Celebrating Black History Month

February 6, 2024


February is Black History Month, a time when we celebrate the many achievements and contributions of individuals from the Black diaspora, as well as reckon with the systemic racism from the past that remains prevalent today. This year's theme, "African Americans and Arts," highlights the creativity and artistry of Black Americans, and their influence on our nation's culture. 
Connecticut was home to several notable moments in Black history. The Canterbury Female Boarding School, the first boarding school for young Black girls in the country, was in Canterbury. Abolitionist John Brown was born in Torrington. The 29th Colored Regiment, an all-Black regiment based out of Fair Haven during the Civil War, was one of the first units to enter Richmond, Virginia after it was abandoned by the Confederate Army.
In 2019, Connecticut became the first state to require public schools to include Black and Latino history in their curriculum. Black history is American history -- and this law ensures that these stories are taught throughout the school year. A special thanks to the endless work of the Black and Puerto Rican Caucus and other colleagues in the General Assembly to demand this important education.

You can learn more about Black History Month here in Stamford. Ferguson Library is hosting several events including a "National African American Read-In" at the South End Branch on Saturday, February 10 at 10:30 A.M. Dorothy Ghiorzo, author of The Little French Mushroom, will lead a story time as part of this groundbreaking effort to encourage communities to gather and read books about the African American experience. 
Click Here For Full Slate of Black History Events at Ferguson Library

Avon Theatre is celebrating Black History Month by hosting a special screening of the film "The Black Lens: All Dirt Roads Taste of Salt" from award-winning director Raven Jackson. The movie is about a Black woman's life in rural Mississippi.

When: Tuesday, Feb. 13 at 7 P.M. 
Where: Avon Theatre at 272 Bedford Street
Click Here To Get Tickets And Learn More

And be sure to check out a community vendor fair at UConn Stamford where you will be able to buy apparel, African accessories, handbags, jewelry, and more.

When: Saturday, Feb. 17 from 10:00 A.M. -3:00 P.M. 
Where: UConn Stamford Campus at 1 University Place

I encourage you to celebrate Black History Month locally and throughout Connecticut. Our state has several resources that honor the Black experience, such as the Amistad Center for Art & Culture in Hartford and the Ruby and Calvin Fletcher African American Museum in Stratford.

Click here to find more places that celebrate Black history in Connecticut.