Past Events


Three Part Anti-Racism Series – October 7, November 4, December 2, 2024

Waterford RISE worked with Drakes and Burton Consulting to host three sessions, answering the following questions:

Session 1: What does “race” even mean? When and why was race created, and how has it been manipulated in the United States?

Session 2: What is “systemic racism”? If I don’t think I’m racist, what does all this have to do with me?

Session 3: What anti-racist strategies can I practice at home, at work, at school, and in the greater community?


A Celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month – September 30, 2023

Waterford RISE worked with Mujeres Entre Cultura and Esperanza Latina to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month at the Waterford Public Library through dances, artwork, food, and more.


Getting Under the Skin: Ways to Think About Your Bodies Aging – May 31, 2023

In a presentation designed for all ages, Dr. Annie Simpson, University of New Mexico Emerita professor of internal medicine and geriatrics and Associate Vice-Chancellor for African American Health, will discuss how we can facilitate a more healthy aging process.

Why We Should Know About Ann Petry – A Discussion – February 11th, 2023

This panel was organized by Waterford RISE in honor of Ann Petry and her body of work. The panelists include Jose B. Gonzalez, an English professor at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, historian and Norwich NAACP member Lonnie Braxton, and Connecticut College English professor Kate Rushin.

Sharing Voices of Diversity – January 21, 2023

Waterford RISE hosted a conversation with keynote speaker and MC Curtis Goodwin celebrating the diverse youth of Waterford. The event also included live performances from poet Naomi Jones and more.