The Greater Hartford Alliance of Black Social Workers (GHABSW), in partnership with Metro West Massachusetts ABSW’s Black Social Work Film Festival, presents The Love Series, a Black Social Work Film Festival that uses film and art to engage audiences in meaningful dialogue on issues impacting Black communities. The MetroWest Massachusetts ABSW brings their innovative learning style to Hartford. Films are Curated by the Triggered Project’s Founder, Keith Mascoll whose work uses art as a learning tool is supported by NASW, NABSW, and CSWE.
The festival features three films created by Black filmmakers, each addressing socially relevant topics related to Black love and relationships, financial and couple health, state-level residential group home models and adolescent mental health, and Black queer perspectives on manhood and mental health. Attendees may attend one, two, or all three films. Each screening will be followed by a panel discussion led by experts who will connect the films to scholarly research, education, and key treatment approaches. The Hartford Public Library and NASW Connecticut Chapter are co-sponsors of this event.
Dates & Times
- February 7, 2026 | 12:00 PM–3:00 PM
- February 14, 2026 | 12:00 PM–3:00 PM
- February 28, 2026 | 12:00 PM–3:00 PM
Location
Hartford Public Library’s Downtown Library Center for Contemporary Culture 500 Main St. Hartford CT, 06103
Registration & CEUs
- Admission: Free
- 2.5 CEC’s for Feb.14th ,28th only NASW-CT Approved for LMSW, LCSW, LMFT, LPC & Licensed Psychologists
Knockaround Kids (February 7 )
A two-week snapshot of the lives of three troubled youth navigating the Massachusetts social welfare system and the failures of those assigned to protect them.
- Panel discussion to follow
- Filmmaker: John Oluwole AdeKoje
Confused by Love (February 14th)
A non-social author and his wife invite his successful best friend—and former ex-girlfriend—to stay with them in an attempt to save their home from foreclosure.
- Panel discussion to follow
- Filmmaker: Crosby Tatum
Emascipation (February 28)
An exploration of the Black male experience and mental health within traditional perceptions of Black masculinity.
- Panel discussion to follow
- Filmmaker: Tre Hazelwood
The Love Series highlights the power of film as an educational and healing tool, creating space for reflection, professional development, and community-centered dialogue.
