Mayor Walsh to celebrate Black History Month

In partnership with ArtsBoston, Mayor Martin J. Walsh today announced that the City of Boston will host a series of free events to celebrate Black History Month, which will start with the Black History Month Kick-Off Celebration on Tuesday, February 2nd at 12:00PM in Boston City Hall on the 3rd floor mezzanine.  

"In the City of Boston, we celebrate our diversity and history," said Mayor Walsh. "This month marks a time to reflect and honor all of those who came before us and sacrificed their lives to uplift the Black community in this City and across the nation. Although, February is Black History Month, heritage should be celebrated year-round. I encourage all residents to attend the events we have planned. It'll be a great time to come together and celebrate our vibrant community."  

In addition to the City of Boston event series, Boston's arts and cultural community honors Black History Month by elevating narratives of racial identity and cultural equity. Performances include An Octoroon, 2014 Obie Award winner for Best New American Play by Branden Jacobs-Jenkins and co-presented by Company One Theatre and ArtsEmerson. Playwright Kirsten Greenidge has two new productions on stage including the world premiere of Baltimore presented by Boston Center for American Performance and New Repertory Theatre, and Milk Like Sugar presented by Huntington Theatre Company.  

In addition, Black history in Boston is represented on the African American Patriots Tour presented by The Freedom Trail Foundation, which showcases tales of bravery by black Bostonians such as Crispus Attucks, Peter Salem and poet Phillis Wheatley. A full listing of Black History Month events, including descriptions, locations and how to get tickets can be foundat Calendar.ArtsBoston.org/BlackBoston.  

"Participating in Boston's arts and cultural experiences - during Black History Month and throughout the year - enables us all to better understand our world from diverse perspectives and shines a spotlight on the historical significance, innovation and creativity happening right here at home," said Catherine Peterson, Executive Director of ArtsBoston.  

Black History Kick-Off with Mayor Walsh and Friends

Tuesday, February 2, 2016, 12:00PM

Boston City Hall, 3rd Floor Mezzanine, Downtown Boston  

Community Conversation: Triumphs and Challenges of Black Boston

Thursday, February 11, 2016, 5:30PM

BCYF Tobin Community Center Community Room, lower level 1481 Tremont Street, Roxbury  

Movie Night: Celebrating Black Film History

Wednesday, February 17, 2016, 5:30PM

BCYF Centers: Tobin, Mildred, Charlestown and Roslindale  

Commission of Elderly Affairs Black History Month Luncheon

Thursday, February 25, 2016, 11:00AM

Prince Hall, 24 Washington Street, Dorchester  

Black History Month Social: Celebrating Artwork

Friday, February 26, 2016, 5:30PM

Grand Circle Travel, 347 Congress Street, Downtown Boston  

This event series is hosted in collaboration by ArtsBoston, Boston Centers for Youth & Families, the City of Boston Elections Department, and the Mayor's Offices of Diversity, Women's Advancement, Health and Human Services, Fair Housing & Equity and Arts & Culture.

For more information on all events or to purchase tickets, visitCalendar.ArtsBoston.org/BlackBoston.  

Submit your event here to have it included on the website for Black History Month: calendar.artsboston.org/login/.  

To join the celebration on social media, use #BlackHistoryBos.     

About ArtsBoston

Celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2015, ArtsBoston is a nonprofit arts service organization with a mission to support and grow the arts and cultural sector of Greater Boston. In support of our 175 member organizations and reaching over 1 million arts consumers, we provide vital research and audience building programs that encourage participation in arts and culture, stimulate demand and raise attendance. ArtsBoston is a two-time recipient (2001 and 2015) of the Massachusetts Cultural Council Commonwealth Award - the state's highest honor for the arts.  www.ArtsBoston.org