Local Students Awarded at the Waterbury Black Giving Circle’s Inaugural Juneteenth Oratorical Contest
Waterbury Black Giving Circle Juneteenth Oratorical Contest finalists from Chase Elementary School, Children’s Community School, Crosby High School, Jonathan E. Reed School, Kennedy High School, and Wallace Middle School.
On Saturday, February 28, 2026, the Waterbury Black Giving Circle brought our community together at the Mattatuck Museum for something truly special — a celebration of Black History Month and the Circle’s very first Juneteenth Oratorical Contest.
The room was filled with Circle members, students, teachers, parents, caregivers, municipal leaders, Foundation staff, and neighbors from across Greater Waterbury. And then the students spoke. With confidence, passion, and poise that left the entire room moved, these young people reminded us all why we do this work.
The event opened with a performance of “Lift Every Voice and Sing” by 3D Music Academy — and from that first note, the tone was set. This was a celebration.
Contest participants came from Chase Elementary School, Children’s Community School, Crosby High School, Jonathan E. Reed School, Kennedy High School, and Wallace Middle School. Three judges – Reggie Beamon, Althea M. Brooks and Annie Scott – evaluated each speech on relevance, accuracy, organization, originality, and delivery. The words these students chose speak for themselves:
“[Black history] teaches us to respect others, be kind, and stand up for what’s right. When we learn about Black history, we learn how to be better citizens and help make the world a fair and happy place for all.” — Zoey Rodriguez, Age 10, Grade 5, Chase Elementary School
“Juneteenth reminds us that freedom didn’t come all at once, but little by little.” — Madison Boyd, Age 13, Grade 8, Reed School
“We are the beauty of their endurance and their triumph over the hardships. Learning about Black history not only grants us hope but gives it to the next generation as well. It reminds us that no matter who the oppressor is or how powerful they may be, we will always have the power to speak up against their injustice and make waves like our ancestors did.” — Mia Franks, Age 18, Grade 12, Crosby High School
Among our 100+ guests, we were honored to welcome Congresswoman Jahana Hayes and Mayor Pernerewski. Their presence and their inspiring words underscored the importance of this moment. They spoke of persistence, of honoring history, and of the brilliant promise that lives inside every young person in this community.
Kathy Taylor, President & CEO, Connecticut Community Foundation and founding member of the Waterbury Black Giving Circle left inspired. Reflecting on the beautiful celebration, she said, “There is something profoundly joyful about a room full of young people who have studied history, wrestled with its meaning, and chose to speak about it out loud. These students did not just recite facts — they made connections between the past and the present that left all of us inspired. We are incredibly proud of each and every student!”
The contest accepted submissions from December 2025 through January 30, 2026, and was open exclusively to Waterbury students in grades 3 through 12. Students were invited to write and speak about Black history heroes, the meaning of freedom, justice, and Black joy — and to share what lessons from Black history mean the most to them. First-place winners earned a $150 cash prize, second-place winners earned $100, and third-place winners earned $50. First-place winners are also invited to present their speeches again at the Waterbury Black Giving Circle’s Juneteenth Celebration on Friday, June 12, 2026 — a free, community-wide event. More details to come.
We are so proud of every single contestant who stepped up, spoke out, and showed our community what courage and brilliance look like.
Congratulations to our outstanding winners:
Elementary School
1st Place: Zoey Rodriguez, Chase Elementary School, Grade 5
Middle School
1st Place: Ezra Pitts, Children’s Community School, Grade 6
2nd Place: Madison Boyd, Jonathan E. Reed School, Grade 8
3rd Place: Luz Carlo Mazariegos, Children’s Community School, Grade 6
High School
1st Place: Mia Franks, Crosby High School, Grade 12
2nd Place: Jaeden Frenette, Kennedy High School, Grade 9
Special thanks to all teachers, faculty, parents, grandparents, and caregivers who shared this opportunity with students and showed up in support. Thank you to the judges, 3D Music Academy, Posh Designs LLC, Shana Sureck Photography, and the Mattatuck Museum.
If you are interested in joining or supporting the Waterbury Black Giving Circle, click here to learn more. If you have any questions, contact Tallitha Richardson at trichardson@conncf.org or call 203.753.1315.
