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STAMFORD, Conn. — UConn Stamford opened its doors to students, community members and government leaders for its annual Black History Month celebration Tuesday afternoon.
Gov. Dannel Malloy told the roughly 100 people in attendance that he was happy to see how little of a factor race has on people. He said younger generations seem to care less about race than older ones. He added that, although race relations are better than in the past, people have to still work to keep improving them.
“We are not a perfect nation, but we strive to be,” Malloy said.
Mayor Michael Pavia explained that throughout his nearly 65 years he has seen quite a turnaround in racial tensions. He reminisced about hearing about events and the treatment of black people when he was a kid, specifically in the south, and now the country is led by a black man in President Barack Obama.
“We have gone the full spectrum,” Pavia said, adding that he hopes people never forget the work and effort of civil rights leaders like Martin Luther King Jr.
Juanita James, president and chief executive officer of the Fairfield County Community Foundation, was the keynote speaker for the event. She focused her comments on the importance of giving back to the community and leading others to do so.
In addition to the speeches, there was a community expo with local organizations and small businesses set up in the lobby of the school.
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