March 22, 2023 @ 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm EDT
Do you remember the Windsor Afro American Civic Association? Were you involved with this organization (known as WAACA), or do you know people who were? Join us on Wednesday, March 22 from 12 noon to 2 PM at Windsor Historical Society for our next lunchtime program, Exploring Windsor’s Black History: Windsor Afro American Civic Association.
Formed in 1982 by members of Windsor’s growing number of community-spirited Black residents, the group set out to “inspire equal participation” in town civic life. WAACA affected the lives of many in Windsor as it became active in town educational issues, offered scholarships for Windsor’s Black students, sponsored Black Shad Derby Queen contestants, and encouraged Black participation on the Board of Education, Town Council, and other civic roles.
Join Community History Specialist Sulema DePeyster and former WAACA President Florence Barlow over lunch for a lively, in-person discussion of the WAACA experience and legacy. After lunch, Sulema and Florence will lead you on a tour of the society’s newest exhibition, Inspiring Equal Participation: Windsor Afro American Civic Association. This special exhibit is the result of over two years of research and oral history collecting in collaboration with present and former Windsor residents, Professor Fiona Vernal of UCONN Department of History, and many others. This exhibit features stories of WAACA members and family as they share their firsthand experiences in helping make Windsor a more inclusive community. You won’t want to miss this important story!
Bring your own lunch. Drinks and snacks provided. Free admission. Advanced registration required. For more information: info@windsorhistoricalsociety.org or 860-688-3813.