MLK Heritage Foundation

02/28/2026

BLACK HISTORY MONTH - ALMA THOMAS
Alma Thomas was the first Black woman to have a solo exhibition at the Whitney Museum. She didn’t start painting full-time until after retiring as a teacher at 69 and also exhibited her paintings at the White House three times. Proof that creativity has no expiration date! 💛🎨

02/24/2026

Join us on Saturday, Feb. 28 at the James Blackstone Memorial Library for a special event, “Drums, Dreams and Our Stories,” a journey through rhythm, influential heroes and African culture, presented by nonprofit Our Culture is Beautiful.

The event, from 10:30 a.m. to noon, is part of the MLK Heritage Foundation’s Black History Month program.

02/22/2026

Thank you to Stephanie Thomas, CT Secretary Of State, for her powerful presentation at the James Blackstone Memorial Library yesterday with introductions from library Director Katy McNicol and First Selectman Josh Brooks. It was a master class on how crucial knowledge and civic engagement are to protect voting rights. Participation is powerful, and Stephanie gave us a good place to start.
https://portal.ct.gov/sots/education/the-power-of-civics/the-power-of-civics---home

Office of the Connecticut Secretary of the State

02/19/2026

Join us for a conversation with Connecticut Secretary of State Stephanie Thomas, where she will discuss what has been done, and can be done, to protect voting rights. A Q&A will follow. The event is part of the MLK Heritage Foundation’s Black History Month program.
When: Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026, 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Where: James Blackstone Memorial Library
758 Main Street, Branford, CT
In office since 2023, Secretary of State Thomas has implemented significant election reforms, including the roll-out of early voting and a new centralized voter registration system. In September 2023, she secured a historic investment of $25 million to replace the state’s aging tabulators, marking Connecticut’s first voting machine upgrade since 2006. During her current term, Secretary Thomas will also institute the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Act of Connecticut, and automatic voter registration at several Connecticut agencies.
Please join us for light refreshments and fascinating conversation. Registration is recommended. You can do that here: https://events.blackstonelibrary.org/event/mlk-foundation-placeholder-27459

At the Black History Month event Saturday from 1-3, Thomas​ will discuss what has been done—and what can be done—to protect voting rights.

02/18/2026

Rev. Jesse Jackson was a true pillar of the civil rights movement. As we remember the long legacy of his contributions, we should take time to reflect on a poignant message he delivered in 1988 during his presidential run in a speech at the Democratic National Convention in Atlanta.

“Progress will not come through boundless liberalism nor static conservatism, but at the critical mass of mutual survival.”

This is an example of the metaphor he popularized that states “It takes two wings to fly.”

His was a call to bridge our divides and realize that cooperation is needed in order to move our country forward.

📸 John Duricka/Associated Press

02/13/2026

Black History Month - Frederick Douglass
Born into slavery in 1818, Frederick Douglass rose to become one of the most powerful voices for abolition and equal rights.
“If there is no struggle, there is no progress.” — Douglass. Although the actual birth date of Douglass was not recorded, he chose to celebrate it on February 14th,

02/07/2026

SISTER ROSETTA THARPE - THE OG ROCK 'N ROLLER
Before Elvis, before Chuck Berry, Sister Rosetta Tharpe fused gospel with electric guitar and helped create rock & roll — yet her influence was overlooked for decades. Give her the credit she deserves. 🎸🔥

Read more about this legend at her Rock & Roll Hall of Fame page: https://rockhall.com/inductees/sister-rosetta-tharpe/

02/04/2026

Join us for a conversation with Connecticut Secretary of State Stephanie Thomas, where she will discuss what has been done, and can be done, to protect voting rights. A Q&A will follow. The event is part of the MLK Heritage Foundation’s Black History Month program.

When: Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026, 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Where: James Blackstone Memorial Library
758 Main Street, Branford, CT

In office since 2023, Secretary of State Thomas has implemented significant election reforms, including the roll-out of early voting and a new centralized voter registration system. In September 2023, she secured a historic investment of $25 million to replace the state’s aging tabulators, marking Connecticut’s first voting machine upgrade since 2006. During her current term, Secretary Thomas will also institute the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Act of Connecticut, and automatic voter registration at several Connecticut agencies.

Please join us for light refreshments and fascinating conversation. Registration is recommended. You can do that here: https://events.blackstonelibrary.org/event/mlk-foundation-placeholder-27459.

02/01/2026

BLACK HISTORY MONTH - Langston Hughes
“Hold fast to dreams, for if dreams die, life is a broken-winged bird that cannot fly.” — Dreams, by Langston Hughes.
Born Feb. 1, 1901, Hughes was a central voice of the Harlem Renaissance. Today we celebrate his poetry, vision, and lasting impact on American literature. ✍🏾📚

01/29/2026

Thanks again to all who attended last week's incredible MLK Day Breakfast, and to professional photographer Emily McColl (https://emilymccoll.com), who volunteered her time and skills to take these great photos!

More than 300 people bought tickets for this annual community event, and we hope to see you again next year!

Branford Public Schools

01/19/2026

On behalf of the MLK Heritage Foundation and Branford Public Schools, thank you to everyone who attended the 2026 MLK Day Breakfast at Branford High School!

It was a fantastic morning (and early afternoon, thanks to the weather ❄️), with more than 300 friends and neighbors buying tickets to hear keynote speaker Preston Tisdale and the BHS Music Makers, as well as a wonderful breakfast prepared by the BHS Culinary Program and the Branford Rotary Club.

Special thanks to the indefatigable Mindy Baker, moderator Keith Kountz, Branford Poet Laureate Judith Liebmann, Superintendent Chris Tranberg, and everyone at Branford High.