Blumenthal Deliver Investment Of Federal Grant Money

By Erica Drzewiecki, The Bristol Press

July 27, 2022

Sen. Richard Blumenthal came to New Britain Monday morning to deliver an investment of federal grant money, or what he called “the feds hitting the bullseye.”

The $10,000 grant from the National Endowment for the Arts was awarded to the not-for-profit Queen Ann Nzinga Center (QANC) and its Watoto program, which uses the power of song and dance to foster positive self-image in youth across Central Connecticut.

“I’m really excited and proud to be here to announce this federal grant which is really an investment,” Sen. Blumenthal said inside Trinity-on-Main, the QANC’s satellite office and the site of much of its programming and events for children.

QANC Founder and Executive Director Dayna Snell shared how the organization has been around for over 35 years, engaging people in the performing and visual arts, in a celebration of diversity, empowerment and self-expression.

“We’re always encouraging kids to love themselves from the inside out,” she explained. “The kids come back year after year and talk about what they took from their experience with us. It just reminds me of how important it is for us as a community to invest in the kids. If I can make a difference for one young person then my living hasn’t been in vain.”

Kids ages eight to 18 come to the center on Saturdays throughout the year for art-focused activities, all leading up to a multi-generational Kwanzaa celebration in late December.

Snell’s 18-year-old niece Onyae Hill joined her in accepting the grant award Monday, also performing a musical number for the occasion. Hill has been involved with the QANC since she was young.

“I have a special connection to this song because of my heritage,” she said. “What I take from this program is a lot of love and caring. I’ve learned to follow my dreams and always have the mindset that there is more to do in this life.”

It’s young people like Hill that return to the QANC to volunteer as they get older and pass on the strength and cultural traditions they hold dear.

“If kids have a shell this allows them to overcome that and do anything they want in life,” Snell said. “It’s an open and free space.”

The federal funds will help to supplement programming costs, allowing the organization to continue its mission.

“This is a place where champions are made,” Blumenthal pointed out. “When I think of all the money spent by the federal government, this hits the bullseye. There’s nothing better…This kind of program nurtures and creates talent, fosters broader self-image, confidence, the spirit of innovation and advocacy.”

Erica Drzewiecki can be reached at edrzewiecki@centralctcommunications.com.