444 Albany Ave, Hartford, CT 06120
444 Albany Ave, Hartford, CT 06120
When we think about the violence that is happening in our city, state, nation, and world, it is easy to get frustrated and feel a sense of helplessness. The question that needs to be asked is, “What is it that is keeping the majority of Hartford residents from resorting to violence?” That is the questions that we need to focus on. How can we celebrate those positive decisions and help others make better choices daily? That is what I believe the Brother Carl Hardrick Institute is designed to do. Find and teach the strategies that keep us from going over the edge and build a community that is worthy of peace and respect. We all have a role to play in this process. Let’s learn and work together so that we can be the example of hope for future generations.
Peace,
Leonard Epps
The Brother Carl Hardrick Institute for Violence Prevention and Community Engagement of Hartford, Connecticut and Co Chairs JoAnn Price, Fairview Capital and Stephen Bayer, Community Trustee of the Jewish Federation of Greater Hartford are pleased to announce Mr. Leonard M. Epps as its new President effective Monday, February 6th, 2023.
Mr. Epps being an exceptional educator and innovative leader, brings a wealth of leadership experience, invaluable youth and family engagement, along with a passion for positive change within local, national, and international communities.
Mr. Epps served as Principal of the Journalism and Media Academy Magnet School, Dean of Pathways to Technology and Capital Community College Magnet Academy and as a social studies teacher at Weaver High School for two decades. Epps also taught African and African American Studies at the University of Hartford as an adjunct professor.
Mr. Leonard M. Epps earned his Master’s degrees in Secondary Education and Educational Leadership from Central Connecticut State University and his Bachelors in Education from the University of Hartford. Leonard attended Harvard University’s National Institute for Urban School Leaders, Yale University’s African Studies Institute, Culture of Peace Program in San Jose, Costa Rica and was a Fulbright-Hays Scholar in Ghana, West Africa.
Mr. Epps received the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Commission Award, the University of Hartford Distinguished Alumni Award, inducted into the 100 Men of Color, an initiate, instructor and drummer for the Yaboo Rites of Passage Program at the Artists Collective, and a Life Member of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Incorporated.
Leonard has a loving wife and two daughters.
“I understood the importance of this work while teaching in Hartford Public Schools. I used my position as a Principal to reduce violence through effective instruction, educational leadership, community involvement and building positive self-esteem in my students. I am honored to continue the work that Brother Carl started and I look forward to supporting our community by working collaboratively to reduce violence and engaging our youth and families.”
-Leonard M. Epps
As we look to impact our community in a positive way and make a dent in the violence that plauges our loved ones, we offer you an opportunity to join us in our efforts by keeping up-to-date with our latest happenings.