Queen Ann Nzinga’s Center Planning 15th Annual Constance “Connie” Renee Wilson Collins Exceptional Women Concert

The Queen Ann Nzinga’s Center is planning its 15th 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 annual event, “honors exceptional women in our community and features performances by singer Ronnie Jenkins, Lauren Horn//Subira Vs Movement, Nzinga’s Daughters and the Nzinga’s Daughters R&B Band & more!”

The Center has announced its 2024 Honorees:

● Christine “Chris” Bryant, is a retired factory worker (Emhart later Corbin and Rustin) and currently a crossing guard
● Mallory Deprey, Community Services Program Manager for the City of New Britain
● Jodi Hill-Lilly, current Commissioner Designate of the Connecticut Department of Children and Families, leader and subject matter expert in racial justice and workforce development
● Rebecca Martinez, a nurse and member of the Plainville Board of Education and chair of the Plainville Democratic Town Committee

The event is on Saturday, April 6, 2024, at 2:00pm at the New Britain Museum of American Art. The center says, “Tickets, priced at $20 for adults and $15 for students and seniors, can be purchased on the Queen Ann Nzinga Center’s website.”

“All proceeds from the event contribute to funding programming for the Queen Ann Nzinga Center,” the Center says, “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.”