WORKSHOP TYPE:Sermon & Interactive Discussion

This workshop will examine Dr. King's original thinking on the matter of economic reparations for Black People and how his definition of economic justice subsequently evolved to embrace all Americans.

About the Presenter:

Donald E. Smart, Esq. is a constitutional law scholar and graduate of Harvard College, Harvard Law School, and Harvard Business School. He has lectured widely on U.S. Supreme Court jurisprudence, critical race theory, and the history of voting rights. This marks his fifth year championing our MLK Day event.

WORKSHOP TYPE: Empathy Path: Walk in My Shoes

In this 45 minute activity, participants follow the path of footprints with pre-determined scenarios, and discuss each with the group (i.e. We have a new kid in our class from Mexico, but he doesn't know English, and he doesn't speak to anyone, how can we help him?). The participants then create their own footprint with a kindness challenge to take with them and talk about with others.

In addition, we will paint sugar cookies with MLK themes on them for participants to take with them.

About the Presenter:

Obodo Serendipity Books is an independent bookstore located in Paradise Green in Stratford, Connecticut. Owned by local community member, and author, Nikkya Hargrove, Obodo Serendipity Books provides an opportunity for neighbors and strangers to come together around diverse books. It is in community where we can embrace genuine storytelling, reflection, and conversation which enables both communal and individual growth.

WORKSHOP TYPE: Interactive Discussion

This workshop explores the life and accomplishments of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., featuring his speeches, writings, and video footage from the Civil Rights Movement. Participants will also discuss meaningful ways to honor and carry forward Dr. King’s legacy in their own lives. All are welcome. Glory, glory, hallelujah!

About the Presenter:

Matthew Bonito is a historian at heart and an educator at St. Mark School in Stratford. He also teaches chess at Sterling Community Center.

WORKSHOP TYPE: Maker Challenge (Youth Workshop)

Did you know many of the inventions we use every day were created by Black inventors? In this interactive workshop, kids will learn about creative changemakers who used their ideas to make life better. Then it’s time to invent!

Participants will take on a Mini-Maker Challenge and design their own creation to solve a problem or improve their world. Think big, build boldly, and celebrate creativity in action!

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WORKSHOP TYPE: Visual Arts

A proud graduate of Stratford Public Schools. He holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Connecticut and a Master’s in Communication from Sacred Heart University.

Marc is currently in his third year of teaching art at Franklin, and his fifth year of teaching elementary art.

Some of Marc’s accomplishments include being named St. Vincent’s Special Needs Services 2016, Employee of the Year and the 2024 Burke Community Hero Award recipient of Post University. He has also had his notable artwork chosen for exhibition in the 2020 Illustration West 59 competition sponsored by the Society of Illustrators of Los Angeles as well as the 2025 Studio Texas International Competition. In his free time, he likes to draw and work on commissioned art.

WORKSHOP TYPE: Community Connections Media

Take your place in American history! We’ll be on-site to film your personal story of Stratford for the archive.

What did the street you grew up on look like? Where were (or are!) the best hang-out spots? What's a challenge or a triumph you've met in Stratford? What must future generations never forget?

The making and telling of American history is for everyone—don’t miss this moment to be a part of the enduring story of Stratford.

MASTER STORYTELLER

Laconia Therrio loves stories, particular those from around the world. Stories remind the listener of what they have in common with others, especially those different from the listener. The words or phrases create images in the mind and spirit of the listener, so much so that what truly matters is the story. And when the story is over, the person has been transported to another realm.

Stories matter. They touch the heart, mind and spirit of the listener. All the teller does is share the story, but the relationship between the teller and the listener is sacred.

About the Presenter:
A native New Orleanian, Laconia is a professional storyteller and also serves as a hospital chaplain.

GROUP DISCUSSION ON LITERACY: Right to Read

Learn about the Right to Read Initiative supported by the NAACP. Join local students from Bunnell and Stratford High as they share information on the science of e-reading instruction and the role it plays in insuring that all children learn to read. This is an interactive discussion.

MUSEUM SHOWCASE
Ruby & Calvin Fletcher African American History and The African American Collections, Inc.

The Ruby & Calvin Fletcher African American History Museum has been operating for 3 years where schools, universities and the corporate sectors utilize the museum to open dialogues around sensitive subjects as culture, race and stereotypes.

Jeffrey will be displaying and discussing a few of his museum’s pieces at our program.