Mitchell College invites the community to attend “Letting OUR Voices Be Heard,” a celebration of Black heritage and culture, Sunday, February 25, 1:00–5:00pm in the Clarke Center at Mitchell College (snow date is Sunday, March 3). Event admission is free, but registration is recommended. REGISTER HERE

The Black History Month event will feature dozens of Black performers and Black-owned businesses, including dancers, vocalists, instrumentalists, influential Black speakers, poets, natural hair specialists, visual artists, and others. DJ Tim Allen will infuse the event with the music of Black culture, and drawings for giveaways will take place throughout the day.

First-year Mitchell College student Inonda Peterson conceived and organized the event as a way to show younger generations in the Black community that they are not defined or limited by their skin color. She is also the owner of InondaWrites, LLC, whose mission is to give a voice to those who have been silenced by pain.

Peterson said, “The sweet sounds of African drummers will welcome everyone to our event, where they can explore, support, and network with Black-owned businesses and artists. In planning this event I wanted to paint a picture of Black success to show younger generations what they can aspire to do and be. Letting OUR Voices Be Heard will showcase Black excellence, Black prosperity, and Black success and is meant to educate all ages and all skin colors about Black heritage and culture. Everyone is welcome. Let’s continue to come together to stand as one and shout from the rooftops to let our voices be heard!”

Dr. Alicia Martinez, dean of student affairs and belonging, said “Mitchell College is excited to open our doors to the community and celebrate Black culture and heritage together at Letting OUR Voices Be Heard. This event is one example of how our students are empowered to be architects of their own Mitchell experience. Inonda had an idea, enlisted support for it, and followed through to make it happen. Knowing that she is part of a community that strongly values respect, trust, and inclusion without judgment enabled her to pursue her vision with confidence.”

In a show of cross-town support, the Connecticut College Black Student Union will also be promoting the event on its campus with plans for its students to attend the event.

Performers include:
Shiloh Choir
Roodley-Interrupted (Spoken Word)
Crystal Christie (Vocalist)
Brother O (Spoken Word)
Shiloh Praise Dancers
Jordan Bostick (Vocalist)
Sheltric Peterson (Speaker)
Krystakia Rose (Vocalist)
Rose City Step Team (Dance)
Maya B (Vocalist)
Oso (Pianist)
Eliiijah (Vocalist)
Charli Lennon (Speaker)
Kela Nore’ (Vocalist)
Ysanne Marshall (Vocalist)
Sian Crespo (Spoken Word)
Gamaya (Spoken Word)
Eddie Resado (Speaker)
Deion Kelly (Vocalist)
James Hodge & Gizelle Tircuit (Dance)
1213 (Singing Group)
Tim Tallent (Gospel Rap)

Businesses & Organizations include:
Sweet Lil Details, LLC
Big Red Book Truck
Haj Wellness, LLC
Andre Rochester (Art)
The Organic Afro Chic
NAACP
Sisters 2 Sisters
Lonnie Braxton
Peterseines Place 19:23 Inc.
InondaWrites, LLC
Hearing Youth Voices
Classic Jackson Arts
Serena Prince (Conn College Artist)
NO_ONE
Exemplify to Edify, LLC
Magnolia Wellness
Goin Places WrldWide/Claws by Maddie
3SistersBBB
The Samaritan House Inc.
National Council of Negro Women
Michael Watts Apparel
Jodicupofhealth
Lauren Simone Publishing House
U.S. Navy