Reciprocity: Jeanette White-Blackwell Is a History-Making and Humble Leader
In 2019, as the first Black woman ever elected to the Middletown Common Council, Jeanette White-Blackwell made history. Working as a childcare and social worker since moving to Connecticut after growing up in North Carolina, White-Blackwell has always been an emotionally engaged and caring citizen. … Read More
Antiquing and Leading: How Deborah Norman Follows Her Passions to Contribute to Her Community
Pulling from her lifelong interest in art, history, and politics, this business owner reminds us to stay involved in the political process. Deborah Norman’s passion for history connects two major sides of her. On one hand, Norman is the owner of Stonington small business Grand and Water… Read More
“If you want to win, you can win”: Introducing Emerge Alumna Diana Singer
Diana Singer, an Emerge 2019 Alumna, joined Emerge because of two women: her daughter and Hillary Clinton. After her loss in 2016, Clinton sent out an email to supporters about Emerge, encouraging women to enroll in the program. Singer’s daughter saw the letter,… Read More
Vanita Bhalla
Rising the Tide: How Vanita Bhalla Strives Both Professionally and Politically To Help Others Use Their Voice A lifelong commitment to bringing out the best in others, Bhalla always brings her best self to her job and to local politics. This week,… Read More
Stamford orders protesters occupying Latham Park to depart, but group vows to remain until demands for police reform are met
Protesters occupying Latham Park in Stamford want to cut funds for the Stamford Police Department and reform of local mental health care, among other demands. (Kassi Jackson/The Hartford Courant) A group of protesters who… Read More
Lisa Tepper Bates
Say What You Need To Say: How Lisa Tepper Bates’ fearless leadership, coalition building and question asking set a local and national model for addressing homelessness Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, this Emerge alumna is working to keep Connecticut safe, housed, and healthy. This… Read More
Conn. Cities and Town Declare Racism A Public Health Crisis: Now What?
Young people in New Haven protest police violence and systemic racism at an event in June. RYAN CARON KING / CONNECTICUT PUBLIC The killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis six weeks ago became a catalyst for the current, massive nationwide movement calling for an end to… Read More
NAACP, League of Women Voters file lawsuit to expand absentee voting
The League of Women Voters of Connecticut and the Connecticut State Conference of the NAACP have filed a lawsuit calling on Secretary of the State Denise Merrill to expand absentee voting for the November election, a move Merrill has made clear she cannot do without the extension of emergency powers… Read More
Officials condemn racist acts
MANCHESTER — At a news conference held just down the street from where a racist incident took place two weeks ago — during which police say that three Black teens on bikes were chased by two white men in a vehicle — Gov. Ned Lamont and local politicians Wednesday condemned… Read More
Letter: Portland DTC pledges to pursue equity, inclusion
To the Editor: The Portland Democratic Town Committee stands with all those in Connecticut, across the United States, and around the world who are raising their voices in protest against systemic racism and police brutality. We are appalled by the murder of George Floyd. We mourn his death and others who… Read More