The Minority Business Network event on Feb. 23 will be held in recognition of Black History Month.

Submitted

In recognition of Black History Month, the West Hartford Chamber of Commerce through its Minority Business Network will host a special presentation and breakfast on Thursday, Feb. 23 from 7:30-9 a.m. at the Noah Webster Library in Blue Back Square.

The program is titled: “Building Upon Legacy Through Community” and will be facilitated by keynote speaker Yvonne Alston- Lead Culture Architect, CEO and founder of Indelible Impressions Consulting. Alston and her team guide those seeking to make DEI+B a critical part of their organization’s fabric.

Here is a bit about the program:

Each January and February we are reminded of and celebrate those who pioneered the Civil Rights era. Most of our history books, annual celebrations, and recognitions include Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks and John Lewis, to name a few. They drove not only the days’ national conversations, galvanizing work and media reporting but many laws and freedoms that exist today.

While some progress has been made, we have not attained the principles, equities, inclusions, and opportunities of those who sacrificed their minds, hearts, bodies, and very lives. So, the work must continue – with all intentionality and commitment to supporting greater equity and inclusion driven by diverse identities, perspectives, and lived and professional experiences to close the remaining gaps in:

• Access to opportunities and systems that benefit all
• Diverse mental and physical health care to thrive
• Wealth gaps in communities of color as gateways to upward mobility

To achieve this, we must challenge and change the systems of marginalization and oppression which are rooted historically and remain in existence today. For this, we need system shakers and changemakers from all walks of life – community – to engage in active allyship with all courage and steadfastness.

Admission includes a continental breakfast, featuring a selection of items from The Craft, a local, Black-owned business. Tickets are $7 and may be purchased via the West Hartford Chamber of Commerce website. Space is limited and pre-registration is required via this link.

This program is made possible through the generous support of Presenting Sponsor – Westfield Bank.

About the Minority Business Network:

The MBN is a committee of the West Hartford Chamber of Commerce. It was founded in early 2020 as a means of providing visibility, networking opportunities and resources to Chamber members who are also members of underrepresented racial, ethnic, and religious populations. Their mission is to “increase visibility of minority-owned businesses, provide a discussion forum for the unique challenges faced by minority professionals, and increase diversity of Chamber membership.”

About Yvonne Alston:

Yvonne Alston is an unapologetically authentic amplifier and advocate for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging. She established Indelible Impressions Consulting to advance important conversations, education and competencies to help organizations understand the importance of culture and its impact on the human experience. Her firm and team focus on centering the employee experience, amplifying personal and professional value, and inspiring hearts and minds as they challenge systems of inequity, champion dimensions of diversity, and drive inclusive practices holistically.

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