4th Annual Black History Month Breakfast

The 4th Annual Black History Month Breakfast will feature a meaningful and engaging conversation with local community leaders whose stories and service have helped shape West Hartford. This year’s program is especially significant as it highlights leaders commemorated on the “MLK39 Racial Equity Mural” at the Noah Webster Library, a powerful symbol of the community’s ongoing commitment to equity, inclusion, and progress.

Panelists include State Representative Tammy Exum and former Town Council member Judy Casperson, both of whom are featured on the mural, alongside Carol Blanks, former Town Council and Board of Education member, whose late mother, Gertrude Blanks, is also honored on the mural for her lasting impact on the community. They will be joined by Matt Conway, Executive Director of Rise Up Group, who designed and created the mural and will share insight into its vision, meaning, and impact. Together, the panelists will offer personal stories, reflections, and lived experiences that illuminate West Hartford’s history and the ongoing work of advancing understanding and opportunity.
 

The conversation will be moderated by Chris Clarke, West Hartford Chamber Chairman of the Board and Chairman and Co-Founder of the Chamber’s Minority Business Network, who will guide a thoughtful dialogue honoring the past, celebrating the present, and looking ahead to the enduring influence of Black history and culture in our community.



photo credit: Ronni Newton, We-Ha.com