Calling All Brothers Celebrates 11 Years of Mentorship, Leadership & Cultural Excellence
The 2026 Calling All Brothers African & African American History Bee will take place on Saturday, February 21, 2026, from 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM at the Connecticut Museum of Culture and History, located at 1 Elizabeth Street in Hartford.
Now in its 11th year, Calling All Brothers (CAB) continues its mission to mentor and empower young men of color in Hartford through leadership development, academic excellence, and civic engagement. This year’s History Bee will feature 8th-grade boys representing Hartford middle schools in a competitive, Jeopardy-style academic challenge focused on African and African American history.
At a time when the teaching of African American history is being debated and, in some cases, restricted across the country, this event affirms the importance of ensuring young people understand the full breadth of American history and their place within it.
“This is about more than a competition,” said Rev. AJ Johnson, Founder of Calling All Brothers. “It’s about identity, confidence, and civic awareness. For many of our 8th graders, their first meaningful interaction with government and institutions is happening right now. We want that experience to affirm their value and their voice.”
The History Bee is the culmination of weeks of preparation, mentorship sessions, and team-based study. Participants are supported by coaches, educators, and community mentors who reinforce not only historical knowledge, but public speaking skills, teamwork, and leadership development.
The event is free and open to the public. Families, educators, elected officials, and community members are encouraged to attend and celebrate the students.
Event Details:
What: 2026 Calling All Brothers African & African American History Bee
When: Saturday, February 21, 2026 | 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Where: Connecticut Museum of Culture and History
1 Elizabeth Street, Hartford, CT
We are excited to invite you to save the date for the 2026 African & African American History Bee, presented by Calling All Brothers.
This Jeopardy style History Bee will feature talented 8th grade boys from Hartford middle schools, celebrating knowledge, confidence, and the power of learning our shared history.
📅 Saturday, February 21, 2026
⏰ 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
📍 Connecticut Museum of Culture and History
1 Elizabeth Street, Hartford, CT
Participating schools include:
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School of Social Justice
McDonough Middle School
Milner Middle School
and Achievement First Middle School
👉 Please register your attendance here:
https://forms.gle/fmsqEmTJjTcDrRWN9
This event centers education, community, mentorship, and action, and we look forward to welcoming families, educators, community leaders, and supporters to cheer on our young scholars.
Additional details and reminders will be shared as we get closer to the event. For now, please mark your calendar and complete the attendance form above.
About Calling All Brothers
Founded in Hartford, Calling All Brothers is a mentorship initiative focused on supporting middle and high school boys through leadership development, civic engagement, academic support, and positive male mentorship. Over the past 11 years, CAB has served hundreds of young men across Hartford Public Schools and partner institutions.