Anti-Racism Task Force

Commission Members

  • Darnell Ford-Co-Chair

  • Pat Alston

  • Reverend Anderson

  • Joshua Cotton

  • Ahmad Daniels

  • Brian Gartner

  • Marco David

  • Colleen Alleyne

  • Dr. Lee Morgan

  • Josi Cook


Goals:

  • Partner with trusted BIPOC stakeholders to ensure we are supporting the voices leading anti-racism and racial justice work and to make certain our efforts are intentional, personalized and based in real equity.
  • Create and implement an anti-racism plan centering the themes of the NCCJ Report: labor equity, criminal justice system equity, information equity, housing segregation, education equity, community building, overall racial climate (additional themes - COVID 19, healthcare equity, environmental racism).
  •  Advise Mayor and Common Council to ensure decision making on the allocation of resources, future budgets, and city policy and program development as well as departmental procedures/policy are made through a lens of racial equity.
  •  Create the conditions, framework, and opportunities for authentic, holistic community engagement around anti-racism in Middletown.
  •  Advise Mayor on methods for fostering an anti-racist organizational structure and culture at the City. This includes, amongst other things, continued and routine training around anti-racism to improve staff skills, approaches and practices in countering racism for city staff and leadership.

Focus Areas:

  • Labor Equity
  • Criminal Justice System Equity
  • Information Equity
  • Housing Segregation
  • Education Equity
  • Community Building
  • Overall Racial Climate


UPDATE:

The Anti-Racism Task Force meets every second Thursday of every month at 6PM.

The meetings are held hybrid - in person (City of Middletown Senior Center –Conference room) and WebEx.


Welcome to February 

HAPPY BLACK HISTORY MONTH! 

In the 2026 Black History Month, we pay tribute to a Century of Black History Commemorations, which signifies a significant milestone that embodies one hundred years of national endeavors to explore, recognize, and celebrate the history, culture, and contributions of individuals of African descent.

Lunar New Year: February 17-March 1

Celebrating the new year across many East and Southeast Asian cultures, Lunar New Year is one of the most important holidays of the year for some families and communities. The timing of Lunar New Year is tied to the lunar calendar, commencing with the 1st new moon of the year and ending with the 1st full moon. In Chinese culture, preparations called “Little Year” begin prior to the beginning of Lunar New Year (also called Spring Festival) and the festivities conclude with the Lantern Festival. 2026 will be the Year of the Horse.

Ash Wednesday: February 18

Ash Wednesday – officially known as the Day of Ashes – is a day of repentance, when Christians confess their sins and profess their devotion to God. Ash Wednesday marks the start of the Lenten period leading up to Easter, when Christians believe Jesus was resurrected. 

National Wear Red Day: February 6

An offshoot of American Heart Month, National Wear Red Day brings awareness and action to end heart disease and stroke in women.

Russell Library

Mojos, Mermaids, Medicine, and 400 Years of Black Women’s Magic with Dr. Lindsey Stewart

Award-Winning Author and Professor of Philosophy

Thursday, February 12th 2026 at 2:00 PM EST -https://libraryc.org/russelllibrary/107192?uMarketingSource=_LSC_ME_02_1

 Good reads for the Month of February

Non-Fiction & History

Fiction & Literature

Memoir & Contemporary

 

Agenda & Minutes

Agendas are available prior to the meetings.  Minutes are available following approval.

View Most Recent Agendas and Minutes

Supporting Documents for Anti-Racism Task Force Meetings

Supporting documents for Anti-Racism Task Force Meetings are available here

Contact:
Councilman Darnell Ford
Darnell.Ford@middletownct.gov