Urban League of Greater Hartford Invites Public to Thursday, February 9 Black History Month Celebration at the Mark Twain House and Museum
On Thursday, February 9th from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., the Urban League of Greater Hartford (ULGH) will host its 2023 Annual Black History Month Celebration with the theme, “A Legacy Revealed | A Glimpse of Hope.” The Free in-person event will be held at the Mark Twain House & Museum on 351 Farmington Ave. in Hartford, Conn. Pre-registration is not required.
The event will showcase the achievements and contributions of African American, Afro-Caribbean, and Afro-Latino cultures in the Capital Region with inspiring entertainment, interactive exhibits, and presentation of the organization’s 2023 Legacy Honors Awards that recognize local residents.
“Black History Month is always special, but this annual event allows the Urban League to put our touch on all that is celebrated,” explains David Hopkins, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Urban League of Greater Hartford, whose programs and operations impact more than 3,000 individuals and their families every year in the areas of youth development, adult education, workforce development, housing, personal financial management, community health, and social justice. “We look forward to recognizing our Legacy Honors recipients, and enjoying the wonderful expressions of culture that will be presented.”
Event emcees are: Abdul-Rahmaan I. Muhammad, Executive Director and Founder of My People Clinical Services in Hartford; and Matthew Rivera, Executive Director of The Dream Support Network in Hartford.
6 p.m. to 7 p.m.: Interactive Exhibits – Discover the rich history, resources, services, and activities offered by many individuals and organizations in the Greater Hartford community at different Legacy Station tables. There will be live music and culturally inspired refreshments.
7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.: Legacy Honors Awards Showcase – Music, poetry, and dance performances, including Windsor High School Gospel Choir and STUDIO 8SIXTY of Bloomfield. Legacy Honors Awards will be presented the following local residents:
- Community Enrichment – Melissa Wolliston, Health & Wellness Coach;
- Advocacy – Elby Gonzalez-Schwapp, MFT, City of Hartford’s Dept. of Health and Human Services;
- Entrepreneurial Spirit – Doug Barber and Andréa Hawkins, owners of three Berkins Cafés in Hartford (2) and Glastonbury;
- Young Achiever – Dwight Biggs, ULGH Project Ready Scholar and a Senior/Student Athlete at Hartford’s Classical Magnet High School; and
- Generation Next – Travis Dimeer Terry, fashion designer and founder of IEMBE, a Black-owned luxury brand that stands for “in my bag.”
Admission and parking are Free for the Thursday, February 9th event at the Mark Twain House & Museum are free. No reservations are needed.
To become a sponsor, place an ad, or become an exhibitor, go to: https://ulghlegacyrevealed2023.eventbrite.com or contact Dejah Morgan at dmorgan@ulgh.org or events@ulgh.org, or 860-578-4017.
For general event information, contact Kyrinda Richardson at kyrinda@ulgh.org or 860-728-4291
This celebration is made possible by event sponsors and institutional partners that include: the law firm of Shook, Hardy & Bacon LLP; Travelers; Pratt & Whitney; Otis Elevator; Hartford Steam Boiler; Webster Bank; Bob’s Discount Furniture; Stanley Black & Decker; and Liberty Bank.
Proceeds from the support of corporations, foundations, and individual donors help fund Urban League of Greater Hartford programs and operations. Donations can be made at: www.ulgh.org/donate.
The Urban League of Greater Hartford, Inc. (ULGH) is a community-based, not-for-profit 501(c)(3) whose mission is to promote racial equity through economic empowerment in the areas of youth development, adult education, workforce development and training, affordable housing, financial literacy, health equity, social justice, and advocacy. Established in 1964 as the National Urban League’s 66th affiliate, Its leadership and staff work locally to promote local projects and initiatives, including that nationwide organization’s “All In” campaign to help combat the Covid-19 pandemic by helping to inform communities of color about the vaccines so they can make the best, most informed decision about receiving the vaccine. For more information, visit www.ulgh.org or call 860-527-0147. Follow us on social media @ulgh64.