THE SMART LAW FIRM

Dr. King’s Dream: A Requiem for Reparations

Explore Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s evolving ideas on economic reparations and economic justice. Through guided discussion and real-world examples, participants will examine how Dr. King’s early thinking expanded to include economic fairness for all Americans—and what those ideas mean today.

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.

OBODO SERENDIPITY BOOKS

Empathy Path: Walk in My Shoes

Take part in an interactive kindness walk, following a path of footprints featuring real-life scenarios. At each stop, participants will discuss ways to respond with empathy, inclusion, and kindness. The program concludes with creating a personal kindness challenge and decorating MLK-inspired sugar cookies, reinforcing the values of service, compassion, and community.

About the Presenter:

Nikkya Hargrove is the owner of Obodo Serendipity Books, an independent bookshop in Paradise Green - where strangers and neighbors come together around diverse books.

HISTORIAN, EDUCATOR

The King and I: Applying MLK's Life and Legacy Today

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.

DIRECTOR OF YOUTH DEVELOPMENT

Everyday Inventions & the Mini-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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ART EDUCATOR

Visual Arts: Community in Action: Fulfilling the Dream

Through the life and legacy of Dr. King, this interactive workshop will reflect how we as a community can fulfill our dream(s) in the form of a visual arts project.

About the Presenter:

A proud graduate of Stratford Public Schools, Marc 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.

MASTER STORYTELLER

Storytelling Workshop

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.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, THE RUBY & CALVIN FLETCHER AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY MUSEUM

The Building of an African American History Museum

A powerful firsthand perspective on dedication, determination, and the pursuit of social justice from the Executive Director of Connecticut’s first African American history museum.

About the Presenter:

The Ruby & Calvin Fletcher African American History Museum is an institution which is dedicated in facilitating honest discussions pertaining to diversity, equity and inclusion. The Ruby & Calvin Fletcher African American History Museum believe, "The key to the future is to understand the past."

MADAME CHAIR, GREATER BRIDGEPORT NAACP

Dr. Kings Work

Our presentation will focus on Dr. Kings connection to the oldest civil rights organization, the NAACP.

Stratford Voices

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.