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.
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 22 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 a compelling exhibit currently on display until February 17, “Power of the People: Art and Democracy.”
Find it at the MFA; 465 Huntington Ave
6. Get 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, as they perform a show at City Winery. The special show, “Black Joy! Celebrating Black Excellence in Opera and Art Song” includes renditions of tunes by Black artists. Learn more and reserve your tickets here.
Find it February 24 at 80 Beverly St, Boston, MA 02114 from 12-1:30 PM
7. Support Black-owned businesses at the Harvard Sqaure Black history month pop-up
In recognition of Black History Month, Harvard Square, will host a two-day pop-up of Black-owned vendor markets. The pop-up markets will feature art, jewelry, home décor and more from local black-owned businesses.
Find the Pop-Up Market Friday, February 7 (from 12-7 PM) and Saturday, February 8 (from 11 AM-7 PM) at One Brattle Square