Queen Ann Nzinga Center Planning 16th Annual Constance “Connie” Renee Wilson Collins Exceptional Women Concert

The Queen Ann Nzinga Center is planning its 16th Annual Constance “Connie” Renee Wilson Collins Exceptional Women Concert.

The event is in honor Constance “Connie” Renee Wilson Collins, who was New Britain’s first African-American elected official, having served three terms on the City Council. She was known as a strong and deeply respected political, labor and community leader. She was President of Local 207 of the United Electrical Workers of America, was a founding member of the Anna Warmsley Temple #1073 and co-founded the Opportunities Industrialization Center of New Britain, among her many leadership roles. Holding a Master’s Degree in Education from Harvard University, she advocated tirelessly on behalf of people at the John Driscoll United Labor Agency.

The Queen Ann Nzinga’s Center says that, “The event honors exceptional women in our community! Performances by Nzinga’s Daughters R& B Band, East Culture Arts, Inc, Watoto Youth Program & More!”

The Center has announced its 2025 Honorees:

● Wilma Barbosa (New Britain): A New Britain Native who was a dedicated employee of Otis Elevator for 37 years and went on to become a Justice of the Peace and Alderwoman for the city.
● Taffie A. Bentley (Bristol): An artist with a gift for sharing the world’s beauty, whether through – her macro photography work or as a musician with Nzinga’s Daughters.
● Pansy Kennedy (New Britain): A steadfast presence dedicated to nourishing her community, whether as Supervisor of Food & Nutrition at the Hospital of Central Connecticut or as a co-founder of the “Out of the Cold Soup Kitchen”.
● Michele Stewart-Copes (New Britain): A thought-leader championing culturally responsive systems of care, providing wraparound training through her company SEET Consulting.
● Lena Tan (West Hartford): A renaissance woman who shines as a chemical engineer, environmental analyst, founder of East Culture Arts, Inc, and celebrated dance choreographer.
● Becky Tyrrell (Plainville): An education advocate who has lobbied for better Public Education opportunities and improved school nutrition programs since 2009.

The event is on Sunday, April 6, 2025, at 4:00pm at the Gloria Dei Lutheran Church at 355 Camp Street in Bristol.

The Center says,

Entry to the event is free, with a suggested donation of $20 for adults and $15 for seniors and students. All proceeds from the event support Queen Ann Nzinga Center, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering youth through the arts. The center focuses on promoting unity, confidence, and personal accountability while emphasizing artistic expression and teamwork to build participants’ leadership skills. For further information, please contact the QANC at [email protected].

The Center also says, “Attendees are invited to join us from 3:30 to shop with local vendors before the show starts. Vendors will include: That’s My Handbag, Designs By Jackii, Launch Clothing, Tafika Arts.”

More information is available on the Center’s website.