West Hartford African American Social & Cultural Organization - Whaasco

04/16/2026

Dr. DeVaughn recently joined the West Hartford History Podcast Trout Brook Tales to share the remarkable life and legacy of Bristow, a man born in Africa in 1731, enslaved by the Ho**er family, who purchased his own freedom in 1775 and went on to become a respected agricultural expert and beloved community member. Dr. DeVaughn's lifelong dedication to preserving this story helped lead to the naming of Bristow Middle School in 2005. https://www.troutbrooktales.org/ep12-the-life-and-legacy-of-bristow?fbclid=IwY2xjawROUApleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFZdldXbFMxR1dLTGVHMVJpc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQPNTE0NzcxNTY5MjI4MDYxAAEeRI1CkHfhwTI74PqcIv8JKMYsHwT2S6avubKfCfFTx5ZzG5RAlnxUostunpw_aem_AdnJZY0rKJ8PQPexr21b1g

The Life & Legacy of Bristow With Booker DeVaughn In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Booker DeVaughn for a powerful conversation about Bristow, a remarkable figure in West Hartford's history. Born in Africa in 1731, Bristow was enslaved by the Ho**er family before purchasing his freedom in 1775 a...

04/16/2026

Join Iya Anyangō and the FLYY Crew as we launch our FLYY Community Wellness Wednesday Workshop series! On April 8, 15, 22, 29, 2026, from 6:30-8:00 PM, we will move, reflect, connect, and reset, with Zumba® on the FLYY, and our circle-up reflection time. And the fee is $Free99! Don't miss the opportunity to give back to yourself!

03/30/2026

A big thank you to WHAASCO members and friends who showed up for "The Mountaintop" at Playhouse on Park.

03/06/2026

Now in its third year, the West Hartford Black Business Expo was held on Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026.By Liv VarellasDozens of families and vendors gathered for the 3rd annual West Hartford Black Business Expo, hosted at Town Hall on Saturday, Feb. 28. The event focused on celebrating local

03/01/2026

✨ WOW. Just WOW. ✨

From the very first guest walking through the doors to the final conversations at closing time — the energy at the 2026 West Hartford Black Business Expo was electric, intentional, and PURPOSE-DRIVEN.

To our incredible community — thank you for showing up, shopping Black, networking, learning, and pouring love into every corner of the room. Your presence is what makes this movement powerful.

To our phenomenal business participants — you brought innovation, excellence, creativity, and ownership. You didn’t just set up tables… you showcased legacy, vision, and resilience.

To our generous sponsors — your investment made this experience possible. Because of you, we continue building sustainable pathways for Black entrepreneurship right here in our community.

The vibe? Authentic.
The connections? Real.
The impact? Lasting.

This wasn’t just an expo.
It was collaboration.
It was economic empowerment.
It was community in motion.

From start to finish — the room was filled with joy, pride, and purpose. And we are just getting started.

02/28/2026

It’s going to be 50° today and the vibe will be even hotter! 🔥☀️

Join us TODAY at the
West Hartford Black Business Expo
1PM – 4PM | Town Hall

Support 20+ Black-owned businesses
Meet entrepreneurs
Make connections
Spend intentionally

Let’s pack the building!

bit.ly/whbbe26

02/11/2026

🎥✨ Take us back to the energy of last year’s West Hartford Black Business Expo!

One of the standout businesses in the building? Budr — and we are excited to share that they’re not only returning as a vendor for 2026… they’re also joining us as a new sponsor this year! 🙌🏾🔥

Supporting Black-owned businesses is what this Expo is all about, and Budr is showing up in a BIG way — investing in community while continuing to grow their brand right here in Connecticut.

📍 2026 West Hartford Black Business Expo
🗓 Saturday, February 28, 2026
⏰ 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
📍 West Hartford Town Hall
🎟 Free & open to the public

Come out to:
✨ Shop Black-owned businesses
✨ Network with entrepreneurs
✨ Support local brands
✨ Experience the culture & community

Be sure to stop by Budr’s table and show them some love — and while you’re there, explore all of the incredible Black-owned businesses that will be present!

Let’s make 2026 even bigger and better. Tag a friend and plan to join us! 🖤✊🏾See link in our profile for more info.

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01/26/2026

📣 Calling Black-Owned Businesses! 🖤✨

The West Hartford Black Business Expo may have a limited number of spots available for Black-owned businesses from the Greater Hartford area to participate alongside West Hartford–based businesses that have already committed.

If you’re interested, please complete our Participation Interest Form so our planning committee can review submissions and determine the best fit for this year’s Expo.
✔️ Must be Black-owned
✔️ Must be registered with the State of Connecticut
✔️ Business offerings will be reviewed to avoid direct competition with participating West Hartford businesses
✔️ If invited, participation fee is $50

🔗 Interest Form: https://forms.gle/wpMsbXzBvdodKmos5

Completing the form does not guarantee participation, but it ensures your business is considered. We look forward to highlighting a strong, diverse group of Black-owned businesses from across our region!

BlackBusinessExpo

01/23/2026

WHAASCO congratulates Dr. Sherry L. Turner, President, Hartford International University for Religion and Peace. Dr. Turner is the first African American female president of the 191 year old institution. Her formal installation will be held in April. We wish her success in her new role and welcome her with a succulent for her new office, presented by Portia Wise Bachman, VP.

01/22/2026

WHAASCO's (West Hartford African American Social & Cultural Organization) first community gathering of 2026 — a joyful evening rooted in connection, culture, and celebration.

We uplifted the Kwanzaa principle of UJIMA — Collective Work & Responsibility, honoring the power of community and shared purpose.

01/19/2026

The 30th annual celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was held today in West Hartford's Town Hall. The second Earl Exum Servant Leader Award was presented to WHAASCO'S very own, Drs. Elena and Booker DeVaughn. Congratulations!

01/14/2026

🎉 SAVE THE DATE: West Hartford Black Business Expo 2026 🎉

We’re excited to share a first look at what’s coming! ▶️
Join us for an afternoon dedicated to celebrating Black-owned businesses, community connection, and economic empowerment right here in West Hartford.

📅 Saturday, February 28, 2026
⏰ 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
📍 West Hartford Conference Center at Town Hall
(50 South Main Street, West Hartford, CT)

The West Hartford Black Business Expo brings together entrepreneurs, community partners, and residents to shop Black, network intentionally, and build collective impact.

🛍️ Vendors
🤝 Community resources
📈 Inspiration & connection

🔗 Learn more: bit.ly/whbbe26

Thank you to our sponsors and partners for continuing to invest in Black excellence and community growth.

Please like, share, and tag someone who should be there!