The Power of Community

Join us for a panel discussion with distinguished Black leaders and artists as they share their experiences with the community as a source of power and joy, and how culture can be shared to create a more just world as experienced in Connecticut.

Our panelists have carved out space in Hartford and beyond for members of their communities to see themselves reflected beyond a single narrative. Through the creation of public venues and conversations, our guests enable residents and artists to define themselves and their individual Black experiences. This joy is reflected in wedding photos, renaming green space, organizing Juneteenth celebrations, hosting town halls, and art galleries. It becomes a love letter to Black residents and allows neighbors to listen and learn.

Our panelists are:

• Keith Claytor, award-winning photographer and the owner of TimeFrozen Photography.
• Adrienne Billings-Smith, Equity Coordinator for the town of West Hartford. She is also the founder and president of Concerned Parents of Color of West Hartford, an organization focused on building equity and accessibility for communities of color through collaboration and partnership.
• Kamora Herrington, founder of Kamora’s Cultural Corner in Hartford. She provides youth mentorship, intergenerational programming, training in cultural humility, and space for creating and nurturing community connections.
• Andre Rochester, Fine Artist, Curator, and Arts Advocate from Greater Hartford. In addition to creating his own art, Andre manages a collection of over 2500 works of art at UConn Health Center, serves as Program Manager at The 224 EcoSpace.
• Samariya Smith, Community History Project Manager at CMCH. She will moderate this conversation.

This event is free and open to the public, and light refreshments will be provided.

Click here to register. Registration is encouraged, but not required. We look forward to seeing you there!