalk Historical Society Museum
141 East Avenue
Norwalk, CT 06851
Contact: (203) 846-0525
In honor of Black History Month the Norwalk Historical Society will be hosting a lecture by Dr. Stacey
Close entitled: “African Americans and the Impact of the Great Migration in the North and South.” The
lecture will discuss reasons for the larger migration and also focus on the migration’s impact on
Connecticut and the nation. Guests can also view the Museum’s exhibition: “Destination Norwalk:
African-American Migration from the South, 1940-1970” which highlights the migration of 5 million
black Americans from southern states during the “The Second Migration” to urban industrial centers of
the North, Midwest and West. Some making their destination Norwalk, Connecticut.
Lecture Series: Langston Hughes and the American Dream with David Garnes
Date: February 11, 2018
Time: 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm
Place: Simsbury Public Library
725 Hopmeadow Street
Simsbury, CT 06070
David Garnes presents a brief history of early Harlem and the Harlem Renaissance followed by a look at
Langston Hughes, the key figure in that movement. There will be reading and discussion of some of his
poems.
A Reading on Lincoln’s Birthday
Date: February 12, 2018
Time: 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Place: The Institute Library
847 Chapel Street
New Haven, CT 06510
Come celebrate Abraham Lincoln on his birthday, February 12th, in the same month as Frederick
Douglass’s birth, at its 200th anniversary. Socializing, followed by readings, conversation, and cake.
Please register online in advance.
Connecticut’s African American Heroines
Date: February 13, 2018
Time: 6:30 - 8:00 p.m.
Place: Cheshire Public Library
104 Main Street
Cheshire, CT 06410
An interactive multi-media program by the Connecticut Women’s Hall of Fame. Learn about some of
Connecticut’s most remarkable African American heroines. Explore the important contributions of
African American women in Connecticut from women’s rights advocate Maria Miller Stewart and
legendary contralto and Civil Rights catalyst Marian Anderson to pioneering journalist Adrianne
Baughns-Wallace and our current State Treasurer Denise L. Nappier.
Hartford Hip Hop Digital Stories: Screening & Discussion
Date: February 13, 2018
Time: 5:30-7:30 pm
Pace: Hartford History Center
Hartford Public Library
500 Main Street
Hartford, CT 06103
Contact: (860) 695-6300
View and discuss short films by Trinity college students featuring seven Hartford Hip Hop pioneers:
Myron Moye, Tony Villarini, Rick Torres, Empress Nijuabi, Dooney Bates, Janice Flemming, and Mike
Nice. Digital stories, full interviews, transcripts, and photographs will be archived at the Hartford History
Center at Hartford Public Library. This project was created in collaboration with Professor Seth Markle’s
Global Hip Hop Cultures fall 2017 course at Trinity College and Tim Wolf.
“Hidden Figures: The American Dream and the Untold Story of the Black Women
Mathematicians Who Helped Win the Space Race” by Margot Lee Shetterly
Date: February 14, 2018
Time: 10:00 am – 11:00 am
Place: Southbury Public Library
100 Poverty Rd
Southbury, CT 06488
Nonfiction book club and discussion. Hidden Figures: The American Dream and the Untold Story of the
Black Women Mathematicians Who Helped Win the Space Race by Margot Lee Shetterly.
Historic Freeman Houses of Little Liberia
Date: February 15, 2018
Time: 12:00 pm - 12:45 pm
Place: Connecticut State Library
231 Capitol Avenue
Hartford, CT 06106
Contact: Robert Kinney - (860) 757-6668)
Maisa Tisdale, President of the Mary and Eliza Freeman Center for History and Community will give a
talk on the Historic Freeman Houses of Little Liberia. Little Liberia was a community of freed blacks
born in Connecticut, West Indians, Cape Verdeans, runaway enslaved persons from southern states, and
remnants of Indian tribes from Connecticut and New York State. This village came to be known as
Ethiope. By 1850 the community came to be known as “Liberia,” evidently reflecting the pride felt by its
residents in helping their brethren on the road to freedom.
Slavery in America and the Underground Railroad
Date: February 15, 2018
Time: 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm
Place: Simsbury Public Library
725 Hopmeadow Street
Simsbury, CT 06070
Dr. Don Rankin will chronicle the development of slavery in America and the heroic efforts of those who
championed its abolishment, including his great-grandfather, Rev. John Rankin.
Her Words Changed the World – Harriet Beecher Stowe
Date: February 15, 2018
Time: 6:30 - 8:00 p.m.
Place: Torrington Library
12 Daycoeton Place
Torrington, CT 06790
The talk covers Stowe’s life, her childhood, family, education, marriage and motherhood and her
inspiration to write Uncle Tom’s Cabin and the lasting impact of its message.
A Black American Revolutionary War Experience
Date: February 17, 2018
Time: 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Place: Silas Bronson Library
267 Grand Street
Waterbury, CT 06702
In this all-ages performance, Kevin Johnson of the Connecticut State Library reenacts the life and times
of Jordan Freeman, an African American born in 1732 in Old Lyme, who served during the Revolutionary
War.
PBS Film Series Part II – Jackie Robinson
Date: February 20, 2018
Time: 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Place: Torrington Library
12 Daycoeton Place
Torrington, CT 06790
The showing at Torrington Library is sponsored by the Marion Wm. & Alice Edwards Fund, a fund of
Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation, Inc.
Africa Explains: African Folklore Storytelling
Date: February 22, 2018
Time: 4:45 pm
Place: Easton Public Library
691 Morehouse Road
Easton, CT 06612
Featuring acclaimed solo performer “Ade” Anthony Thompson and New Haven Master African Drummer
Brian Jarwa Gray with an introduction by Africa Explains Project Manager, Julia Santos!
Journey Writers Tell the Whole Story: Queer Black History
Date: February 22
Time: 5:30, Performance: 6:00-7:00 pm
Place: Hartford Public Library
500 Main Street
Hartford, CT 06103
Contact: (860) 695-6300
Journey Writers, a nonprofit organization to encourage writers, will present the stories of five LGBTQ
historical figures of African descent. Andre Keitt directs and also presents his piece on Bayard Rustin, a
leader in civil and gay rights, pacifism, and chief organizer of the 1963 March on Washington, where
Martin Luther King Jr. delivered is “I have a dream” speech. Regina Dyton will present the story of
comedian Jackie “Moms” Mabley; Brandon Burke will present his piece on poet, novelist and playwright
Langston Hughes; Jacqueline Davis will tell us about Marsha P. Johnson, a gay liberation activist and
drag queen; and Mel Thomas will present a narrative about singer Johnny Mathis.
Stories of Hope: From Rwanda to America
Date: February 22, 2018
Time: 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Place: Fairfield Museum and History Center
370 Beach Road
Fairfield, CT 06824
Award-winning senior political reporter for WSHU, Ebong Udoma, will moderate a discussion with
siblings Daniel Trust (Ndamwizeye) and Evelyn Mukasonga. Daniel and Evelyn, refugees from the
genocide in Rwanda, will share their experiences of hope and survival amidst the brutal massacre of the
Tutsi people in the 1990’s and reflect on establishing new roots in Connecticut.
Going Forth – Black History Month Jazz Concert
Date: February 24, 2018
Time: 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Place: Silas Bronson Library
267 Grand Street
Waterbury, CT 06702
Jazz pianist Fred Simmons & Friends hook up with Waterbury’s Fran McIntyre at Silas Bronson Library
in Waterbury.
Music, Art & Dance: A Winter Movie Series – “Let Freedom Sing – How Music Inspired the
Civil Rights Movement”
Date: February 26, 2018
Time: 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm
Place: Danbury Library
170 Main Street
Danbury, CT 06810
Contact: Richter Arts Association - (203) 797-4505, X 7730
Film Selection: “Let Freedom Sing – How Music Inspired the Civil Rights Movement”
“They raise their voices in song against inequality and racism. They gave the civil rights movement its
anthems and its soul. They were the singers and songwriters who fought for change and gave us songs
like Blowin’ in the Wind, Oh Freedom, People get Ready, A Change is Gonna Come, Get Up Stand Up
and We Shall Overcome. Those songs and many others are at the core of this exclusive feature-length
movie…” Actor Louis Gossett, Jr. narrates the film.
Breaking Barriers, A Discussion
Date: February 27, 2018
Time: 5:30-7:00 pm
Place: Hartford History Center
Hartford Public Library
500 Main Street
Hartford, CT 06103
Contact: (860) 695-6300
Join Charmaine Craig, known as Hartford’s Tree Lady, and Patricia Kelly, Ebony Horsewomen, who are
featured in "Breaking Barriers," a book published by Aetna which celebrates African-American notables.
Floyd W. Green III, Vice President and Head of Community Activation & Local Marketing for Aetna,
will moderate a discussion. Images from the book will be on display in February in the glass cases outside
the Hartford History Center.
Freedom: Storytime for All (Children)
Date: February 27, 2018
Time: 10:30 a.m.
Place: Simsbury Public Library
725 Hopmeadow Street
Simsbury, CT 06070
Celebrating Black History Month with a themed story time about freedom. Join us for stories,
songs, finger plays and movement. Drop in. Road to Equality Display (All Ages) Come and
experience the “Road to Equality” display.
The Trials of Tobias Trout: African Americans in the Civil War Performed by Terry
Date: February 28, 2018
Time: 6:30 pm
Place: Hagaman Libary
227 Main Street
East Haven, CT 06512
Contact: (203) 468-3890
This true life thirty minute historical piece features a dramatic re-enactment focusing on the experiences
of an escaped slave who makes his way north and later enlists in the Union army during the American
Civil War. This special theatrical event is being held in celebration of Black History Month. It is free and
open to everyone, seating is limited, so please call and reserve your seat.
Quinnipiac University
February 6, 2018
7:00pm to 8:00pm
Athletic Center
Burt Kahn Court
Mount Carmel Campus
Quinnipiac University
275 Mt Carmel Avenue
Hamden, CT 06518
From Abolition to #BLM: A Conversation with Danny Glover
Driven by activists like Harriet Beecher Stowe, Frederick Douglass and Harriet
Tubman, early abolitionist efforts became the foundation for contemporary debates
over the meaning of freedom. The Black Lives Matter movement, named for the
hashtag started on Twitter, is steeped in the American tradition of using free speech
and social actions to further the fight for justice and equality. In a fireside chat style
program with Dr. Khalilah Brown-Dean, Glover will explore the similarities of the
#BlackLivesMatter movement and its early abolitionist roots (particularly Frederick
Douglass) to build connections, increase dialogue and end racism.
Patti LaBelle
at
Mohegan Sun Arena
Saturday
February 10, 2018
8:00pm
Mohegan Sun Arena | Exciting
Entertainment | mohegansun.com
Beautiful, simply does not describe the incomparable force known to the world as
Patti LaBelle. As time continues to evolve, the soulful songbird’s name has
become synonymous with grace, style, elegance and class. Belting out classic
Rhythm and Blues renditions, Pop standards and Spiritual sonnets have created
the unique platform of versatility that Ms. Patti is known and revered for.
The same motivation that had Patricia Louise Holte blossom from a choir
member to lead vocalist for Patti LaBelle & The Bluebelles and later Labelle, to a
solo artist is the same energy that keeps her fire burning at seventy-three years
young. "Each year I grow, and that’s a blessing from God. I do what I can do. I
do what I feel God has given me the energy to do, so I just go out there and I do
it…It’s not about making money because I don’t need money, but I need to sing.
With a voice or without, I’ve got to get on that stage." And the world is thankful
that Ms. Patti’s voice sounds so good to our ears.
February 17, 2018 - 7:00 PM - 1:00 AM
Omni New Haven Hotel at Yale - 155 Temple Street - New Haven, CT 06510
Join Ethnic Online & The Urban Professionals Network (UPN) as we present our Annual Black Tie
Black History Month Celebration. This event is meant for you to take a pause, get immaculately
dressed, acknowledge our African-American leaders, reconnect with acquaintances, & make new
relationships. This event will honor the accomplishments of our ancestors, as well as allow you to
meet the next generation of tastemakers from within New England. Each year this event draws
over 400 accomplished guests and it would be our honor to host you.
Red Carpet Entrance & Photo-Op VIP Rooftop Reception
Live 7 Piece Band Black History Exhibit Room
Celebrity Guest DJ's Special Invited Guests & Officials Hot Buffet & Appetizers Stations
Valet Parking Omni Hotel Discounted Room Rates
Business Vendors Over 400 of New England's finest Urban Professionals
Hosted by: Jason V. Watts, The Urban Professionals Network - Leonard Webb, Ethnic Online
Questions? Need Additional Info Text 203.444.2509
In honor of Black History Month celebrate black business owners and
black leaders in the business industry – February 23, 2018.
The celebration includes: empowering leaders, networking, vendors,
music, food, a live band, dancing, raffles, and more!
Contact [email protected] details and information.
EXHIBITORS: This event is the premier opportunity for your company name, products, and services to reach a wide
range of demographics in Hartford, CT. This business expo will run on Saturday from 10 am to 6 pm. Vendors and
sponsors help underwrite actual production costs: facility rental, staging, lights & sound, advertising, printing,
postage, security, refreshments, events, and programs. Exhibitor opportunities are open to everyone.
TICKET HOLDERS: Black Expo America 2018 - Hartford, CT will exhibit businesses showcasing their products and
services. The expo will also include the following events and programs: business seminar, business awards
ceremony, community forum, youth empowerment seminar, health, and wellness seminar.
Black Expo America 2018 - Hartford, CT offers businesses and organizations numerous ways to connect with
consumers. With a goal in mind to educate and uplift our growing, diverse community, Black Expo America
highlights the culture in many different areas.
Black Expo America 2018 - Hartford, CT offers a chance for partners and visitors to experience premiere arts and
entertainment, youth and family activities and programs, business networking, healthy living, education and more.
As a Black Expo America 2018 - Hartford, CT exhibitor, you will not only experience the excitement of diverse
cultures, but you will also experience positive brand awareness before 100's of event attendees and thousands
more through print and online advertising for your organization as well. As a contributor, your company will help
our team to deliver year-round business, youth, family and social programs and events to serve our communities
better.
Our Exhibitors come from various backgrounds:
Insurance / Fitness / Nutrition / Technology / Colleges / Universities / Health / Employment / Clothing / Hair Care /
Beauty/ Fragrances / Work From Home / Household Items / Construction / Credit Counseling / Banking / Self-
Defense / Music / Churches / Computers / Internet / Fashions / Books / Child Care / Self-Improvement / Jewelry /
Authors / Fashion / Not-for-Profit / Civic / Fitness
For more information on being a sponsor or exhibitor send an email to [email protected]
Black Expo America 2018
March 31, 2018
Marriott Hartford Downtown
Hartford, CT
10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
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The Commission on Equity and Opportunity hosted its Annual Classic Awards on Friday, May
12, 2017, at the Legislative Office Building in Hartford, CT. We came together to celebrate the
accomplishments of African-Americans and their contributions to the state of Connecticut.
Presentations were made to: Man of the Year, Woman of the Year, Business and Economic
Development and Lifetime Achievement. Most importantly, Youth of the Year scholarships
were presented to high school seniors for their academic excellence.
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Man of the Year - Bobby Ramos
Woman of the Year - Attorney Cheryl Sharp
Youth of the Year - Shineika Fareus
Youth of the Year - James Parris
Lifetime Achiever - Bobby Ramos
Business and Economic Development Award -
Farmington Valley (CT) Chapter of The Links, Inc.
Commission on Equity and Opportunity 18-20 Trinity Street – Suite 202
Hartford, CT 06106 (860) 240-1424
[email protected] www.cga.ct.gov/ceo
