The Waterbury Times|Published May 20, 2026
WATERBURY, CT — The community will gather this Juneteenth to honor local leadership, service, and impact at the upcoming Men of Purpose Awards, recognizing five Waterbury men who have made meaningful contributions in their respective fields.
The event will take place on June 20 at 12:00 PM at Library Park, 267 Grand Street, Waterbury.
This year’s honorees include leaders from government, community advocacy, education, faith, and grassroots organizing:
- State Representative Larry Butler
- Kelvin Earl, Ungroup Society
- Anthony Ireland, Board of Education Commissioner
- Dwayne Pittman, B.L.A.C.
- Pastor Kristopher Reese, Grace Baptist Church
Organizers say the awards are designed to highlight “men of purpose” who are actively shaping Waterbury through leadership, mentorship, and service.
The event is part of broader Juneteenth programming recognizing Black history, resilience, and community achievement.
Community Partners & Support
The event is supported by:
- Built 4 Success Inc.
- UConn Health
- Additional community collaborators
Contact Information
For more information, contact:
- Eric Washington — (203) 228-9043
- Arlanda Brantley — (203) 296-0451
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