Dominique Johnson

Celebrating Black History Month, Opening Day of Session, and more!

View this email in your browser Dear Neighbor, Happy Friday! And Happy Black History Month! Every February, we take time to celebrate and honor all of the contributions Black Americans have made throughout history. I'd encourage you to take some time this month and beyond to listen and learn more. Black history is American History! Norwalk will host several Black History Month events throughout the state. The first one will be held tomorrow morning. The Norwalk Public Library will hold an event titled Celebrate a Century of Black History tomorrow morning from 10 AM - 11 AM. The two guest speakers will hold a discussion about Black life and culture. You must RSVP  to attend this event. Please see the flyer for more information.  The Norwalk NAACP Branch, Norwalk Public Library and SoNo Entertainment are collaborating for an event called  "Rhythm of Our Roots",  a discussion of the history of Black Music in America. The event will be held on February 21 at the Norwalk Public Library. Please see the flyer below for more information.  Last but not least, Norwalk Public Schools will hold the 4th annual Black History & Heritage Festival on Thursday, February 26 from 5:45 PM - 8 PM at Norwalk High School.  This event will feature student performances and presentations on Black history and culture, as well as local Black-owned business fair.  Please read below for information on the opening day of session, a recap of the Westport Town Hall, and more!  Opening Day of Session  The 2026 legislative session officially kicked off on Wednesday. It was great to see all of my colleagues and get down to work. If you want to follow with what is going on Hartford, CT-N is an excellent resource - they broadcast committee meetings, press conferences, and other events that take place at the Capitol.  If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to my office.  Westport Town Hall  Thank you to everyone who attended the Westport Town Hall earlier this week. We had a productive conversation about several important issues. As always, if you were unable to attend and have a question, feel free to reach out to my office.  Visiting with Saugatuck Oyster Co.  Last month, I had an opportunity to eat local and learn about how to best support those who make it possible.  Thank you to Saugatuck Oyster Co. for the amazing afternoon out at Compo. I learned so much about our local aquaculture and eating local from Hunter and had a great time with him and our House Environment Committee Chair John Michael Parker - fresh oysters and periwinkles on the beach, and harvesting some amazing seaweed from the cold Sound for homemade sesame seaweed salad. Visit Saugatuck Oyster Co. and other fantastic local harvesters, growers, bakers, makers, and farmers at Westport Farmer's Market every Thursday this winter! Beyond Implications Conference Last month, I co-hosted the 3rd Annual Moving Beyond Implications Conference at the Capitol with a bipartisan group of legislators. This event was created by Rep. Jaime Foster to help bridge the gap between academics, researchers, and legislators. Researchers were invited to present policy-related scholarship to elected officials and members of Executive branch agencies. Connections were made and collaborations nurtured that will help us make evidence-informed policy and promote data-driven decision-making in this session and beyond! Upcoming Library Events The Norwalk Public Library will hold several events over the next few weeks. If you want more information, click on the corresponding flyer or visit the Norwalk Public Library website.  Westport Public Library also has a robust lineup of programming. Please visit their website to learn more.  ICYMI Norwalk Recreation & Parks are looking for camp counselors for this summer. If you have a lot of energy and enjoy working with kids, this position is for you. Click here to apply for a position.  AARP CT is inviting eligible local nonprofit organizations and government entities to apply for the 2026 AARP Community Challenge grant program. This initiative funds quick-action projects that make communities more livable by enhancing public spaces, transportation, housing, digital connectivity, and more.  This year, AARP will award over $8 million in grants as part of its nationwide Livable Communities initiative, which supports the efforts of cities, towns, neighborhoods, and rural areas to become great places to live, especially for residents age 50 and older. All project application must be consistent with AARP's mission to serve the needs of people 50 and over and meet other eligibility criteria. The Community Challenge is open to eligible 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4), and 501(c)(6) nonprofit organizations and government entities. Other types of organizations are considered on a case-by-case basis. This application cycle, AARP has three different grant opportunities: Flagship grants support projects that improve public places; transportation; housing; digital connections; and disaster resilience. Awards range from a few hundred dollars to $15,000. Capacity-building microgrants are paired with expert support, webinars, and cohort learning for projects to improve walkability and bikeability; implement safe, accessible home modifications; and disaster preparedness training. Awards are $2,500. Demonstration grants fund projects that encourage replication of exemplary local efforts. This year’s focus is on improving pedestrian safety, with funding support from Toyota Motor North America; expanding high-speed internet access and adoption, with funding support from Microsoft; and housing choice design competitions. Awards typically range from $10,000-$20,000, not to exceed $25,000.   Applications are due by 5:00 p.m. on March 4.  For more information, please click here. Please don't hesitate to reach out to me with any questions and concerns you may have - I can be reached at Dominique.Johnson@cga.ct.gov, or through my office phone - 860-240-8585. Sincerely, Dominique Johnson State Representative Website Email Facebook Forward to a friend | Unsubscribe from this list | Update subscription preferences