February is Black History Month, where we honor
the incredible contributions the Black community has made
throughout U.S. history — from civil rights leaders to
artists, politicians to entrepreneurs — and we celebrate the
Black history that’s being made today and every day.
The celebration of Black life extends past the holiday, but the
Boston area is rich with opportunities to appreciate and learn
about Black history and culture this month. Dive into these ways to
observe local and national Black history and culture throughout
Massachusetts.
The Embrace Memorial
Permanent Installation
Boston Common, Boston, Massachusetts
Unveiled this year over Martin Luther King
Jr. Day weekend, “The Embrace” is an impactful new
piece of public art transforming Boston Common. This eye-catching
bronze sculpture, inspired by a 1964 photo of Martin Luther King
Jr. and Coretta Scott King embracing after he learned he had won
the Nobel Peace Prize, is set in the 1965 Freedom Plaza, which
commemorates the legacies of local civil rights leaders. A
self-guided digital experience is available for those looking to
learn more about Boston’s civil rights history.
Click here to learn more about “The
Embrace.”
Black Art
Celebration & Community Cultural Day
New Art Center, Newton, Massachusetts
Sunday, February 12
The New Art
Center and Newton Community Pride are celebrating Black History
Month with the opening of “He Changed The World,”
an exhibition created by New Art’s Martin Luther King
vacation program students in collaboration with artist Jamaal Eversley. The exhibition opens on Sunday,
February 12 with a celebration including art making and
refreshments, and will remain on view until February
28.
Click here for tickets and more
information.
The
Grimkes — A Legacy of Slavery in an American Family
North Andover Historical Society, North Andover,
Massachusetts
Wednesday, February 15
Dr. Kerri
Greenidge, a Mellon Assistant Professor in the Department of
Studies in Race, Colonialism, and Diaspora at Tufts University, will
give a talk at the North Andover Historical Society on her critically
acclaimed book, “The
Grimkes.” The book delves into the story of the
abolitionist Grimke Sisters, and the forgotten black members of
their family.
Visit this link for more on Dr. Greenidge, “The
Grimkes,” and this event.
James
Baldwin Abroad Screening & Panel
Wednesday, February 15
Cape Cinema, Dennis, Massachusetts
Harlem-born writer and activist James Baldwin
spoke out against racism through his novels and essays throughout
his career. In a new series of recently restored films, Baldwin is
captured exploring London, Paris, and Istanbul, revealing much
about his life and accomplishments. All three films will be
screened at the Cape Cinema followed by an instructive panel
discussion featuring local activists and community
leaders.
Click here for tickets and more
information.
Black
History Month Celebration: From My Mother’s Hands
Saturday, February 25
Fuller Craft Museum, Brockton, Massachusetts
Brockton’s Fuller Craft Museum and the Harambee
Learning & Cultural Center have teamed up to celebrate
black women and mothers at this free public event. Highlights
include a talk with famed storyteller Len Cabral, a soul
food lunch, a tour featuring black artists with the Museum’s
educators, and a performance from Ready Set Step!, Southeastern
High School’s step team.
Click here to register and learn more about this
event.
Black
History Month Oratory and Art Competition
Saturday, February 25
Randolph Intergenerational Community Center, Randolph,
Massachusetts
The Norfolk-Plymouth County Area Alumnae Chapter of Delta
Sigma Theta Sorority has invited students from Norfolk and
Plymouth counties to submit a speech or an art piece that
represents a social justice issue that impacts the Black community.
The works will be presented and judged on Saturday, February 25 at
the Randolph
Intergenerational Community Center, and three winners will be
awarded a cash prize.
Click here for tickets and more
information.
Celebrating
Black Horticultural Heroes
All Month Long
New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill, Boylston,
Massachusetts
Throughout the month of February, the New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill
celebrates the achievements of Black horticulturalists in their
Horticultural Heroes exhibit. The Garden’s Lobby Gallery will
feature portraits of Black Americans who have contributed to
agriculture, farming, and organic science, including George
Washington Carver and Michelle Obama.
Click here to learn more about the
Horticultural Heroes exhibit.
Boston Black Restaurant Challenge
All Month Long
Boston, Massachusetts
The Boston Black Restaurant Challenge is back this year,
encouraging diners to order takeout or delivery from at least one
Black-owned restaurant per week throughout February. And with a
variety of tasty and inspired options, this is the best challenge
of the year. The Boston Black Hospitality Coalition has compiled a
guide to Black-owned restaurants in each Boston neighborhood, from
casual French dining at Cafe Sauvage to jazz and cocktails at the
iconic Wally’s Cafe.
Click here to
learn more and explore restaurants by neighborhood.
“Frank
Bowling’s Americas” Exhibition
On view through Apr 9, 2023
Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
Boston’s Museum of Fine Arts is the ideal place to draw
inspiration from the works of Black artists. One current exhibition
celebrates the work of Frank Bowling, a contemporary painter born
in British Guinea. Bowling’s paintings are a shining example
of the rise of Black abstract artists in the 1960s and 1970s, and
reflect the cultural shifts and social changes that defined the
period.
Visit this link for more on “Frank Bowling’s
Americas.”