West Hartford in Capitol Region, Connecticut — The American Northeast (New England)
"A Journey toward Freedom & Excellence"
Artist: Corey Pane
June 2021
| | MLK39 Racial Equity Mural Tour | |
Photographed by Conrad Ward, March 12, 2025
1. West Hartford Firsts Marker
West Hartford Firsts
This section of the mural depicts Tammy Rush Exum, Judy Casperson, and Gertrude Blanks. These are the first Black-Americans in present day history to make several notable achievements in West Hartford. Tammy Rush Exum, depicted at the top, was the first black person in West Hartford to be elected to Connecticut statewide office when she was elected as a state legislator to the 19th district representing West Hartford, Avon, and Farmington. Previously, she was the first elected black woman to the West Hartford Board of Education. Judy Casperson, an accomplished business and community leader depicted on the left, was the first elected black woman to the West Hartford Town Council. Lastly, Gertrude Blanks was the first black graduate of Hall High School in 1938. She went on to become a librarian assistant in Hartford Public Library and a beloved storyteller and change maker in Greater Hartford.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Arts, Letters, Music • Education • Women.
Location. 41° 45.64′ N, 72° 44.489′ W.
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Regionally, this marker is in the Connecticut River Valley, in Greater Hartford, and in the Knowledge Corridor. It is also in the American Northeast and in New England. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once Hartford County and also one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: A different marker also named "A Journey toward Freedom & Excellence" (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named "A Journey toward Freedom & Excellence" (within shouting distance of this marker); Webster Walk (within shouting distance of this marker); Mark Twain (within shouting distance of this marker); Korczak Ziolkowski (within shouting
Photographed by Conrad Ward, March 12, 2025
2. "A Journey toward Freedom & Excellence" Mural
Also see . . . Tammy Exum (Wikipedia). (Submitted on January 2, 2026.)
Photographed by Conrad Ward, March 12, 2025
3. Mural at entrance to Noah Webster Library
Credits. This page was last revised on May 19, 2026. It was originally submitted on January 1, 2026, by Conrad Ward of Guilford, Connecticut. This page has been viewed 62 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on January 1, 2026, by Conrad Ward of Guilford, Connecticut. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
