Celebrating Black History Month

February 9, 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 the Confederate Army surrendered the city.

I salute all of my legislative colleagues below who prove that Black history is NOW!

I also want to recognize some of our local leaders and activists amongst many in our community.

You can learn much more about Black History Month in Hartford. Explore the impact of Harriet Beecher Stowe's 1852 anti-slavery novel Uncle Tom's Cabin at the Harriet Beecher Stowe Center and engage with collections that belonged to Stowe and her family.

Another great option is to check out the thought provoking exhibits at the the Amistad Center for Art & Culture within the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art. Look at the flier below for a schedule of free events.

Explore More Black History Month Events in Hartford
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.

I encourage you to take some time to celebrate and learn more about Black history, locally and throughout America. Click here to find more places in honor and support Black history and culture in our state.