Salvation Army Greater Valley in Ansonia shares post highlighting 1st Black officer

In 1915, Mabel Broome became the first African- American to become an officer in The Salvation Army. 

She led the charge to break the color line and reinforced the Army’s commitment to give leadership roles to women. 

Broome was also one of the first “slum sisters” – female officers who went into a city’s poorest neighborhoods and attended to people’s most basic needs.

This is shared from the Salvation Army - Ansonia, CT Facebook page.

The Salvation Army Greater Valley is located at 26 Lester St., Ansonia. 

For information call 203-736-0707.

Celebration slated at Abundant Life Fellowship Ministries in Ansonia

Branford resident to present African-American artifacts at Ansonia Middle School

ANSONIA - The Friends of the Ansonia Library and Ansonia Middle School will present "The African-American Collection" Feb. 24 at the school, 115 Howard Ave.

Jeffrey A. Fletcher is the owner of an expansive collection of African-American artifacts, ranging from slave shackles, documentation where children, men, and women were sold along with property as well as livestock, to the fight for civil rights and the barriers to equality. 

Original games, postcards, and toys promoting stereotypes of African-Americans also are some of the items which will be on display.   

The exhibit is a collection of imagery and items which reflect the decades of turbulent times for African-Americans in the United States during the period of slavery up to the Civil Rights movement, including original pictures, signs, statutes and KKK regalia which are chronicled as being significant in the history of African-Americans.
It will provide everyone an opportunity to experience a powerful visual display of what motivated the trailblazers and pioneers who forged the way for equality as well as freedom for African-Americans today. 

A lifelong Branford resident, Fletcher is one of four children raised by parents who migrated from the South at early ages during the turbulent years of “Jim Crow” and the early Civil Rights era. 

His desire to bring a sad and troubling part of Black American History to the forefront was inspired by his parents, siblings and daughter. He uses the artifacts and memorabilia from his collection to tell his parents’ story as well as the thousands of African Americans who survived the extremes of overt racism and discrimination.

Fletcher will give three, one-hour presentations relating to his collection, at which times the public is invited to attend: at 8:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., and 4 p.m. in the middle school auditorium.

A preview exhibit is on display at the Ansonia Library, 53 S. Cliff St.


This is a press release from Mary Ann Capone, Director, Ansonia Library.

Branford man to present African-American artifacts at Ansonia Middle School

Ansonia Library to host preview of exhibit

ANSONIA - Jeffrey Fletcher of Branford will present his collection of African-American artifacts in two programs Feb. 24 at Ansonia Middle School, 115 Howard Ave. 

His collection ranges from slave shackles, documentation where children, men and women were sold along with property as well as livestock, to the fight for civil rights and the barriers to equality. 

Original games, postcards, and toys promoting stereotypes of African-Americans are some of the items that will be on display.   

The exhibit is a collection of imagery and items which reflect the decades of turbulent times for African-Americans in the United States during the period of slavery up to the Civil Rights movement, including original pictures, signs, statues, and KKK regalia which are chronicled as being significant in the history of African- Americans. 

It will provide everyone an opportunity to experience a powerful visual display of what motivated the trailblazers and pioneers who forged the way for equality as well as freedom for African-Americans today. 

A lifelong Branford resident, Fletcher is one of four children raised by parents who migrated from the South at early ages during the turbulent years of “Jim Crow” and the early Civil Rights era. 

His desire to bring a sad and troubling part of Black American History to the forefront was inspired by his parents, siblings, and daughter. He uses the artifacts and memorabilia from his collection to tell his parents’ story as well as the thousands of African-Americans who survived the extremes of overt racism and discrimination.

Fletcher will give two presentations, at 8:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. 
The exhibit will be located in the school auditorium. It is free and open to the public. 

A preview exhibit will be on display at the Ansonia Library, 53 S. Cliff St. starting Feb. 10, according to information from the Friends of the Ansonia Library.

This is a press release from the Friends of the Ansonia Library.