The City of Boston's Department of Supplier Diversity and the Office of Small Business are hosting a panel in honor of Black History Month.

The event will take place on Thursday, February 26th from 10 am - 1 pm and will celebrate and uplift the stories of black-owned businesses in the City of Boston. Business owners will speak on their story, struggles, and experiences working in or contracting with the City.

Attendees will have the opportunity for networking. Light refreshments will be served at the conclusion of the panel. 

Panelists include:

• Willie Hicks Jr., President and Owner of Hicks Auto Body

• Alex and Johanna Edwards, Co-Founders of Thumbprint Realty

• Shari Betty, Owner of Golden Key Advisors

• Derick Foster, Owner of Chez-Vous Roller Skating Rink

• Christina David, Owner of David & Associates

REGISTER

Join us for a two-hour Evacuation Day Cruise through Boston Harbor to explore the story of the Siege of Boston from the water (June 1775 to March 1776). As we navigate the same channels used by the British fleet to evacuate the town, Park Rangers will provide historical narration highlighting the key events, people, landmarks, and moments that led to the evacuation.

Departing from Long Wharf, the cruise passes by the Charlestown Navy Yard with views of the Bunker Hill Monument, Fort Independence (known as Fortress William in 1776) and Dorchester Heights, as well as several harbor islands including Little Brewster, home to Boston Light. As the ship swings around Little Brewster back towards Boston, enjoy musical entertainment by the duo Tobias Tripp and Prudence Merriweather, returning to Long Wharf at 3:00 p.m.

Join the Boston Public Library and Revolutionary Spaces for a Living Room Conversation on history and society in the historic Old South Meeting House.

History is not a fixed truth, but a tapestry of stories - each shaped by the storyteller's viewpoint. What happens to our understanding of the historical record when some of those stories are amplified and others are silenced? This conversation gives us a chance to explore the relationship between history and society and how narratives influence our collective identity, values, and understanding of the world we live in.

What is a Living Room Conversation?

In Living Room Conversations, participants will take turns talking and listening to share and learn about the topic being discussed. Facilitated by library staff members, these conversations offer a simple, sociable, and structured way to practice communicating across differences while building understanding and relationships.

This program is free to attend. Registration is required.

This event is part of the Life, Liberty, and Pursuit of Happiness program series hosted by BPL Community History Dept and Revolutionary Spaces. Learn more about the series at bpl.org.