Celebrating Juneteenth and the Silver Lane Development Moves Forward

June 18, 2025


 


Thursday, June 19 is Juneteenth, which celebrates the end of slavery in our country. For many years, this important holiday was primarily celebrated in the South. However, thanks to great advocacy work, it is now rightfully observed throughout the country, including Connecticut. In 2022, the Connecticut General Assembly voted to make Juneteenth a state holiday.

The Emancipation Proclamation did not end the practice of slavery in America. It also did not end at the conclusion of the Civil War. On June 19, 1865, 2 months after the Civil War ended, a group of Union soldiers traveled to Galveston, Texas and announced that all enslaved people were now free. They were among the last group of Americans to be notified of their freedom.

Although Juneteenth celebrates a momentous event in our history, we must also take time to reflect on the horrors of slavery and its lingering effects on our society. As your state representative, I will continue to push for legislation that will make Connecticut a better state for all. If you have any questions about Juneteenth, its history, and how it has been celebrated around the country, please check out this page from the National Museum of African American History and Culture.
 

Silver Lane Development
Moves Forward
Proposed rendering of Concourse Park residential community.

On Friday, Mayor Connor Martin's office announced that East Hartford has officially closed on the sale of the former Showcase Cinemas property on Silver Lane.

The East Hartford Town Council unanimously approved the sale of the parcel to developers Jasko Zelman 1 LLC., who plan to transform the property into Concourse Park—a residential community featuring more than 300 apartments and amenities such as a dog park, pool, clubhouse, co-working center, and golf simulator. 

This project has spanned three mayoral administrations, and the finalization of the sale is a significant step forward in this much anticipated $115 million dollar redevelopment project.

Click here for more information about the project.
 

Community Events
 

Celebrate the start of summer at the Raymond Library's Summer Reading Kick-Off Party on Wednesday, June 18, from 5:30 P.M. to 7:00 P.M.

Register in-person for summer reading, meet community partners, play games, and enjoy a music performance. For all ages.

Click here to register, which is required.
 

Come to the banks of the Connecticut River on Thursdays until July 31 from 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. for the at the Sounds of Summer Concert Series.  You are encouraged to bring a picnic basket and lawn chairs to Great River Park Amphitheater (301 East River Drive) and enjoy the evening! 
 
The 2025 lineup:

  • June 19: Shaded Soul (Vocal & Instrumental)
  • June 26: The Score (Classic Party Rock)
  • July 3: Cover 2 Cover (High Energy Dance Music)
  • July 10: Sound Pipers (Reggae)
  • July 17: La Choco Band (Latin Music)
  • July 24: Mass-Conn Fusion (Jazz, Motown, R&B)
  • July 31: Soul Sound Revue (7-piece Modern Music)

In the event of inclement weather, the concerts will be moved indoors to the East Hartford Community Culture Center (50 Chapman Place).
 

Come out to the annual Strawberry Fair at South Congregational Church (1301 Forbes St, East Hartford) on Saturday, June 21 from 10:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M.
 
There's something for everyone - from outdoor games and other activities for kids, to shopping and eating. Pick up a treat at the baked goods table, or find a beautiful houseplant at the plant sale. Browse the "Boutique" for hand-crafted jewelry and other handmade items for yourself or for gift giving. Pick up lunch at the Chuck Wagon and don't leave without shortcake - made with from-scratch biscuits and real whipped cream - sold all day to eat-in or take-out.