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Public speakers urge council to create African American and Black History and Cultural Commission
Summary
At a June 16 public hearing, multiple Hartford residents and community leaders voiced support for an ordinance introduced by Assistant Majority Leader Thomas J. Clark to establish an African American and Black History and Cultural Commission; no opponents spoke and the hearing was closed.
Assistant Majority Leader Thomas J. Clark introduced an ordinance amending Chapter 2, Article V (sections 2‑296 through 2‑299, Division 10) of the Hartford Municipal Code to establish an African American and Black History and Cultural Commission. Councilwoman Kelly Billedoux opened the public hearing and solicited testimony.
Speakers at the hearing uniformly urged passage. Christian Foster (identified in the record as an educator and historian and director of the Institute for Cross Cultural Awareness and Transformative Education) framed the commission as a tool for education and civic development and cited Hartford’s long African and African American history. Foster said, “It will aid our children and youth in their development, not just African American or black people, but all of our children and youth in obtaining their aims and aspirations and Americans and as citizens of the capital city of the great state of Connecticut.”
Former councilman Kyle Anderson and representatives of local fraternities and alumni groups urged support as a way to highlight contributions of African Americans from Hartford. Anderson said he and allied organizations “stand in unison to support the legislation of our dear brother who presented it TJ Clark.” Stacy (identified as a historian and member of a cultural organization) spoke of teaching Connecticut students for more than 30 years and the value of local history in classrooms. Corey Betts, president of the Greater Hartford branch of the NAACP, said, “This commission is necessary is a necessary step towards real equity in Hartford.” Other speakers—Stan McCawley, Reginald Alston (Kappa Alpha Psi), and members of fraternities—expressed support as well.
No one spoke in opposition. The council closed the public hearing with no recorded vote or formal council action during the session. The transcript does not include the ordinance text beyond the municipal code sections cited, nor does it show a scheduled date for final council action.
