Third Annual Keeper of the Dream Dinner to Celebrate Black History Month

WESTFIELD — On Thursday, Feb. 12, Westfield State University will partner with the cities of Westfield and West Springfield to host the third annual Keeper of the Dream Dinner in celebration of Black History Month. The event honors community members whose leadership and service carry forward the legacy and vision of Martin Luther King Jr. through their commitment to social justice and inclusive excellence. This year’s event is sponsored by Westfield Bank.

The evening will begin with a VIP reception, followed by a cocktail hour at 5:30 p.m. and dinner and awards at 6:30 p.m., held at the Sheraton Springfield Monarch Place Hotel, One Monarch Place, Springfield.

The evening will feature keynote remarks by Angela Sadler Williamson, an internationally recognized author, Emmy-nominated filmmaker, and award-winning broadcaster. Williamson is the cousin of civil rights icon Rosa Parks and the creator of the acclaimed documentary My Life with Rosie, which examines Parks’s life, activism, and enduring legacy.

She is also the author of the companion book, My Life with Rosie: A Bond Between Cousins, named Best Children’s Book on Black History by Mothering magazine. Through her scholarship and creative work, Williamson advances Parks’s philosophy of activism by inspiring future generations to lead with courage and purpose. A former producer and copywriter for major broadcast and cable news networks, Williamson currently serves as producer and host of the award-winning PBS series Everybody with Angela Williamson, which highlights stories that honor the human spirit and shared civic responsibility.

The Keeper of the Dream Awards honor six individuals who have made significant social, academic, and communal contributions to their communities. The 2026 honorees include Agma Sweeney, president of the Westfield Puerto Rican Assoc.; Becky Gonzalez, owner of En3rgy Up in Westfield; Lt. Paulita Hannah of the West Springfield Police Department; Morad Majjad, district family liaison coordinator with West Springfield Public Schools; Thomas Gardner, professor of Communication at Westfield State University; and Dr. Cheryl Stanley, faculty emeritus from Westfield State University.

“In his Nobel Peace Prize acceptance speech in 1964, Dr. King said, ‘I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word in reality. This is why right, temporarily defeated, is stronger than evil triumphant.’ These words remind us that we have a vital role to play in building a society grounded in compassion, understanding, and mutual respect,” Westfield State University President Linda Thompson said. “I am proud to partner with the cities of Westfield and West Springfield to honor students and community members who embody Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s enduring commitment to humanity.”

In addition, four Westfield State students will receive Keeper of the Dream Scholarships from the Westfield State University Foundation in recognition of their contributions to their community and selfless leadership in the spirit of promoting justice and equality. These students include Lorraine Fernandez ’26, Dianyeliz Ozuna Sandoval ’26, Roka Poku-Mensah ’26, and Omar Aydah ’27.

For additional information, visit www.westfieldalumni.org/celebrate/kotd2026.