Large MLK Celebration Planned In West Hartford

Town of West Hartford

WEST HARTFORD, CT — The town is hosting one of the biggest Martin Luther King Jr. celebrations in the state on Monday, Jan. 19, the holiday that marks his birthday.

Folks from all over are invited to West Hartford's 30th annual celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s life.

It will take place in the West Hartford Town Hall auditorium, 50 S. Main St., from 10 to 11:30 a.m.

Each year, the event pays tribute to King's ideals and vision and grows more popular and inspiring.

The celebration is free and open to people of all ages.

West Hartford’s 2026 event centers on two key themes in Dr. King’s speeches: audacity and mutuality.

This year’s keynote speaker is Dr. Fiona Vernal, associate director of the Africana
Studies Institute (ASI), associate professor of history and Africana studies, and the director of
engaged, public, oral, and community histories (EPOCH) at the University of Connecticut.

Her teaching and research centers on African, Caribbean, and African Diaspora histories.

The 2026 MLK celebration also includes a welcome from West Hartford Mayor Shari Cantor and an invocation by Pastor Cloe D. Graham of Faith Congregational Church of Hartford.

West Hartford Town Councilor Lisa Lazarus will serve as master of ceremonies.

Each year, two students from the town's public high schools are chosen to give their perspectives on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

This year, Rowan Thompson of Conard High School and Nybol Bona of Hall High School were selected.

The event also features musical performances by the Hall High School Jazz Combo, King
Philip Middle School’s KP Singers, and Conard High School’s Solo Choir.

Student artwork, essays, and poems from West Hartford elementary schools will also be
displayed.

The event will kick off with a video capturing West Hartford Public Schools elementary students creating MLK art projects.

In addition to the program, the second Earl Exum Servant Leader Award will be announced.

The MLK committee has selected Drs. Elena and Booker DeVaughn.

“Drs. Booker and Elena DeVaughn embody the spirit of service, education, and community
that the Earl Exum Award seeks to honor. Together, the DeVaughns have enriched public
understanding of African American history through research, presentations, and exhibits. They
are generous in every way, from philanthropy to volunteerism, with many non-profit
organizations. They are sought-after leaders in the community, and we are lucky to have them,”
said Cantor.

Sponsors of this event include the West Hartford African American Social &Cultural
Organization (WHAASCO), the Town of West Hartford, West Hartford Public Schools, and
Concerned Parents of Color of West Hartford.

Free parking is available in the town hall lot.

West Hartford Community Interactive will air the event live on Comcast Channel 5, Frontier 6098, and on their YouTube channel, https://www.youtube.com/@whci.

Municipal openings/closings

In West Hartford, all municipal departments will be closed on Monday, Jan. 19, in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

Trash collection is not impacted.

West Hartford Public Schools are also closed on Monday, Jan. 19, with classes resuming as normal the following day on Tuesday, Jan. 20.