Urban League of Greater Hartford to Host February 19 Black History Celebration

On Thursday, February 19th from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., the Urban League of Greater Hartford will host its 2026 Black History Celebration: A Legacy Revealed | United in Strength event at the Mark Twain House & Museum on 351 Farmington Ave. in Hartford, Conn., featuring vendors, food, music, poetry, dance, and the 2026 Legacy Honors Awards.

The annual free event is in its 11th year of showcasing the achievements and contributions of African American, Afro-Caribbean, and Afro-Latino cultures in the Capital Region.

“At a time when efforts to divide or erase our differences are growing louder, this Celebration of cultures, voices, and lived experiences is as important as ever,” says David Hopkins, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Urban League of Greater Hartford. “When we honor diversity, we are affirming truth and dignifying history.” The organization impacts more than 3,000 individuals and their families every year in the areas of youth development, adult education, workforce development, housing, personal financial management, community health, and social justice.

6:00 to 7:00 p.m.: Legacy Interactive Exhibit – resources, services, vendors, and refreshments.

7:00 to 7:45 p.m.: Legacy Honors Program – Music, poetry, and dance

7:45 to 8:30 p.m. Legacy Awards presentations:

• For The Culture Award – Leonard M. Epps, President, Brother Carl Hardrick Institute.
• Community Champion Award – Luis Rodriguez Porter, Director of Volunteer Services, Connecticut Foodshare.
• Entrepreneurial Spirit Award – Melissa Valdez, Owner, Penthouse Pour in Hartford.
• Young Achiever Award – Chloe Myers, Vice President, Urban League Project Ready Scholars.

There are many ways to participate: Exhibitors; Vendors; Sponsors; Program Advertisers; and Volunteer. To get more information about these opportunities, call 860-527-1047 ext. 275, email youth@ulgh.org, or register at https://linktr.ee/ulgh64

For general event information, contact Kyrinda Richardson at kyrinda@ulgh.org or 860-281-1882 or https://ulghlegacyrevealed2026.eventbrite.com

Proceeds from the support of corporations, foundations, and individual donors help fund Urban League of Greater Hartford programs and operations. Donations can be made at www.ulgh.org/donate

The Urban League of Greater Hartford is a community-based, not-for-profit 501(c)(3), established in 1964 as the National Urban League’s 66th affiliate. Its mission is to promote racial equity through economic empowerment programs in the areas of youth development, adult education, workforce development, affordable housing, personal financial management, community health, and social justice, impacting more than 3,000 individuals and their families every year. visit https://linktr.ee/ulgh64 or call 860-527-0147. Follow us on social media @ulgh64.

Financial donations to support the Urban League can be made at: www.ulgh.org/donate.