***MEDIA ADVISORY***Connecticut Freedom Trail Designation ceremony for former State Representative Quentin Williams 2/25
Conner, Desmond
***MEDIA ADVISORY***
State Representative Kai Belton (D-Middletown) and Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz will host a Connecticut Freedom Trail Designation ceremony for former State Representative Quentin Williams on Wednesday, February 25th, 2026, at noon at Cross Street A.M.E. Zion Church in Middletown.
The Connecticut Freedom Trail demonstrates important aspects of Connecticut's African American history, as well as the state's broader history.
"Q," as he was affectionately known, was born, raised, and rooted in Middletown and became its first black state representative in 2018. Before becoming Chair of the Planning and Zoning Commission, Middletown treasurer, or even a community organizer, Williams was a well-known proponent of equity, justice, and uplifting the community.
He died tragically in a collision on Route 9 hours after being sworn in for his third term in January 2023.
Still, Q's legacy lives on at his gravesite, at Indian Hill Cemetery on Washington Street in Middletown, which currently serves as a gathering place for residents, policymakers, and youth groups to remember one of the city's most beloved sons.
His gravesite qualifies as a designated site based on:
· Representation and democratic participation
· Legislative Civil Rights Impact
· Public Memory and Community Gathering
· African American Leadership on Connecticut History
WHO: State Representative Kai Belton, Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz
WHAT: Connecticut Freedom Trail Designation for former State Representative Quentin Williams
WHEN: Wednesday, February 25th, noon
WHERE: Cross Street A.M.E. Zion Church, 440 West Street, Middletown
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Desmond Conner
Press Department
Connecticut House Democrats
Office: 860-240-0071
Cell: 203-376-0847
Rep. Belton (Middletown), Chair, Black Maternal Health & Infant Care
Rep. Biggins (East Hartford, Manchester)
Rep. Bumgardner (Groton, Stonington), Vice Chair, Environment
Rep. Exum (West Hartford, Avon), Deputy Maj. Leader, Vice Chair, Appropriations, Tri-Chair, Transforming Children’s
Behavioral Health
Rep. Jacobson (Stamford)
Rep. Kavros DeGraw (Avon, Canton), Chair, Planning and Development; Co-chair, Bipartisan Women’s Caucus
Rep. McGee (West Haven), Dep. Maj. Leader, Vice Chair, Black Maternal Health & Infant Care
Rep. Paris (Stamford), Chair, Committee on Children; Vice Chair, Appropriations
Rep. M. Sanchez (New Britain), Chair, Labor and Public Employees Committee
Rep. Wilson (Norwich), Vice Chair, Labor and Public Employees
Rep. Wood (Rocky Hill, Wethersfield), Chair, Insurance and Real Estate
