WEST HARTFORD, CT — February is Black History Month and, perhaps, no community celebrates the occassion like the West Hartford community.
All month long, the town is hosting multiple events and commemorations highlighting this celebration for all.
“A month dedicated to celebrating the achievements, culture and history of black people in America and abroad, Black History Month started as an effort by Carter G. Woodson and Jesse E. Moorland in the early 20th century to celebrate and research accomplishments and contributions by people of African descent,” wrote the Town of West Hartford in an announcement.
“In 1976, President Ford began the succession of U.S. presidents that recognized Black History Month as an opportunity for all Americans to expose themselves to the rich heritage, stories, and contributions made by black people throughout time.”
The following are West Hartford’s events and commemorations of Black History Month:
• Sunday, Feb. 12, 11:15 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., First Church of West Hartford, 12 S. Main St., West Hartford.
The West Hartford African Amerian Social & Cultural Organization will officially dedicate the Lemuel Haynes Memorial.
This day is considered “Social Justice Sunday” and this event will celebrate the life of pioneering African American Lemuel Haynes, a Revolutionary War hero born in 1753 who is also the first Black man to be ordained a minister in the U.S.
He was born in what is now West Hartford, but at the time, it was still part of Hartford.
In addition to the WHAASCO, several other organizations will be present, including the Beta Iota Boule Foundation, First Church of West Hartford, the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving’s Black Giving Circle, the Town of West Hartford and the West Hartford Greater Together Community Fund.
• Saturday, Feb. 18, noon to 3 p.m., Blue Back Square, 91 Memorial Road, West Hartford.
A celebration called “Celebrate Black Joy, Excellence and Community will take place at the Community Exchange location at Blue Back Square.
On Saturday, folks can listen to guest readers, enjoy music and play games on what is called “Community Day.”
For more information, email ConcernedParentsofColorwh@gmail.com.
• Sunday, Feb. 19, 1 to 4 p.m., Blue Back Square, 91 Memorial Road, West Hartford.
The same events as above are planned, but in addition to those, folks will be able to enjoy and “Artist Walk & Talk,” where several discussions and tours regarding Black art are planned.
For more information, email ConcernedParentsofColorwh@gmail.com.
