A Night of the Arts: A Black History Month Event
Alvin & Beatrice Wood Human Services Center
Bloomfield
Feb. 28, 2024
Although I’ve lived the majority of my life in Hartford, I grew up in Bloomfield. It’s always nice to return to my old stomping grounds, and an evening celebrating one of Bloomfield’s most accomplished native sons is as good a reason as any.
The event I visited was billed “A Night of the Arts.” The evening was really about celebrating Joe Young, Jr. Young is an internationally known cartoonist, animator and author who also grew up in Bloomfield. He has used his gifts to create several comic strips and cartoons that are designed to inspire young people and focus on positivity, including Scruples. Young received one of the greatest honors a person can receive from their hometown: Feb. 28th is now known as Joe Young Day.
We were introduced to Young’s newest character, a young man named Kemet, who is a time traveler. Kemet moves from era to era, teaching kids about the history of people of color in the United States. It was great to see both the animated preview of the cartoon, and for the character to be brought to life.
Going to the event was a blast from the past for me in many ways, and a glimpse into the future of my childhood home. The celebration was held in the Alvin & Beatrice Wood Human Services Center, which is a beautiful building full of art, performance spaces and rooms for activities. It’s a far cry from the dilapidated junior high which used to stand in the same spot when I was a kid.
The celebration brought out many of Bloomfield’s luminaries, including an old friend of mine. Mayor Danielle Wong gave a brief speech in honor of Joe Young’s accomplishments. I remember cracking jokes with her during English class back in high school, and now she’s the mayor and I’m a reporter. It’s crazy to think about the path that life leads us down.
Mayor Wong wasn’t the only person from the past I ran into. I saw my old kindergarten teacher Mrs. Frazier there as well. (Even after all these years, I don’t know her first name.) She retired last year, receiving a well-earned rest after decades of teaching children. It always amazes me when teachers recognize me after so long.
It wouldn’t really be a celebration without food, and the catering was outstanding. I don’t usually enjoy roast beef, but it was the highlight of the meal last night. It was tender and flavorful, and not almost raw like so many places prepare their roast beef. The chicken was crispy and the green beans were seasoned to perfection. I was in line for seconds before many people had gotten their first plate.
I’m proud that I grew up in Bloomfield. Our little town has always punched above its weight, producing such wonderfully talented people as Dwight Freeney, Nykesha Sales and Anika Noni Rose. Joe Young Jr. deserves to have his name counted among the greats from Bloomfield, and there’s no better time than Black History Month to add him to the pantheon.
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Kemet the Time Traveler is available for purchase now.
Jamil goes to check out some music in Hartford.
