West Hartford Chamber Minority Business Network to Host 4th Annual Black History Month Breakfast
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The West Hartford Chamber Minority Business Network will host the 4th Annual Black History Month Breakfast at the Noah Webster Library.
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The Minority Business Network (MBN), a committee of the West Hartford Chamber of Commerce, is proud to announce its 4th Annual Black History Month Breakfast on Thursday, Feb. 26, from 8-9:30 a.m. at the Noah Webster Library, located at 20 South Main Street in West Hartford.
This year’s program, titled “A Century of Black History Celebrations: Rooted in History, Rising Through Community,” will feature a dynamic panel discussion, open networking, and a light breakfast.
The event will spotlight meaningful and engaging conversations with local community leaders whose stories and service have helped shape West Hartford. The 2026 program will explore the history that informs our present, highlighting the MLK39 Racial Equity Mural at the Noah Webster Library, along with the Town’s Juneteenth and Caribbean Heritage Month celebrations. Together, these initiatives reflect the powerful role of history, arts, and culture in advancing equity and strengthening community connection.
Judy Casperson (left) and Tammy Exum stand in front of the mural bearing their likenesses as well as the image of Gertrude Blanks. Photo courtesy of Tiffani McGinnis (we-ha.com file photo)
Panelists include:
- Adrienne Billings-Smith, former Town Council member and organizer of the Town’s Juneteenth Celebration
- Carol Blanks, former Town Council and Board of Education member and organizer of West Hartford’s Caribbean Heritage Month Celebration
- Judy Casperson, former West Hartford Town Council member
- Matt Conway, Executive Director of The RiseUP Group and creator of the MLK39 Racial Equity Mural
- Tammy Exum, State Representative
The panelists will offer personal stories, reflections, and lived experiences that illuminate West Hartford’s history and the ongoing work of advancing understanding and opportunity.
The conversation will be moderated by Chris Clarke, Chairman of the Board of the West Hartford Chamber of Commerce and Chairman and Co-Founder of the Chamber’s Minority Business Network. Clarke shared “While every month is Black History Month, it’s truly a privilege to moderate this panel featuring pioneers who have shaped business, public policy, and the arts in West Hartford. And selfishly, it’s also a great excuse to sit with friends I admire and hear their vision for what’s next.”
Founded in early 2020, the Minority Business Network was established to provide visibility, networking opportunities, and resources to Chamber members from underrepresented racial, ethnic, and religious populations. Its mission is to increase the visibility of minority-owned businesses, provide a discussion forum for the unique challenges faced by minority professionals, and enhance the diversity of Chamber membership.
This event is Presented by Westfield Bank, with additional support from Breakfast Sponsors Digital 628 Design, Charter Technology Solutions, and Collaboration of Minority Women Professionals.
Tickets are available at: bit.ly/
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