Several hundred attendees converged on the Mitchell College campus on Feb. 25 during Black History Month for a community celebration of Black heritage and culture called “Letting OUR Voices Be Heard.” Conceived and organized by first-year student-athlete Inonda Christine Peterson, the event featured dozens of Black performers, artists, businesses,, and organizations. Plans are already underway for next year’s event.
“Mitchell College was honored to host this phenomenal event for the community and couldn’t be more proud of the amazing leadership of Inonda Peterson,” said Dr. Tracy Y. Espy, president of Mitchell College. “Within just a few months of arriving in New London, she shared her vision throughout the campus and greater New London communities and harnessed the good in everyone. She has made meaningful connections for possible future collaboration, especially with the other institutions of higher education that call the city home.”
Peterson enlisted help within and outside of the Mitchell College community to facilitate the event, including State Rep. Anthony Nolan, New London Police Chief Brian Wright, community partner Lisa Ann Curtis, Mitchell College professor Kevin Booker, Mitchell College staff and faculty, and groups such as Connecticut Sun WNBA, Hearing Youth Voices, and Waterford Rise.
The Connecticut College Black Student Union was an event sponsor, and members of the U.S. Coast Guard Academy Genesis Council also attended and performed at the event.
Vocal performers included Shiloh Baptist Church Choir, Crystal Christie, Jordan Bostick, Krystakia Rose, Maya Sheppard, Elijah James, Johnny Sensei, Ysanne Marshall, Deion Kelly, 1213, and Tim Allen. Spoken word performers included Roodley Merilo, Otis Burton, Mikayla Kennedy, Sian Crespo, Yvie Germain, and Bishme Sheppard. Dance performers included Shiloh Youth Praise Dancers, Rose City Step team, James Hodge and Dr. Gizelle Tircuit, Mitchell College’s director of Health and Wellness. Other music included a piano performance by Osaretin Erhunmwunse.
The event also included motivational speakers Sheltric Peterson, Charli Lennon, and Eddie Rosado. African drummers Herman Frazier and Ray Stover welcomed the community.
Participating businesses and organizations included 3SistersBBB, Andre Rochester, Big Red Book Truck, Classic Jackson Arts, Exemplify to Edify, LLC, Goin Places WrldWide/Claws by Maddie, Haj Wellness, LLC, Hearing Youth Voices, InondaWrites, LLC, Lauren Simone Publishing House, Lonnie Braxton, Magnolia Wellness, Michael Watts Apparel, Mitchell College, New London NAACP, National Council of Negro Women, NO_ONE, Peterseines Place 19:23, Inc., Serena Prince, Sisters 2 Sisters, Sweet Lil Details, LLC, The Organic Afro Chic, The Samaritan House Inc., and the U.S. Navy.
Individuals or organizations wishing to support/sponsor or participate in the event next year should contact advancement@mitchell.edu.
