February is Black History Month

The Employee Assistance Program is committed every February to celebrating Black History Month. Sharing the stories, struggles and accomplishments of Black Americans and other individuals of African descent is important, and this month-long event always presents a good opportunity for people of all backgrounds to broaden our understanding of those experiences in order to tackle present-day inequity. Listed below are our favorite readings, resources, event calendars and more, we encourage you to check them out:

• Every year the City of Boston honors black history month. Linked here is a series of famous neighborhood spaces, and the history behind them that ties to the struggles and triumphs of black Bostonians.  
• The Boston Public Library is highlighting a booklist of over 70 recommended works on the black experience, as well as a list of events held at city libraries.  
• Boston USA offers this comprehensive list of local events celebrating the month. It also includes an up to date list of black owned businesses to consider supporting.  
• We also recommend exploring Eventbrite’s calendar of free and paid community events throughout the Boston area.
• The Boston Music of African American History offers reserved tours and free virtual tours, and links to further resources on the history of the black abolitionist movement in Boston and more.
• We always like to highlight book lists for adults and kids alike. Goodreads shares an excellent list, and Beyond the Bookends offers a list of 30+ recommended books for kids.
• The Smithsonian offers a list of digital events, classes, performances and more to celebrate and educate on black history month, many of which are free!

• Black Lives Matter (BLM), a decentralized social justice movement advocating for racial equity, continues community support within Boston.  The Boston Chapter continues to be active with readings and organizing, learn more on their affiliated Facebook page.
• GLAD offers this list of LGBT support networks and resources for gay, lesbian, transgender, and queer people of color.
• AboutBlackBoston.com is a site containing an aggregate list of support networks for black professionals and individuals looking for online and in-person peer and professional support networks.
• Black Mental Health Alliance is a mental health advocacy service for people of color. Their website includes a link offering to assist in reaching out for local referrals.
• Innopsych is a database to help connect those for searching for mental health counselors of color. 

Please reach out to us at the Employee Assistance Program for further support and resources, or if you wish to share a link. Have a safe and restful month!