Attending West Hartford's Big MLK Celebration? What You Need To Know

Town of West Hartford

WEST HARTFORD, CT — One of the area's largest celebrations honoring slain civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. will take place in West Hartford on Monday, Jan. 16.

The event on the holiday in King's honor, which is free and open to the public, will take place from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at West Hartford Town Hall, 50 S. Main St., in the auditorium.

"Each year the event that pays tribute to Dr. King's ideals and vision grows more popular and inspiring," wrote the Town of West Hartford in an announcement.

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

West Hartford Community Interactive is airing the event live on Comcast Channel 5, Frontier 6098 and on its YouTube channel.

West Hartford’s 2023 event centers on public service and Dr. King’s speech at the 1959 youth march in Washington, D.C.

The full speech can be seen here at this link.

This year’s keynote speaker is Vannessa Dorantes, commissioner of the state Department of Children and Families (DCF), an advocate for human rights and a public servant.

Dorantes was appointed to lead DCF in 2019 and is the first African American to serve in that role for the State of Connecticut. She has been with the agency since 1992.

The 2023 MLK celebration also includes a welcome from West Hartford Mayor Shari Cantor and a prayer by Rev. Fredd Ward, associate minister of First Church of Christ Congregational, West Hartford.

Dr. Lorna Thomas-Farquharson, chairperson of the West Hartford Board of Education, will serve as master of ceremonies.

State Rep. Tammy Exum, D-West Hartford, of the West Hartford African American Social & Cultural Organization, one of the sponsoring organizations, will provide the introduction of the keynote speaker.

Each year two students from the public high schools are selected to give student perspectives on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. This year, Afaf Albur, Conard High School and Zella Jackson, Hall High School, were selected.

The event will feature musical performances by the Conard High School Jazz Combo, King Philip Middle School Singers and Hall High School’s Choraliers.

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

For more information, contact Renée McCue, public relations specialist, Town of West Hartford at 860-561-7521 or email renee@westhartfordct.gov.