June 2024 Newsletter

​Juneteenth Scholarship Breakfast

My People’s Executive Director Abdul-Rahmaan I. Muhammad hosted the GHABSW Juneteenth Scholarship Breakfast on the 19 at the Hartford Club. This special ceremony recognized the powerful impact of community support on education. My People was honored to present this year’s Rahmaan Abd-Raheem Muhammad Community Impact Award to Andre Rochester and Alonzo Beckett! Congratulations!

Community Impact 2024 Award Recipients

Andre Rochester is a fine artist, curator, and arts advocate based in Greater Hartford. With a background in illustration and studio art, he uses his artwork to explore emotions and promote healing. Andre manages exhibitions at 224 EcoSpace, oversees a large art collection at UConn Health Center, and coaches emerging artists, emphasizing professionalism and business skills in their craft development. Alonzo Beckett, a Hartford native and graduate of FHS and ECSU, used sports and education from "Project Concern" to build leadership skills. After successful careers at ESPN, Channel 30, and VH1, he founded NE Video Entertainment in 2003, known for producing thousands of videos. Alonzo's commitment to the community includes free workshops and event filming, showcasing his belief in education and hard work as pillars of success and inspiration for future generations in Hartford

Men's Wellness Retreat

​To commemorate Men’s Health Month, My People and The Manhood Tree hosted a Men’s Wellness retreat the weekend of the 22nd through the 24th at Jay Peak Resort in Vermont. The retreat was transformational and a great success! The group, comprising 25 men of color, took time to rest, build, encourage, and inspire each other as they embraced self-care and relaxation. We wish them continued growth, connection, and renewed vitality.

My People Community Lunch

​My People hosted the first 2024 summer lunch of the series June 27. The Community Lunch welcomed Friends of My People—community, collaborators, and staff. Everyone enjoyed delicious options from the Burger Way food truck!

Black Boys and Men Mental Health Panel Discussion

​​On June 25 the Pathways to Wellness: Mental Health for Black Boys and Men panel discussion was held, hosted by the Hartford Foundation of Public Giving. My People's Executive Director Abdul-Rahmaan I. Muhammad was one of four panelists in this engaging discussion where he offered invaluable perspectives on racism as a public health crisis, the evolution and progress of our fatherhood services, and the impact of The Manhood Tree program on men's mental health. To catch the full recording to explore these critical topics and gain inspiration for fostering wellness in our black communities click here. 

National Chocolate Ice Cream Day

​My People indulged in National Chocolate Ice Cream Day on June 7, hosting a supportive housing and staff event. Everyone enjoyed the Ben and Jerry’s ice cream truck with choices of chocolate, vanilla, strawberry cheesecake, and milk and cookies ice cream—helping boost mental wellness one scoop at a time!

​Fatherhood Manologues Workshop

​On June 8th, My People and the Manhood Tree hosted the Fatherhood Manolouges at Asylum Hill Congregational Church. The men in attendance shared heartfelt stories and experiences about being a father or being fathered. This event allowed the group to recognize and embrace the impact of fathers on our lives.

Let's Get Real Conference 

Abdul-Rahmaan I. Muhammad conducted his “Going from Fatherhood Engagement to Fatherhood Equality, Inclusion, and Equity” training at the Berkshire County Let’s Get Real Conference in Pittsfield, Massachusetts on the 14th. The LGR conference is a diversity conference aimed to provide support, tools, and knowledge needed to commit best DEIB workplace practices.

My People Attends Rock Your Future

My People attended the RYF Youth Employment and Empowerment event on the 29th at the Artist’s Collective as a DFCYR partner. This event was presented by the city of Hartford and was free to youth ages 14-19. Marquia Davis facilitated a Mental Wellness Workshop while the marketing team, Kededria and Samantha, hosted a resource table. 

Smoothie Takeover: Men's Health Event

​On Saturday, June 29 the Manhood Tree hosting a smoothie takeover in collaboration with the BSL Foundation and Head Over Berries. Men in attendance received a free smoothie and crucial men’s health information. Happy Men’s Health Month!