Black History Month has arrived, and Boston is ready to celebrate. Engage with history, literature, art and music celebrating the Black experience at these events happening around the city.
Beyond the Page with Pulitzer Prize-Winning Author, Alice Walker
Renowned author Alice Walker was the first African American woman to win the Pulitzer Prize for Literature and the National Book Award for “The Color Purple.” In this program with GBH, Walker will discuss her literary legacy and take questions from the audience.
When: Wednesday, Feb. 1, 7 p.m.
Where: Virtual
Cost: Free
August Wilson’s ‘Seven Guitars’
Nominated for a Pulitzer Prize, “Seven Guitars” is part mystery, part comedy. When Floyd “Schoolboy” Barton turns up dead, the play takes an intimate look at seven different African American characters in an effort to uncover what, or who, killed Floyd.
When: Feb. 8–March 5
Where: Hibernian Hall, Roxbury
Cost: $0-$45
Black Boston Stories: Growing Up
In this program, four longtime Boston residents will reflect on their experiences growing up in the city, then open the conversation up to the audience. The dialogue is organized by the Boston Public Library’s Norman B. Leventhal Map & Education Center. Food will be provided.
When: Thursday, Feb. 9, 6 p.m.
Where: Boston Public Library Grove Hall Branch
Cost: Free
In the Making: Robell Awake and Dr. Tiffany Momon
Craftsperson and furniture-maker Robell Awake and Dr. Tiffany Moman will discuss Awake’s latest research project in this virtual program from North Bennet Street School. Awake and NBSS graduate Charlie Ryland are working to collect more information about the contributions of Black and Indigenous craftspeople to the history of furniture-making.
When: Thursday, Feb. 9, 7p.m.
Where: Virtual
Cost: Free
Join percussionist Cornell Coley for a
kids’ drumming workshop at the North
End branch of Boston Public Library. PHOTO: COURTESY OF CORNELL COLEY
Drumming Workshop with Cornell Coley for Children
Children ages 4–10 can attend this exciting drumming workshop with percussionist Cornell Coley. They’ll learn a bit of history of drumming and some basic techniques and have an opportunity to express themselves through their own rhythms.
When: Tuesday, Feb. 21, 10:30 a.m.
Where: Boston Public Library North End Branch
Cost: Free
Gumbo Stories: A Black History Celebration Concert
Using historical stories from New Orleans as a framework, “Gumbo Stories” will showcase a wide variety of music styles from second line and congregational to jazz and bounce. The concert will be a celebration of Black music from New Orleans.
When: Thursday, Feb. 23, 8 p.m.
Where: Berklee Performance Center
Cost: $15–25
Opera on Tap Brunch: Celebrating Black Excellence in Opera
This lively event at The Burren will highlight Black opera singers and music. In typical Opera on Tap fashion, songs are accompanied by juicy historical details about the performances and actors working throughout operatic history.
When: Saturday, Feb. 25, noon
Where: The Burren
Cost: Free
African-American Patriots® Tours
Led by a costumed and in-character 18th-century guide, take a tour through Boston and learn about the African Americans who lived, worked and fought in Boston during the American Revolution, including Crispus Attucks, Phillis Wheatley, Prince Hall and others.
When: Saturdays and Sundays in Feb., 10:45 a.m.
Where: Boston Common Visitor Information Center
Cost: $17
