February is Black History Month
This month, we explore local events, educational opportunities, resources and more celebrating Black History Month.
Each February, we take time to honor the past and ongoing resilience of Black Americans and Boston residents. Sharing the stories, struggles, and achievements of African Americans continues to be vital as we reflect on past injustices, current disparities, and hope for the future in the face of ongoing conflict. This can mean engaging with this history and ongoing struggle through books and articles on lived experiences, supporting local black owned businesses, or attending educational and celebratory community events. Below are some of our favorite events, reading lists, community resources, and more:
- The Mayor’s Office of Equity and Inclusion offers a city-sponsored page for Black History Month, featuring city events, community discussions, and links to resources, tours, further education, and more.
- The Boston Public Library is sharing their Black is…. book list commemorating Black achievements, complexities, struggles, and culture. Be sure to explore their extensive events page across the network of libraries for more activities both virtual and in person.
- The Boston Museum of African American History offers reserved tours and links to resources on the history of Boston's Black abolitionist movement. Check their calendar of hosted educational events for updates, which includes readings, hosted yoga classes, concerts and discussions open to the community at several dates throughout the month.
- The Boston Museum of Science celebrates black history month each year with month-long spotlights on famous black scientists and engineers, as well as events such as the celebration on February 1 featuring speakers, guest artists, and movie screenings at the OMNI screen theater, and a special guest speaker event on Feb 19th.
- EventBrite, All Events, and Boston.com feature regularly updated of local events, shows, readings and more celebrating Black History Month in the greater Boston Area, many of which are free and open to the public.
- MeetBoston.com maintains an up to date list of black owned businesses in the greater Boston Area to explore and support within the community.
- The Smithsonian offers a list of free and paid virtual events, classes, performances and more in February focusing on art and education.
- The Boston Globe has an updated Black History Month page with tagged articles and editorials reflecting on key moments in African American history, suggestions on ways to celebrate, and more.
- GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders group offers this extensive list of LGBT online and in person support networks and resources for gay, lesbian, transgender, and queer people of color.
- The Black Mental Health Alliance is an ongoing mental health advocacy service for people of color. Their website includes a link offering to assist in finding local mental health referrals for those in need.
- Innopsych is a database designed to help those who are searching for mental health counselors of color.
As always, please reach out to us at the Employee Assistance Program for confidential counseling support, referrals and resources. Have a wonderful month, stay warm!