By Michael P. Walsh
Special to the Voice
The city paid tribute to the nation’s Black trailblazers and the pioneering contributions they have made to upholding the traditions and values of African Americans at the 28th annual Black Heritage Celebration on Feb. 29.
During the City Hall cultural event marking the culmination of Black History Month, the West Haven Black Heritage Committee cited former 5th District Councilwoman Robbin Watt Hamilton as its inaugural recipient of the Ernestine Jackson Citizen of Distinction Award, formerly known as the African American Citizen of the Year.
The award honors the life and memory of Jackson, who was a charter member of the Black Heritage Committee in 1996 and served as its president for many years. She died in April 2023 at age 96.
Mayor Dorinda Borer presented Jackson’s son Herbert with an “in memoriam” citation extending her “deepest sympathy” and lauding his mother’s meritorious public service.
“My mother loved this city,” he said. “Thank you.”
The committee also recognized West Haven High School seniors Dana Davis-Anagboso, Alison Frazer and Da’ron Markell Tucker for “leadership and academic success.”
Watt Hamilton, a lifelong Westie who served on the City Council from 2016 to 2023, including a stint as its majority leader, received a mayoral citation from Borer for “your remarkable legacy of public service and faithful service to our city.”
Reading the citation to her friend and supporter, Borer said, “You embody a community that finds unity in its diversity, draws strength from a spirit of common purpose and aspires to build a better tomorrow.”
On July 25, 2016, Watt Hamilton, a Democrat, was unanimously elected by the City Council to fill the seat and carry on the legacy of her late brother, Councilman Brent Watt, a Democrat who represented Allingtown’s 5th District from Dec. 4, 2011, until his death on June 25, 2016, at age 54.
Watt Hamilton is a financial clearance specialist and has worked at Yale New Haven Hospital for 45 years.
She is a communicant of Vertical Church, the Meloy Road-based nondenominational Christian church, and is active in a number of outreach programs, including the church’s Dream Center at 263 Center St.
She is a longtime committee member and serves on the Connecticut Mission of Mercy Free Dental Foundation.
When it was time for her to speak after a spirited introduction by her 5th District successor, Democratic Councilman Mackie McMillian, Watt Hamilton was gracious in thanking those who have had a positive influence on her life.
“Thank you for being such an important part of my story,” said Watt Hamilton, who was accompanied onstage by her husband, Anthony Hamilton, and just offstage by her mother, Eva Watt.
Watt Hamilton continued by urging the all-ages crowd to give back through public service.
“It’s a space where great friendships are born” … and “I made a difference in someone’s life,” she said. “I encourage every able body to serve others.”
Watt Hamilton also received an embroidered “West Haven Black Heritage Ernestine Jackson Citizen of Distinction Award 2024” jacket from last year’s African American Citizen of the Year, Councilwoman Katherine Tucker, D-7, a committee member.
The hourlong program, held in the Harriet C. North Community Room, included an awards presentation by Borer, state Rep. Treneé McGee, D-West Haven, and committee Chairman Steven R. Mullins.
The invocation was given by the Rev. Denya C. McGee, the pastor of Abba’s House International Fellowship in North Branford. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mullins, and a powerful rendition of the Black national anthem, “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” was sung by Stephanie Townsend of Howard K. Hill Funeral Services in New Haven.
The ceremony featured performances by the West Haven High choir, directed by Jason Thomas, including a vibrant rendition of “Bonse Aba,” a traditional Zambian folk song, and a moving rendition of “Nine Hundred Miles,” a traditional American folk song.
The student honorees received a Black Heritage Committee certificate of achievement and a $250 academic scholarship from the committee.
Davis-Anagboso is a peer advocate, the vice president of the West Haven High chapter of the National Honor Society and an executive board member of the Senior Class Council.
Frazer is the president of the school’s National Honor Society chapter and Students Against Violence Everywhere Club and is a member of the debate team and the Senior Class Council. She is the captain of the girls volleyball team and indoor and outdoor track teams.
Markell Tucker is on the school’s high honor roll, competes on the boys indoor and outdoor track teams and is a member of the National Society of High School Scholars.
The ceremony included remarks by Treneé McGee, the keynote speaker and a committee member. It also included words of praise by Borer, Mullins and Board of Education member Jonathan Jones, the master of ceremonies and a committee member.
McGee, who was elected to serve West Haven’s 116th District in 2021, congratulated and thanked Watt Hamilton for her leadership and mentorship.
“Because of women like her, I am here today,” said McGee, before delivering impassioned remarks on social justice and equality, along with words of unity by the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.
“Dr. King said, ‘The time is always right to do what is right.’ What inspires you to do right?” McGee asked the standing room-only assembly of committee members, dignitaries, family, friends and residents.
“It is never too late to become a seed planter in your own fruits in your own garden by doing what’s right,” she said.
In observance of the monthlong Black history celebration, organizers decorated the walls of City Hall with banners and posters depicting important Black leaders and role models worldwide.