

Celebrating Black History Month
February, 2025
Black History Month celebrates the numerous achievements by African Americans and represents a time for recognizing the central role of Black people in U.S. history. Also known as African American History Month, the celebration was created in 1926 by noted historian Carter G. Woodson. Browse the links below for local events and to learn more about Black History Month!
EVENTS:
Massachusetts Historical Society Speaker Series: We Refuse: A Forceful History of Black Resistance
Monday, February 3, 2025 | 6:00 - 7:00 PM
In her book We Refuse, historian Kellie Carter Jackson examines the breadth of Black responses to white oppression, particularly those pioneered by Black women. In conversation with Kanisorn Wongsrichanalai, Carter Jackson will discuss vital tactics that have shaped the Black struggle, from the restorative power of finding joy in the face of suffering to the quiet strength of simply walking away.
Boston Public Library: Stories and Crafts Celebrating Black History Month
Tuesdays in February | 4:00 - 4:45 PM
Children ages 4-10 are invited to the Children’s Library’s Rey Room at BPL's Central Library in Copley Square on Tuesday afternoons at 4:00 pm for stories and art projects. This month's events will be highlighting books by Black authors in celebration of Black History Month.
Ladysmith Black Mambazo at Sanders Theater
Saturday, February 15, 2025 | 8:00 PM
South Africa’s legendary a cappella group Ladysmith Black Mambazo thrills audiences around the world with its strong, proud melodies harmonized in layers of call and response. See them in concert on February 15th at Sanders Theater in Cambridge.
Sankofa: A Journey Through the African Diaspora Experience
Sunday, February 23, 2025 | 4:00 - 6:00 PM
"Sankofa: A Journey Through the African Diaspora Experience" is a music, dance, and spoken word performance that delves into the rich history, struggles, resilience, and triumphs of people of African descent. The program is anchored by the principle of "Sankofa" — an Akan word from Ghana that translates to "go back and fetch it," symbolizing the importance of understanding and reconnecting with one’s roots. The performance thus invites participants to reflect on the past, reclaim cultural heritage, and celebrate ongoing journeys.
Special Collections Open House: Revolutionary Black Artists
Tuesday, February 25, 2025 | 2:00 - 4:00 PM
In honor of Black History Month, Boston Public Library's Special Collections will be highlighting items from their collections by Black creators. This month, they are focusing specifically on Black artists, across all genres and forms of art. Stop by their February 25th special open house, where staff will be available to answer questions as you explore collection items up close.
Free 90-minute Guided & Self-Guided Tours
The Black Heritage Trail®, a 1.6-mile trail of 10 sites throughout Beacon Hill, showcases the homes and community buildings of a thriving Black community formed during the nation's earliest years. Highlighting stops like the 54th Regiment Memorial, the Abiel Smith School, and the African Meeting House, The Black Heritage Trail shares a story of struggle, persistence, and hope as Black Bostonians organized toward the equality and freedom promised in America’s documents of national liberty.
Museum of the National Center of Afro-American Artists
New England's Hub for African-American and African Diasporan Arts
Housed since 1980 in the historic Abbotsford Estate in Boston’s Roxbury neighborhood, NCAAA has provided a continual platform for established, new, and underrepresented artists of the African diaspora, harnessing the power of art to bring people together, catalyze movements and address issues of social justice race and power.
