Mystic Celebration of Black History Month

February is Black History Month and the Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the Mystic & Noank library and community leaders, are presenting our second annual Mystic Celebration of Black History Month Program.

Our first celebration in 2021 took place outside in Mystic River Park on February 19.  We encouraged students and the community to read from their own writings or from works by black authors, that have moved them.  The program was hosted by Kevin Booker, Jr., a Mitchell College and Connecticut College professor who also offers training in leadership and diversity, equity and inclusion though his company, Booker Empowerment, LLC.  In speaking about the event, Kevin said "It has been a privilege and honor to be a part of this event for the second year in a row.  The event will be a true celebration of Black History as we honor and recognize the immeasurable impact our brothers and sisters have had on the world."

In planning the second Celebration for Saturday, February 11 from 10am to Noon, we have reached out to the school districts in Groton, Stonington, New London and Waterford.  We are also inviting people in our communities to sign up to perform or read at the event (we are requesting each reading to be two minutes or less).

The program will start at the Mystic Flag Pole and Anchor where the Black National Anthem (Lift Every Voice and Sing) will be performed by Nekita Waller, Connecticut’s 17^th state troubadour.  We will then proceed to the Union Baptist Church, indoors, for the rest of the program that will once again be hosted by Kevin Booker, Jr.  In speaking about the event, Kevin said "It has been a privilege and honor to be a part of this event for the second year in a row.  The event will be a true celebration of Black History as we honor and recognize the immeasurable impact our brothers and sisters have had on the world."

The format for reading will be 1 to 3 minutes, which includes an introduction by the reader of why they chose their piece or how a particular author inspired their original presentation. These reasons for selecting a work of literature can often be as good as the excerpt! 

Performers at the Church include award winning children’s book author, renowned artist and performer Won-Ldy Paye, local drummer and teacher of djembe, congas and percussion, Matt Dean and Nekita Waller. 

Speakers for the event will include Morgan Tuck, Former UConn Husky, WNBA Player and current Executive with the CT Sun and Malik Champlain, founder of Pasion, Hunger, Drive.

Bruce Flax, Mystic Chamber President, said “The Mystic Chamber is proud to have the Celebration of Black History month enter its second year with a fuller program that will be held indoors at the Union Baptist Church. Partnering with the Mystic & Noank Library and receiving guidance from Kevin Booker, Jr. is going to elevate the event in its second year.”