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 will explore the history that informs our present, highlighting the MLK39 Racial Equity Mural at the Noah Webster Library along with the Town’s Juneteenth and Caribbean Heritage Month celebrations, honoring the powerful role of history, arts, and culture in advancing equity and strengthening community connection.

Panelists include State Representative Tammy Exum and former Town Council member Judy Casperson, both featured on the mural. They will be joined by Matt Conway, Executive Director of The RiseUp Group and creator of the MLK39 Racial Equity Mural, who will share insight into its vision, meaning, and impact.  Also joining the conversation are Carol Blanks, former Town Council and Board of Education member and organizer of West Hartford’s Caribbean Heritage Month Celebration, and Adrienne Billings-Smith, former Town Council member and organizer of the Town’s Juneteenth celebration.

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