Hamden Hosts Annual Black History Month Program Friday at Thornton Wilder Hall

Hamden Black History Month Program Set for Friday Evening

The Hamden Black History Committee will host its annual Black History Month program on Friday, February 27, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. at Thornton Wilder Hall. The event, themed "Against All Odds…We Still Rise…," is co-hosted by the Mayor's Office and supported by the town's Cultural Affairs and Human Services Department.

According to an announcement posted by the town on February 24, the program will feature guest speakers, cultural entertainment, and the presentation of book awards to graduating seniors from Hamden High School. Complimentary refreshments will be served on a first-come, first-served basis.

The event is free and open to the public. No tickets or registration are required. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early, as seating at the venue is limited and expected to fill quickly for the popular annual program.

Book Awards and Student Recognition in Hamden

A central piece of the evening will be the committee's annual book awards, which recognize graduating Hamden High School seniors for their academic achievement and community involvement. The Hamden Black History Committee raises funds each year to support the awards through donations collected via PayPal and by mail.

The committee encourages community members who wish to contribute to the book award fund to send checks to the Hamden Black History Committee or donate online. Alexa M. Panayotakis, Deputy Chief of Staff in the Mayor's Office, serves as the point of contact for public and media inquiries about the event.

The book awards have become a signature element of the committee's annual programming, connecting Black History Month celebrations to direct investment in Hamden's graduating class.

Looking Back: Hamden's 2025 Black History Month Event

Last year's program, held on February 28, 2025, at the same venue, carried the theme "Being Resilient on Purpose, Making Black History Everyday." Hamden Assistant Fire Chief Shelly Carter delivered the keynote address, and Mayor Lauren Garrett was among the attendees.

The 2025 event followed the same format of speakers, cultural performances, and student recognition that the committee has maintained over the years. Each year's theme reflects a different dimension of the Black experience, and the committee selects keynote speakers who represent achievement and service within the Hamden community. The programs have drawn attention for highlighting both local and national Black leaders while maintaining a focus on youth achievement in Hamden.

About the Hamden Black History Committee

The Hamden Black History Committee is a community organization dedicated to promoting awareness and appreciation of Black history in the town. The group collaborates with local schools and institutions to develop programs and events that bring Black history to life for residents of all ages.

Beyond its February programming, the committee also organizes annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. commemorations and other cultural events throughout the year. The organization describes itself as a catalyst for positive change in Hamden and works to engage younger generations in understanding and celebrating Black history. The committee maintains an active presence on Facebook and operates a website at hamdenblackhistorycommittee.com.

Residents seeking more information about Friday's event or the committee's work can call (203) 314-9432 or email info@hamdenblackhistorycommittee.com.

How to Attend

The Black History Month program begins at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, February 27, at Thornton Wilder Hall. The event is free, and no registration is required. Refreshments will be available while supplies last.

Those who cannot attend in person but wish to support the committee's student book awards can donate via PayPal or by mailing a check to the Hamden Black History Committee.

The flyer for the event can be found here

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