West Haven Celebrates 30 Years of Black Heritage

Annual cultural event honors community leaders and youth for their impact on the city

Feb. 28, 2026 at 4:26am

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West Haven held its 30th annual Black Heritage Celebration this week at City Hall, honoring the profound impact that African Americans have had on the city's diversity, culture, and vibrancy. The event recognized community advocate Gardenia Dixon as the Ernestine Jackson Citizen of Distinction, as well as several local youth for their exemplary volunteerism, leadership, and academic and athletic success. The celebration also featured performances, speeches, and the presentation of awards to honor the city's Black community.

Why it matters

The Black Heritage Celebration is an important annual event that highlights the vital contributions of the Black community to West Haven's history and ongoing development. By recognizing community leaders and youth, the event helps foster racial harmony, celebrate diversity, and inspire future generations to continue the legacy of service and excellence.

The details

The 90-minute program included opening and closing prayers, the Pledge of Allegiance, and performances by the West Haven High School Concert Choir. Gardenia Dixon, affectionately known as 'Lady D,' was honored as the Ernestine Jackson Citizen of Distinction for her years of volunteer work with West Haven Public Schools, including organizing back-to-school drives and Christmas toy deliveries. The committee also recognized Notre Dame High School senior Quincy Dormevil and Hopkins School seniors Aurora Chevalier and Vera Okyere for their outstanding achievements. Former Black Heritage Committee Chairman Steven R. Mullins received the Lifetime Achievement Award, and Vivienne Howard, the founder of Quality Staffing Home Care Inc., was presented with the Exceptional Entrepreneurship Award.

  • The 30th annual Black Heritage Celebration was held on Thursday, February 26, 2026.
  • Gardenia Dixon has been volunteering in West Haven since the 1970s.

The players

Gardenia Dixon

A West Haven community advocate who has been recognized for her years of volunteer work with the city's public schools and her efforts to help children and women in need.

Quincy Dormevil

A senior at Notre Dame High School in West Haven who has excelled academically and been involved in student government, basketball, and peer counseling.

Aurora Chevalier

A senior at Hopkins School in West Haven who has been involved in the school's literary magazine, lacrosse, and field hockey teams.

Vera Okyere

A senior at Hopkins School in West Haven who has been a member of the track and field team, the host of the quiz bowl club, and a member of the robotics club.

Steven R. Mullins

A former chairman of the West Haven Black Heritage Committee who has been recognized for his decades of civic engagement, leadership, and commitment to the city of West Haven.

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What they’re saying

“Our city's strength has always been its diversity. From the shores of Savin Rock to the neighborhoods of Allingtown, the contributions of the Black community have been a cornerstone of our progress. You have been the builders, the thinkers, the artists and the advocates who have pushed West Haven to live up to its highest ideals.”

— Dorinda Borer, Mayor of West Haven

“Through your back-to-school project, you transformed a simple desire to help others into a massive community effort, providing students not only with school supplies and refurbished computers but with sneakers, haircuts and hairstyling — restoring dignity and confidence to our young people.”

— Dorinda Borer, Mayor of West Haven

“I'm just so grateful for how you all have helped me. I do it because it's in my heart. I don't do it to get any glory for it. I do it because I want to help people.”

— Gardenia Dixon, West Haven Community Advocate

The takeaway

The West Haven Black Heritage Celebration is a powerful testament to the enduring legacy of the city's African American community. By honoring leaders, youth, and the 'founding mothers' who laid the groundwork, the event reinforces West Haven's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, serving as an inspiration for future generations to continue building a more just and vibrant community.