Hope and possibility, along with frustration were expressed by people at the recent “New Britain Community Conversation” event hosted by the New Britain Federation of Teachers and New Britain Federation of Paraprofessionals.
About fifty people attended the event, held on October 5, 2021 in the New Britain Public Library’s Community Room.
Parents, community activists and other residents were joined by teachers, schools Superintendent Nancy Sarra and other school administrators. Rev. Gervais Barger, Pastor of Peace Missionary Ministries and President of the Black Ministerial Alliance of New Britain was present, as were a number of members of the New Britain Racial Justice Coalition.
Former Democratic Mayoral candidate Veronica DeLandro was in attendance, as was former Democratic Mayoral candidate Alicia Hernandez Strong and Richard Lacourciere and Nate Simpson, who ran for City Council with Strong in the recent Democratic primary.
Frustration was expressed by people in attendance about a lack of school funding by the city, and large class sizes and violence in the schools.
When asked what people like about New Britain, the overwhelming first choice was diversity, which those in attendance discussed as one of the city’s great strengths.
Asked what they wished for New Britain to have in five years, people said there should be more jobs, more equity, safety, unions and a thriving future for children.
Issues facing New Britain, people said included, poverty, racism, the need for jobs and nepotism.
There was enthusiasm for action to address the issues facing the city. People in attendance at the event discussed organizing, community involvement, voting and other actions, such as strikes and petitions.
Organizers said that the meeting was just the start of a larger effort.
