Community Corner

Where to Celebrate Black History Month in Boston

The Boston Public Library, the Freedom Trail and the Museum of African American History are all holding events in February.

 

It's February, and that means it's time to celebrate Black History Month. In Boston, you've got several options that range between programs, films, art shows and activities for adults, kids and teens. 

You can see the full list of city events or check out some of the highlights happening in Boston here:

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BOSTON PUBLIC LIBRARY
Boston Public Library will observe Black History Month in February with a series of programs, films, and activities for all age groups. Highlights from the month’s programming include:  

  • African Mask Making—For children ages 6-12, a program on African mask making is offered at 16 different Boston Public Library locations. Young people will create a paper mache mask with Behind the Mask studio artists who will display samples, discuss techniques and guide creativity.
  • Harriet Tubman: I Can’t Die But Once—For families with children ages 11 and older, storyteller Gwendolyn Quezaire-Presutti (pictured above) will perform "Harriet Tubman: I Can't Die But Once" at seven Boston Public Library locations including the East Boston, Faneuil, Dudley, Lower Mills, West Roxbury, Orient Heights and Grove Hall branches on various days. Told in the oral tradition, Quezaire-Presutti will present the life and times of Harriet Tubman in a 45-minute presentation including how Harriet Tubman operated as a scout and spy of the Union Army and was possibly the first American woman to work on the battlefields of the Civil War. 
  • Author Calvin Alexander Ramsey will share readings from his book, "Ruth and the Green Book" on Saturday, Feb. 9, at 2 p.m. at the Central Library in Copley Square. Although the event is free, RSVPs are required as seating is limited. 
  • Central Library Film Series. The Central Library in Copley Square hosts a trio of Monday evening films celebrating African American Actors in February with screenings of "To Wong Fu," "The Preacher’s Wife" and "Hotel Rwanda." The films will be shown at 6 p.m. in Rabb Lecture Hall on Feb. 4, 11 and 25. 

  • Dudley Branch Film Series. The Dudley Branch of the Boston Public Library will host a Wednesday afternoon film series during the month of February. All films will relate to the theme “at the crossroads of freedom and equality” and will be shown at 3 p.m. on Feb. 6, 13, 20 and 27. The movie titles are "Glory," "The Long Walk Home," "Do the Right Thing" and "Pariah."
  • Black History Booklist—Boston Public Library is publishing its annual “Black Is” booklist, a compilation of recent works by and about African Americans for adult readers. The 2013 booklist contains dozens of fiction and nonfiction works, including autobiographies by Vanessa Williams, Rodney King and Zakes Mda, the noted South African contemporary writer.

The complete schedule of upcoming events at Boston Public Library locations, for Black History month and beyond, is available at www.bpl.org/calendar.

Find out what's happening in West Roxburywith free, real-time updates from Patch.

FREEDOM TRAIL

  • African American Patriots Tour—The African American Patriots Tour takes visitors through historic events of the American Revolution and the contributions of African-Americans who played a significant role in the formation of the country. Led by costumed guides, visitors view history through the eyes of revolutionaries such as Crispus Attucks, Phyllis Wheatley, Prince Hall and Peter Salem. The tour will meet at 12:45 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays at the Boston Common Visitor Information Center (148 Tremont St.) and costs $13 for adults, $11 for seniors and students and $7 for children. 

MUSEUM OF AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY

  • MLK and Signs of Freedom—This new installation at the Museum of African American History (14 Beacon St.) celebrates the life and legacy of Dr. King and other heroes of the Civil Rights Movement. Poignant scenes captured by Memphis photographer Ernest Withers include protest signs from the Civil Rights era and powerful broadsides from the Abolitionist Movement recall incredible campaigns for human liberty. You can stop by anytime from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Cost of admission is $5 for adults, $3 for teens and seniors. 

Where do you plan to celebrate Black History Month? Tell us in the comments.


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