Celebrating Black History Month in Waterbury

February 7, 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 lasting impacts that still prevail today. The theme for this year's month-long celebration is “African Americans and the Arts,” which spotlights Black Americans who excelled in various fields of creative expression, and the influence they have on our country'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.
Click here to learn about Black history in Waterbury
Thanks to the tireless work of the Black and Puerto Rican Caucus and other colleagues in the General Assembly in 2019, Connecticut became the first state to require public schools to include Black and Latino history in their curriculums. Black history is American history, and this law ensures that the stories and triumphs of Black Americans will be taught throughout the school year. 
You have a wonderful opportunity to learn celebrate Black History Month in Waterbury at more than a dozen events. Make sure to click on any of the four images below to learn more about these upcoming events in our community!
I am grateful for the Waterbury Black Community Calendar for setting up a website with the latest events and news in our community. Their comprehensive calendar is designed to keep you connected and never miss out on any exciting events.
Click Here For Calendar of Black History Month Events in Waterbury
You can also attend Black History events in many other communities. Please click on the images below to get more details, to buy tickets, or to get registration information.