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, 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, green space, town halls, and galleries. It becomes a love letter to Black residents and allows neighbors to listen and learn.

Our panelists will include:

• Andre Rochester, Curator at the UConn Health Center, Program Manager at The 224 EcoSpace in charge of the Artists of Color Accelerate Fellowship
• Kamora Herrington of Kamora’s Cultural Corner in Hartford
• Adrienne Billings-Smith, Equity Coordinator for the town of West Hartford and founder and president of Concerned Parents of Color of West Hartford
• Keith Claytor, award winning photographer and the owner of TimeFrozen Photography

Our panel will be moderated by Samariya Smith, our Community History Project Manager. We look forward to seeing you there!