Celebrate Black History in Boston

Every February we as Americans celebrate Black History Month. It's a time for recognizing that accomplishments and achievements of the African-American community. It's our chance as a country to repay them for years of oppression as well as learn more about African-American culture. However, you don't need to wait until February to get involved with events and functions dedicated to Black History. There are plenty of ways to see for yourself the impact that African-Americans have had on our country.

If you have an interest, the Museum of Afro-American History in Boston plays host to exhibits and events almost everyday of the week. Right now they have two excellent exhibits portraying the involvement of blacks in and around Boston. One dedicated to the Hard-Hat tours inspired by Frederick Douglass, also has a feature showcasing the last public appearance by Langston Hughes.

They also have an interesting exhibit dealing with Black Beacon Hill, that being the community of free blacks that resided on the north slope of Beacon Hill. Hear stories about segregation, racism, and redemption as this group overcame the struggles of living as a minority in the city of Boston. Both of these exhibits are free with admission.

The main showcase at the museum right now is called "Words of Thunder," and is dedicated to William Lloyd Garrison and the ambassadors of abolition. Garrison was influential in aiding and abetting the Underground Railroad, and this exhibit pays tribute to the monumental efforts of himself as well as people like Harriet Tubman and Sojourner Truth. This is also free to the public and is a must see for anyone interested in the history of the slave trade in New England.

If you are interested in getting into the deep and dark roots of black history in Boston, then you should sign up for the Black Heritage Trail Tours. Going through Boston, the tour highlights the struggles for freedom and equal rights that the black community dealt with throughout history. The tour starts across from the Massachusetts State House at the Robert Gould Shaw 54th Regiment Memorial. The tours occur Monday through Saturday and are at 10 a.m., 12 p.m., and 2 p.m.

The National Center of Afro-American Artists in another excellent museum that showcases some of the black community's best and most talented artists. Also located in Boston, they now have three exhibits on display. The beaded prayer project, Vitality Alive: beading in the African Diaspora, and Painting with Fabric: quilts by Michele David should all be viewed by anyone interested in experiencing the African Americans side of art and its influences. The permanent collection features pieces by Charles White, Robert Thompson, and Ellen Banks to name a few.

If you are at all interested in learning more about the history and influence of the African American community in New England, then you need to check out the aforementioned exhibits and events. It's essential that we recognize the accomplishments of blacks, and what a better way to do it than culturing yourself at the same time.