Contributed
Honorees Brad Gallant, Honda Smith.
The library sent the following release:
The New Haven Free Public Library Foundation (NHFPL Foundation) is thrilled to announce the honorees for its highly anticipated Mardi Gras 2025 celebration. The annual event, a cornerstone of the Foundation’s fundraising efforts, will take place on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, at the Ives Main Library in Downtown New Haven (Rain Date: Friday, March 7, 2025).
This year, the NHFPL Foundation will recognize two distinguished individuals whose dedication has significantly impacted the New Haven Free Public Library and the broader community:
Alder Honda Smith (Ward 30), CEO of The Shack – Recipient of the Library Champion Award for Community Service.
Alder Honda Smith, a lifelong resident of New Haven, has dedicated her life to community service and uplifting the West Rock neighborhood. At 16, she discovered her passion for civic engagement while assisting her brother on U.S. Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro’s campaign, setting the stage for decades of impactful work. After moving to West Rock in 1997, Honda quickly became a leader, serving as President of the West Hills Neighborhood Corporation, housed in the community hub affectionately known as “The Shack.” Through her leadership, she spearheaded initiatives to rebuild the Brookside and Rockview areas, develop senior housing, and provide resources like fresh produce and healthcare access. Honda’s signature programs, including the Winter Wonderland holiday celebration and mentoring initiatives like H.O.L.L.A. (Helping Our Ladies Learn and Achieve) and W.R.A.P. (West Rock Arts Program) have brought joy and opportunities to thousands of families and youth. Even in retirement, Honda remains the heart of her community, transforming The Shack into a vibrant center for advocacy and support. Recognized as the New Haven Independent’s New Havener of the Year in 2022, Honda continues to inspire hope and pride in her neighborhood.
Brad Gallant – Recipient of the Library Champion Award for Lifetime Achievement.
Brad has deep roots in New Haven, where he was born and has spent much of his life. The son of a lawyer and a social worker, he developed a strong commitment to public service early on. His dedication to the New Haven Free Public Library began over 20 years ago when he joined the Library Board, later serving four terms as President. In partnership with the late City Librarian Jim Welbourne, he helped steer the library through the early digital age and its evolving role as a community hub. Brad continued his service by joining the Library Foundation Board, where he remained an invaluable member until 2024.
A distinguished Trusts and Estates attorney, Brad practiced in New Haven for 45 years, primarily at Day Pitney LLP. Brad’s legal practice encompassed traditional estate planning and administration while also pioneering specialized areas such as special needs planning — where he was among the first U.S. lawyers recognized as an expert. His expertise extended to cy-pres actions, incapacity planning, and estate planning for LGBTQ+ families. Beyond his practice, Brad was the President of the American Bar Association and has held leadership roles in the Connecticut Bar Association and American College of Trust & Estate Counsel.
Brad remains deeply engaged in the community through the Amour Propre Fund, which he co-runs with philanthropist friend Lindy Lee Gold. He and his wife, Joanna Waley-Cohen, a distinguished professor of Chinese history, have two children – Kit and Isabel
An avid reader, Brad enjoys spending time in Maine, fitness, good food and drinks, and his beloved rescue dog, Sadie.
Mardi Gras 2025 will bring together library supporters, community leaders, and local champions to celebrate the power of literacy, access, and public resources. The evening will feature live entertainment, delicious cuisine, and an opportunity to support the NHFPL’s programs and initiatives that promote equity and access for all New Haven residents.
“We are honored to recognize Alder Honda Smith and Brad Gallant for their extraordinary contributions to our city,” said Dr. Mary Ellen Savage, President, NHFPL Foundation. “Their unwavering commitment to promoting equity and opportunity exemplifies the values we uphold at the NHFPL Foundation.”
For tickets and sponsorship opportunities, please visit our Event Page or contact Manmita Dutta at mdutta@nhfpl.org.