DeLandro and Sanchez Named Among 100 Most Influential Blacks in Connecticut

Two important leaders in New Britain, former Democratic Mayoral candidate Veronica T. DeLandro and Rep. Manny Sanchez (D-24) have been named among the state’s 100 Most Influential Blacks.

The Connecticut Conference of NAACP Branches will recognize DeLandro, Sanchez and ninety-eight other honorees at its upcoming State Convention.

“The 100 Most Influential Blacks in Connecticut Award Ceremony celebrates the influencers, community leaders, and industry trailblazers who often go unrecognized for their exceptional work in the community,” said Scot X. Esdaile, President of the CT Conference of Branches.

Esdaile added, “Leading as a Black person in Connecticut is always challenging, but our current climate highlights the need for them to be recognized, affirmed, and honored.”

Veronica T. DeLandro

Veronica T. DeLandro was a 2021 Democratic candidate for Mayor of New Britain. She launched a strong campaign in January, raising tens of thousands of dollars early in the campaign. Ahead of other Democratic candidates in early fundraising, she appeared to some observers as the front runner for the Democratic Mayoral nomination.

“Since the launch of my Mayoral Exploratory committee in January, I have worked diligently to connect with residents throughout our city to amplify their concerns and reform our community,” DeLandro said when thanking her supporters. “Through our virtual listening tour I was able to speak directly with key stakeholders and our most valuable assets – our residents, to learn how we can move our city forward, for all.”

In September, DeLandro announced a new role as Senior Advisor with Grossman Solutions for the #GetVaccinatedCT campaign.

That work continues DeLandro’s efforts in her campaign for Mayor to address vaccine hesitancy, encouraging people to get vaccinated against COVID-19. She had said that she made it an important part of her campaign after seeing that leadership was needed in the city to work for the health of New Britain’s people.

DeLandro gained great stature in Democratic politics and many supporters from Democratic activists when Republican Mayor Erin Stewart and City Council Republicans passed over her after Rep. Manny Sanchez and city Democrats chose DeLandro to succeed Sanchez on the Council after he was elected to the State House of Representatives. Republicans, instead, used the vacant seat in 2020 as an opportunity to expand the Republican City Council caucus.

DeLandro has served as District Director for Congresswoman Jahana Hayes (D-5), who is also being honored as one of the 100 Most Influential Blacks in Connecticut by the NAACP, and then provided consulting, training and coaching to nonprofit organizations at VTD Consulting Group, which she founded. She previously had a career at ESPN before she began working with organizations with a focus on philanthropy, college access and mentoring.

DeLandro ran for City Council in 2017, very nearly winning an upset victory in an uphill race in the City’s First Ward, where Republicans have historically had the advantage in city level elections, and then was selected as the City Council’s first woman and first African American Clerk of Committees. She has also previously served on the city’s Youth & Family Services Commission and the school system’s Graduation Odyssey Task Force.

A longtime community leader, DeLandro is Connecticut State Coordinator of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., is on the Executive Board of the NAACP New Britain Branch and has served on the Board of the YWCA New Britain, co-chairing the YWCA’s Policy Committee. She is a founding member of the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving’s Black Giving Circle, and her biography has noted her roles as, “Recording Secretary for the North Atlantic Region of the National Hampton Alumni Association, Inc. and Technology Chair for the Greater Hartford Chapter of The Links, Incorporated.”

DeLandro was one of Connecticut Magazine‘s “40 under 40” of rising leaders, recognized for her leadership at the Inaugural MIP (Minority Inclusion Project) Honors Gala and was named one of the Top 25 Most Influential Blacks by the New Britain NAACP.

Rep. Manny Sanchez

Rep. Manny Sanchez was elected to represent the Twenty-Fourth Assembly District in 2020. In that role, he represents neighborhoods in New Britain and Newington in the Connecticut House of Representatives.

Prior to his election to the state House of Representatives, Sanchez was the City Council Democrats’ caucus leader. He served during five terms on the Council. He had been one of the two Council members representing the city’s Third Ward, but, in 2017, he sought and won one of the five At-Large (citywide) Council seats.

“I am beyond humbled, and grateful to be honored as one of the 100 Most Influential Blacks by the Connecticut NAACP,” Rep. Sanchez said.

“I come from a long line of public servants in many forms, including my cousin Pat who is honored with me,” said Rep. Sanchez. State Sen. Patricia Billie Miller (D-27), who represents Stamford and Darien, is also being honored as one of the 100 Most Influential Blacks of Connecticut.

Rep. Sanchez said,

While being the first Black person elected into state office from New Britain is truly incredible, I live by my mother’s words, “you better make sure you’re not the last.” That is the true blessing to be in this moment in history where I can ensure the trail is blazed for those like me who want to serve community in elected office and beyond.

Sanchez was a candidate for the Democratic nomination for the Fifth Congressional District in 2018. He received enough votes at the Democrats’ nominating convention to qualify to run in the primary for the Democratic Party nomination.

But, in a move that won him wide praise, Sanchez decided not to wage a primary campaign. Current United States Representative Jahana Hayes went on to win that primary, after overwhelmingly winning New Britain, and then made history when she was elected to Congress.

A lifelong New Britain resident, Sanchez is a Senior Development Officer for Major Gifts at the University of Hartford. He is a graduate of the University of Connecticut, holding a degree in Urban and Community Studies.

Editor’s note (10/13/2021): The article was updated to clarify Veronica DeLandro’s title in Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.