The Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the Mystic & Noank Library,
and Kevin Booker Jr. are presenting our fourth annual Celebration of Black History Month Program.
February 8, 2025 at 9 a.m.
Our first celebration in 2022 took place outside in Mystic River Park and we encouraged students and the community to read from their own writings or from works by black authors that have moved them. The program was hosted by Kevin Booker, Jr., a Mitchell College and Connecticut College professor who also offers training in leadership and diversity, equity and inclusion though his company, Booker Empowerment, LLC. The second celebration in February 2023 started at the anchor on the Stonington side of the bridge and the group marched up to Union Baptist Church for a program and lunch.
In our fourth year, we continue to grow the program. Please Join Us
Saturday, February 8, 2025 at 9 am at the Anchor (Corner of Route 1 and Holmes Street)
where the celebration kicks off with Connecticut’s 17th State Troubadour, Nekita Waller performing the Black National Anthem (Lift Every Voice and Song). That will be followed by a march up to Union Baptist Church for a morning program that includes speakers and a student panel discussion. Following the panel, we invite everyone to have lunch with us at the Church. The program at Union Baptist Church will be hosted by Kevin Booker, Jr.
Speakers and Event Performers
Nekita Waller
Nekita’s diverse musical journey has taken her through chorus groups, musical theater, Hartt School of Music, Gospel in church, and mentoring and performing with many independent artists. Nekita has shared the stage with artists, B.B. King, Ruben Studdard and Dianne Reeves. She has performed on the Steve Harvey Radio Show and has been heard on more than 60 radio stations and by approximately six million weekly listeners. Nekita is an experienced studio session artist as a recording artist, lending her vocal talent on projects with Grammy and Emmy award-winning producers.
Nekita performs with her band of accomplished musicians throughout the region, bringing a mix of pop, Motown, soul, Jazz and classic rock favorites with original music. As a soloist, she sings the National Anthem for the NBA, WNBA and DIV I College sports teams.
Leonard Epps
Leonard is a life-time member of the Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Incorporated; is the founder of Young Men's Leadership Programs; and has participated in Harvard University's National Institute for Urban School Leaders and in the Education Policy Fellowship Program. He was also a Fulbright-Hays Scholar in Ghana in West Africa. Leonard has been recognized for his many contributions to the community and was named an outstanding role model and leader by local groups such as the Artist Collective and Committed Adult to Children in Hartford. In 2016, the University of Hartford's Alumni Association honored him with the Distinguished Alumni Award for his exceptional impact on his profession and the community.
Marvin Espy
Marvin Espy, a prominent figure in the art world from Cincinnati OH, has achieved significant recognition throughout his career.
In 2024, Espy was inducted into the Princeton High School Hall of Fame, recognizing his significant contributions to the art world and his legacy as a visionary artist. His sophisticated cityscapes and vibrant abstracts have garnered attention in esteemed venues across Charlotte, North Carolina, and have been featured in prominent publications throughout Connecticut and as far as San Antonio, Texas. This national reach highlights the widespread appreciation for Espy’s work and its impact beyond regional boundaries.
Rehoboth Gospel Choir
Rehoboth Church Choir
The Rehoboth Church Choir is a community of singers who love God and love gospel music. After the
pandemic, members were apprehensive about returning. During the pandemic the church grew, taking in new members. Many
of those new members have helped to shape what they have now as a choir. This choir sings different genres of Gospel Music from traditional to contemporary. Their number one mission is to give glory to God through song and to spread the good news of Jesus Christ. Under the direction of Stephen Wilson, who serves as the Music & Arts Director, the choir also aspires to bring hope and healing to others. This choir serves under the leadership of the Senior Pastor of Rehoboth Church of God, Bishop Jonathan Ramsey Jr.
J. Levi "MusiDon" Nichelson
J. Levi “MusiDon” Nichelson is an accomplished music and arts educator and director at the CREC Ana Grace Academy of the Arts Elementary School in Bloomfield, CT. Serving in leadership, his mission is to impact and empower those in his reach of influence to maximize their potential and add value to the world. J. Levi is a revolutionary change advocate committed to positively impacting his community by uplifting others’ faith, educating with purpose, advancing critical hope, and leading through service with a commitment to arts development. He is motivated by his faith in the Most High, his amazing and loving wife (Candie), supportive family, loyal friends, and impactful fraternity. He believes, “There is no greater purpose than to serve mankind, to empower souls to live authentically.”
Rod Coleman
Rod Coleman, born in Philadelphia, PA, moved frequently, and attended seven different high schools due to his father's military career. He grew up to pursue an education at Thames Valley Tech and Barrington College, taking additional classes at UConn. Throughout his career, Rod held various roles, including part-time postal carrier in Mystic, CT,, a counselor for a boys' home, and work at TVCC before dedicating 33 years to the Connecticut Department of Transportation as a bridge tender at the Mystic Drawbridge. Retired since 2022, he is exploring opportunities in real estate while working on another book.
Also Participating
Shamare Holmes, Manager of Community Relations, Connecticut Sun
Blooming Into Greatness, Children's Dance Group
More Than Words
- Panel Discussion:
- Topic: Celebration of Black History from a youth perspective
- Panelists: Crystal Christie (New London High), Teagan Caviness and Ariana Gutierrez (Ledyard High), Ny’lah Ojeda-Matthews and Ryan Cort (Fitch High)
- Speakers/read poem: Crystal Christie and Astrid Haughton
More Than Words program description:
More Than Words is a group of student leaders from Fitch High School, Ledyard High School, the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation, and the New London High School Multi-Magnet Campus. The mission of More Than Words is to promote respect for diversity, facilitate communication, and build trust among members of our community. Meetings are held throughout the school year with the goal of developing a group able to respond to crises, working proactively to prevent problems, and celebrating diversity. Each year the group presents workshops at local schools to promote justice and respect for others.
Thanks to our Event Sponsors
