Speaking at press conference, Rev. A. J. Johnson, local leader of Phi Beta Sigma, talks about making sure the Northend can have and show the holiday spirit. With the help of PHI BETA SIGMA FRATERNITY, INC., Delta Pi Sigma Chapter, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated and the Phi Delta Zeta Chapter gathered to announced the Xmas lights were placed at Main and Windsor Street and the Hartford – Windsor Line on Main Street. Pictured below is Sen. McCrory & Ladies of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority. (Photo by Marc Yves Regis).
Hartford – For over 30 years the merchants in Hartford’s Northeast District try to bring the holiday spirits and increase holiday sale by decorating key points of interest in the neighborhood.
This year has been very bad for merchants of color, due to COVID heath crisis. Merchants just didn’t have the extra funds to support the annual tradition.
So in due-impart to the awesome help and support of the Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., Delta Pi Sigma Chapter, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, the Phi Delta Zeta Chapter and court of common council members, Councilman TJ Clarke and Councilwoman Shirley Surgeon, there will be light.
Thursday a press conference and brief prayer was held to kickoff the holiday season and help show our residents and their kids that Christmas will be.
“ We ask residents and merchants to all decorate their front door or property with a wreath or holiday lights, said Reggie Hales, HEZBA President”.
Helping to continue the holiday spirit, local Fraternity and Sorority pitch in with helping to create donations and install the lights. “We wanted to help Reggie Hales, who for over 30 years has sponsored and installed the light. We wanted to help and let us help spearhead this years event, because it’s a community reasonability and we should all be involved, because the holiday lights tradition is a benefit to us all in our community, said Rev. A. J. Johnson, local leader of Phi Beta Sigma.”
The lights and banners can be seen at Main and Windsor Street, Main Street at Windsor Line and the entrance to Keney Park Golf Course at Tower Ave and Barbour Street. Inquiring News is the annual media sponsor. The event was held at Vibz Uptown who also is a HEZBA Member and sponsor.
Additional Sponsorship needed and daily cleaning of the neighborhood will take place. Merchants are asked to decorate their storefronts and do extra clean up daily. Call Reggie at 860-983-7587 for info.
