February is Black History Month

This February, we once again take time to honor the past and ongoing resilience of Black Americans and Boston residents at the start of Black History Month.  Sharing the stories, struggles, and achievements of African Americans remains essential as we reflect on historical injustices, present-day disparities, and hopes for the future. This reflection can take many forms, such as engaging with books and articles centered on lived experiences, supporting local Black-owned businesses, or participating in educational and celebratory community events. There are many more ways to learn and engage, as highlighted here by the Black Physicians and Healthcare Network.  More than ever, it is ongoing work to maintain resilience, build compassion for self and others, and deal with both inspiring and difficult history with sincere effort and care. Below, we’ve gathered some of our favorite up-to-date area events, reading lists, community resources, and more:

• The Mayor’s Office of Equity and Inclusion has updated a thorough events and resource page celebrating Black History Month in 2026, featuring city events and tours, art displays, further education and more. 
• The Boston Public Library continues to update each year a list of in person and virtual events celebrating black history month.   They also update their Black is…. Book list each year for adults and children alike, featuring 75+ books encompassing the black experience.
• The Boston Museum of African American History offers reserved tours and education on the history of Boston's Black abolitionist movement.  Be sure to explore their calendar of hosted educational events, which includes readings, events for children and teenagers, yoga and flower workshops, film screenings, music and more.
• The Old South Church of Boston is offering a series of concerts, performances, and talks from (G)Race Speaks, focused on history, anti-racism, and dignity of self and others.
• 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 also offers a regularly updated list of black owned businesses in the greater Boston Area to explore and support within the community, as well as their own area events calendar.
• The Smithsonian has an extensive new list of art and educational resources, events, and podcast episodes focusing on black history month as seen through their collection.
• The Boston Globe’s Black History Month page features articles, stories and editorials reflecting on key historical and modern moments in African American history from the past year.

• GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders group maintains this extensive list of LGBT online and in person support networks and resources for gay, lesbian, transgender, and queer people of color, as well as survivors of HIV.
• The Black Mental Health Alliance is an ongoing mental health advocacy group serving people of color. They also assist here in directing connecting individuals with local mental health services.
• Innopsych is a provider database designed to help connect to mental health counselors and clinicians of color. 

As always, please reach out to us at the Employee Assistance Program for confidential counseling support, referrals and more.  Have a warm and safe month.