October Third Thursday Program, An Afrocentric Prospective: The Making of the First Black U.S. Diplomat Through a Cultural Lens of Blackness

William Fothergill, MA, MSW, CPC, LPC

Ebenezer D. Bassett was the first African American appointed to the position of ambassador by the United States government. However little is known about his personal life. The narratives written about him have not examined his life through an Afrocentric worldview and African perspective.  On October 20, 2022, from 12-1 p.m., William Fothgergill will discuss the life and the legacy of Ebenezer D. Bassett.

William Fothergill is an independent family historian specializing in the history of early New England people of color. He was inducted as a member of the Sons of the American Revolution after proving he is a direct lineal descendent of several (Connecticut) African-Native American Revolution soldiers. Mr. Fothergill serves as the chairperson of the Ebenezer D. Bassett Memorialization Committee where he oversees the Bassett Award Ceremonies (i.e., Humanitarian Awards and Student Achievement Awards). He has received several recognitions and honors for his work in the field of Men’s & Masculinities Studies. Awards include the Curtis D. Robinson Men’s Health Equity Institute’s Halo Award, 100 Men of Color Award, CCSU Distinguished Service Award, CCSU Alumni Association’s Community Service Award, and several community recognitions.

Register in advance for this program: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZErfuqvpzMuEtJsXdJ4GskiR0B3V22_7v45

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the program.
This program will be posted to the Connecticut State Library’s Facebook Page after the live event.