Boston is a city beaming with history, innovation, and education, and communities in and around the city are celebrating Black History month this February. There are plenty of events, museums, and experiences to partake in to meet, learn, and educate the public on Boston’s Black history. Check out some of these awesome happenings for the month below!
1. Explore Boston’s Black Heritage Trail
This 1.6 mile trail through Beacon Hill showcases residences and buildings of Black community members that thrived on the northern part of the hill before, during, and after the Civil War. The trail will take you through parts of Charles Street, Joy Street, and make final destinations at the Abiel Smith School and the African Meeting House, which are both part of the Museum of African American History.
2. Check out a local museum’s Black History month exhibit
Many of Boston museums are hosting special exhibits for Black History month, and others showcase permanent collections. Also make sure to check out the aforementioned Musuems of African American history located in at 46 Joy St. on Beacon Hill in Boston and with another location in Nantucket. Some other great exhibits honoring Black history month in and around Boston include:
- Make an African wrap doll at the Wenham Museum
3. Visit ‘The Embrace” monument which pays tribute to MLK and 65 other civil rights leaders
The bronze sculpture in the Boston Common, just around the bend from The Black Heritage Trail, was unveiled last month and pays tribute to Dr. King and Coretta Scott King who met while students in Boston. It is a dynamic symbol of Dr. King’s work and message of peace and unity.
4. Get in the groove at the Afro Caribbean Black History Gala and Awards
To closeout Black History month with a bang, the Massachusetts Caribbean community is hosting a special gala on February 24 from 6-11 PM. There will be food music, dancing and so much to celebrate.
Florian Hall 55 Hallet Street Boston, MA 02122
5. Learn about African and Black history at the Musuem of Fine Arts
The MFA invites youth to learn and understand Black history with two compelling exhibits currently on display “Black Power in Print,” and “Comrade Sisters: Women of the Black Panther Party.”
Find it at the MFA; 465 Huntington Ave
6. And keep the beat going with an opera show celebrating Black artists
Join the Opera on Tap, a Boston organization dedicated to increasing the accessibility of opera, will perform a show at City Winery. Listen to favorites by Black artists that pioneered the Harlem Renaissance. Learn more and reserve your tickets here.
Opera on Tap will also host a free concert and talkback session at Cambridge Public Library February 29th at 6 PM.
Find it February 24 at 80 Beverly St, Boston, MA 02114
7. Support Black-owned businesses at the Harvard Sqaure Black history month pop-up
In recognition of Black History Month, Harvard Square, will host two pop-up vendor markets on Friday, February 9 from 12-7 PM and Saturday, February 10 from 11 AM-7 PM. The pop-up markets will feature art, jewelry, home décor and more from local black-owned businesses.
Find the Pop-Up Market February 9-10 at One Brattle Square