New Britain’s Notable Women: Connie Wilson Collins, Civic Leader

Connie Wilson Collins (1928-2013) is considered one of New Britain’s greatest civic leaders and labor activists. Born in New York and raised in New Britain, she began her career in 1951 at Landers, Frary, & Clark and quickly became active in the plant’s union, United Electrical Workers of America Local 207. Later, she rose to the position of Union President, and  was the first black person and the first woman elected to that role at Landers (later General Electric). Connie spent her time there advocating for labor rights. By 1969, she became the first black person elected to public office in New Britain, and served several terms as an alderwoman on the Common Council. 

Within two years, Connie’s dedication to serving her community led her to co-found the Opportunities Industrialization Center of New Britain, along with Alton F. Brooks and Emma Pierce– she wrote the first grant of $25,000 in order to establish OIC in the city and served thirty years as president of the board of directors. Dedicated to empowering community members through economic and community partnerships and job training, the program celebrates 50 years of service this year.

During her lifetime, Connie was honored with numerous awards and citations, including the 1979 Connecticut’s Outstanding Woman of the Year award and the 1995 New Britain Black Leadership Solidarity Recognition Ceremony. Today, Connie’s legacy of community service is honored annually at the Queen Ann Nzinga Center with the Connie Wilson Collins Exceptional Women Concert, which honors outstanding women from the community of the Greater New Britain area.