Series of events celebrating Black History Month in Boston
All events will be conducted virtually or in accordance with COVID-19 public health guidance.
Mayor Martin J. Walsh and the City of Boston's Black Employee Network (BEN) today announced a series of events celebrating 2021 Black History Month. All events will be conducted virtually or in accordance with COVID-19 public health guidance. This year's Black History Month theme is "Representation, Identity, Diversity".
"In Boston, we know our greatest strength is our diversity, and now, more than ever, we must continue our dedication to celebrating communities throughout Boston," said Mayor Walsh. "Black History Month is an opportunity to honor our city's Black communities and champion leaders who've played a critical role in strengthening our city's commitment to racial justice. I hope all Bostonians join our celebrations to further uplift the diversity that makes Boston so special."
'America and the Reckoning' Virtual Panel
February 10, 6 p.m.
This virtual panel discussion will be moderated by City of Boston Director of Public Safety Dr. Rufus Faulk. The featured panelists include local community activists. Register for the event.
Service Project Distributing PPE to elderly residents
February 15
City employees will distribute personal protective equipment (PPE) to elderly residents in senior housing units in Dorchester, Roxbury and Mattapan.
Dream Chasers - One Mic, Many Voices
February 18, 4 p.m.
The City of Boston's Department of Youth Engagement and Employment, in partnership with Black Employee Network Millennials, My Brother's Keeper Boston, Teen Empowerment, and the Mattapan Teen Center, will bring together youth performers from Boston neighborhoods alongside a panel of community leaders in celebration of Black History Month. Register for the Dream Chasers event.
'Legacy Building' Speaker Series
February 25, 6 p.m.
Virtual Financial Empowerment speaker session with four virtual breakout sessions, including homebuying, life insurance, entrepreneurship, and retirement plans. Register for the speaker series.
The Black Experience
February 26, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
This event will showcase and appreciate local Black artists in music and fashion in Boston. It will provide an experience for Black millennials to embrace and enjoy the arts and fashion culture for and by Black Boston artists. To register, email chardline.chanelfaiteau@boston.gov
Black History Month Reading Program
Various local leaders will read a story written by a Black author or illustrator throughout the month of February. The City of Boston will release videos of the readings via the City of Boston YouTube channel and Boston Resilience, Civic Engagement, and Black History Month Boston pages.
Black Employee Network Millennials Events
During Black History Month, BEN Millennials will honor and celebrate the achievements of Black people while also recognizing the adversity faced in fully achieving successful, healthy lives in Black communities. As part of its celebration of Black History Month, BEN Millennials will hold a well-being series that will focus on the importance of daily physical activities, mental health, and overall wellness. The series will consist of four events aimed at creating space and increasing awareness of the different pathways for healthier futures for Black communities. To register or more information, contact Quincey.roberts@boston.gov
- Getting Centered with Yoga Mike, February 8 at 6 p.m.: Virtual mindfulness and yoga class.
- Body! February 9 at 6 p.m.: At-home workout class.
- You are what you eat! February 10 at 6 p.m.: Virtual cooking class.
- Surviving 2020! February 12 at 6 p.m.: Panel discussion.
"Real F.R.I.E.N.D.S" by Jamaal Eversley is on display in the fifth floor Mayor's Gallery at Boston City Hall through the month of February. With its unique concept of collaboration and friendship, this exhibit offers a counterpoint to current events with fun, colorful pieces focused on themes of friendship and love. Learn more about the exhibit and watch the artist talk.
Last June, the Mayor's Office of Arts and Culture compiled a public list of Black-founded and Black-led arts and cultural organizations across the City to encourage Bostonians to support Black culture and history every day of the year.
BOSTON PUBLIC LIBRARYBoston Public Library's "Black Is..." booklist
The Boston Public Library's annual "Black Is..." booklist consists of 69 recent works that convey unique aspects of the Black experience. Copies are available at all library locations, and the list also appears on the BPL website at bit.ly/BPLBlackIs2021.
Roxbury Reads Book Club Discussion: Caste by Isabel Wilkerson
- Monday, February 1, 2021, 5 - 6:30 p.m.
One of the Good Ones: An Author Visit with Maika & Maritza Moulite
- Wednesday, February 3, 2021, 2 - 3 p.m.
Sybrina Fulton - The Purpose of Power: We Are All Trayvon - Lowell Lecture
- Tuesday, February 9, 2021, 6 - 7:30 p.m.
A Nubian Movement: African Dance Workshop ft. Wyoma
- Saturday, February 13, 2021, 2 - 3:30 p.m.
Black Radical: The Life and Times of William Monroe Trotter
- Wednesday, February 17, 2021, 6 - 7 p.m.
A Discussion with Jennifer Smith Turner, author of Child Bride
- Thursday, February 18, 2021, 7 - 8 p.m.
Roxbury Reads Book Discussion: Caste, by Isabel Wilkerson
- Monday, February 22, 2021, 5 - 6:30 p.m.
- Tuesday, February 23, 2021, 6 - 7 p.m.
Throughout the month of February, the Boston Parks and Recreation Department will recognize the contributions of Black Bostonians who have helped shape Boston's park system. Each week, a new historical figure will be highlighted on the Boston Parks Department social media channels and Boston.gov/Parks. For more information on this series, follow along on social media at @BostonParksDept.
MAYOR'S OFFICE OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENTThroughout the month of February, the Mayor's Office of Economic Development will recognize the contributions of Black Bostonian business owners and business leaders by promoting the Black-and-Brown-Owned Business List available on boston.gov. New business owners will be highlighted daily on the Mayor's Office of Economic Development's social channels. For more information on this series, follow along on social media at @EconDevBoston
For more information on City of Boston events celebrating Black History Month, visit boston.gov/black-history
