‘Empowering Through Diversity’ will be held at West Hartford Town Hall on Saturday, Feb. 17.

By Ronni Newton

There are many more Black-owned businesses in West Hartford than people may realize, and organizers of the inaugural Black Business Expo are inviting the community to celebrate their achievements and community impact at the “Empowering Through Diversity” event on Feb. 17.

The expo will be held in the West Hartford Town Hall auditorium, from 1 to 4 p.m.

“Some things that people don’t know is that we have at least three dozen Black-owned businesses in West Hartford,” said Kyra Dorsey, co-chair of the Black Business Expo and corresponding secretary for the West Hartford African American Social & Cultural Organization (WHAASCO) which is planning the event in partnership with the town.

“This inaugural event proudly honors and promotes the achievements of Black-owned businesses physically located within the West Hartford community. In collaboration with the Town of West Hartford, WHAASCO aims to foster fair and equitable participation for people of the Black/African diaspora in civic, political, economic, educational, and cultural activities within the community,” states a press release about the event.

Kyra Dorsey, Bjorn Burke, Kaleea Alston-Griffin, and Penny Smith (pictured from left to right) at the October 2023 event WeHa United In Jazz in Blue Back Square. Kaleea is the current president of WHAASCO. All pictured are on the WHAASCO Executive Board. Courtesy photo

While February is Black History Month, that wasn’t the impetus for the expo, Dorsey said. The event has been in the works since last June when it was intended to be one of the side activities at the town’s Juneteenth celebration. When the Juneteenth celebration event ended up being moved to Father’s Day – which made it difficult for some business owners to attend – plans began to come together for the expo, Dorsey said. At that time, they had a list of roughly 24 Black-owned businesses.

West Hartford Equity Coordinator Adrienne Billings-Smith connected WHAASCO with the town’s Economic Development department, and that led to the identification of many more businesses that have been identified and invited to participate in the expo.

“A lot of times people don’t notice the diversity in our businesses. Most people don’t realize the variety of businesses,” Dorsey said. “Many are businesses that people have not been exposed to.”

While the majority of Black-owned businesses in West Hartford operate in the restaurant and food industry, as well as in the fitness industry, there are a diverse assortment of others spread throughout town, Dorsey said, including in premier locations such as the Center, where Lewis Real Estate has recently purchased 1000 Farmington Avenue, the building where their offices are located. Also in that building is what Dorsey believes is the only Black-owned court stenography business in the country.

Another unique Black-owned business mentioned by Dorsey is Little Antz, located at 169 Oakwood Avenue. They provide “specialized pediatric and women’s health pelvic floor physical therapy in a practical and compassionate manner,” the Little Antz website states.

“Empowering Through Diversity” is more than just a demonstration of products and services. It will include plenty of opportunity for networking and interacting with the businesses, Dorsey said. Many will bring equipment, and there will be a participatory Zumba demonstration.

A DJ will provide music throughout the expo.

There is no cost to attend, but there will be food and beverages available for purchase. Dorsey said Playa Bowls and More Than Just Shark Bite were among the restaurants that initially committed, and as she expected the list has grown.

“This is going to be a great opportunity to showcase our wonderful Black business owners and highlight the services they offer to our residents,” said Billings-Smith. “Events like this are wonderful and inspiring for young folks and future entrepreneurs. When you see someone like you doing something you may have thought you couldn’t it gives you the permission to dream big.”

If weather interferes and the event can’t take place on Feb. 17 due to snow, Dorsey said it will definitely be rescheduled for another date.

“This event is more than commerce; it enriches the fabric of our community, showcasing the resilience and creativity of our local black entrepreneurs,” states the press release.

“This is probably one of the biggest events that WHAASCO has held,” Dorsey said, and organizers are hopeful that it will be well attended and reflect “the strength and unity of West Hartford.”

As of Jan. 19, the following is the list of businesses that have committed to the event:

• BodyRoc FitLab
• Chick-fil-A West Hartford
• Fit University Star LLC
• Fitness with Jonathan (FWJ)
• Frank Booth
• Hibiscus and Honey Med Spa
• Infinite Beauty Bar
• Lewis Real Estate Services & Lewis Business Center
• Lifer Fitness Studio
• Little Antz Physical Therapy
• More than just Sharkbite
• Ovelle Coffee
• Pansy Homecare
• Playa Bowls
• The FLYY Movement, LLC
• The Russell
• We Shine Apparel and Accessories
• XES Beauty Lounge

More information, including an updated list of participating businesses, can be found on the event website.

A version of this article can also be found in the February 2024 issue of West Hartford LIFE.

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