In a vibrant tribute to the growing influence of the Caribbean diaspora in American public life, three Caribbean-American mayors will take center stage this weekend at the West Indies Social Club of Hartford’s (WISCOH) 75th anniversary gala.
The diamond jubilee celebration, taking place Saturday, May 3, at the People’s Ballroom in Hartford, marks a monumental milestone for one of the oldest and most influential Caribbean-American institutions in New England. From its modest beginnings in 1950, when West Indian laborers gathered for fellowship and support, WISCOH has grown into a pillar of cultural preservation and civic leadership in Connecticut.
Jamaican-born mayors Danielle Wong of Bloomfield and Nuchette Black-Burke of Windsor will be honored alongside Hartford Mayor Arunan Arulampalam, as they each receive Community Service Awards. Their recognition underscores a historic moment for Caribbean-American leadership, which is now more visible than ever in the region’s political landscape.
“This isn’t just another awards dinner,” said former Hartford Councilwoman Veronica Airey-Wilson, chair of the gala planning committee. “We’re reflecting on three-quarters of a century of Caribbean resilience while celebrating leaders who are writing the next chapter of our story.”
The gala’s honorees represent excellence across a range of fields. Business leader Antoinette Lazarus will receive the Economic Development Award, while St. Lucia’s Consul General Jeremiah Hyacinth will be recognized for Outstanding Leadership. Also being honored are Dr. Troy Monroe for his contributions to education, Hartford Council President Shirley Surgeon for her service to the community, and healthcare advocate James Michel.
A special moment of the evening will honor 102-year-old Kenneth Bennett Sr., a Jamaican-born trailblazer and the sole surviving founding member of the club. His presence will offer a poignant bridge between WISCOH’s grassroots origins and its current stature as a powerhouse of Caribbean-American advocacy.
The evening promises a lively mix of tradition and celebration. Musical performances by Trinidad and Tobago’s Donald Thompson, Barbados’ Archibald Miller, and Jamaica’s Glenroy Samuels will highlight the region’s rich cultural legacy, with DJ Carlton keeping the energy high throughout the night.
Youth honorees Kiymani Hamilton and Cwen Williams will receive scholarships, reflecting WISCOH’s continued investment in future generations. Gracelyn Stewart of Maryland and Marcia Essons, recipient of the prestigious Century Award, round out a diverse and inspiring list of honorees.
At 75, the West Indies Social Club of Hartford stands as both a monument to immigrant perseverance and a beacon for Caribbean-American excellence. As the gala unfolds, it will celebrate not only a storied past, but a vibrant future for Caribbean voices in America’s evolving cultural and civic landscape.
