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Black History Month Events: Cape Cod, The Islands, South Coast

Feb 23, 2024, 11:24 AM

February is Black History Month, and we’re celebrating all over the state! Find our list of Black History Month events below for Cape Cod, the Island, and South Coast below; if you have an event you’d like to submit for inclusion, please email Joshua Murray: murray@nonotuck.com.

See also:

Cape Cod and the Islands

All Month

African American Heritage Trail

Now in its 25th year, The African American Heritage Trail of Martha’s Vineyard is comprised of 30 sites dedicated to the formerly unrecognized contributions made by people of African descent to the history of the island. A descriptive plaque has been at each of these sites.

Museum of African American History

The African Meeting House is the only public building constructed and occupied by African Americans in the 19th century still standing on Nantucket.

February 16

MA Arts Impact: An Executive Director’s Perspective with Michael J. Bobbitt, Executive Director of the MA Cultural Council,

Mass Cultural Council Executive Director Michael J. Bobbitt is the highest-ranking cultural official in Massachusetts state government. Since his appointment in February 2021, the Council has made significant strides, including crafting its first Racial Equity Plan, securing and distributing a historic $60.1M in state pandemic relief for the cultural sector, and crafting and adopting its FY24-FY26 Strategic Plan. Michael’s prior roles as Artistic Director at New Repertory Theatre in MA and Adventure Theatre-MTC in MD established him as a driving force in professional regional theater and theater training. In 2023, he was appointed by Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey to serve on her Advisory Council on Black Empowerment.

February 23

“Before Brooklyn: The Unsung Heroes Who Helped Break Baseball’s Color Barrier” a Lecture by Journalist and Author, Ted Reinstein

This lecture will be a spirited look back at the sixty years before Jackie Robinson, and the people—and a part of history—often overlooked: the everyday Americans of all kinds who helped pave the way for the first great Civil Rights victory of the 20th Century: breaking baseball’s color barrier.

February 24

“The Middle” Celebrating the Many Forms Blackness Comes In”

Miranda and Krista Lawson, Dancers, Choreographers, & Performers

In their duet, sisters Miranda and Krista Lawson explore the complexities of being biracial. The piece researches different dance styles and their meeting points as a way of mirroring their experiences with two separate identities becoming one.

February 29

2024 Harambee Celebration

Please join us for food, fellowship, and fun in celebration of Black History Month 2024 honoring this year’s national theme of “African Americans and the Arts” with special musical guests Naomi Westwater and friends.

South Coast

All Month

New Bedford Black History Trail

The New Bedford Whaling Museum and National Park presents a rich history of the Black experience in New Bedford and the southeast coast of Massachusetts, including many Black seamen who worked on the whaling ships, as well as the compelling story of fugitive slaves who made it to New Bedford through the underground railroad.

February 10

February 2024 Black History Month Programming: Eden Soares

New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park

33 William St, New Bedford, MA 02740

Join Eden Soares of trigrfx (pronounced “/ tri,grafiks/”) as he shares his work through murals and other arts. As a local artist, he weaves a story that resonates with the local community and visitors alike. In the past years, he has captured the essence of New Bedford’s culture and history in colorful and captivating murals. Some of his works include the artistic painting of Booker T. Washington. He has also created a mural honoring Cesaria Evora on the wall of the Cape Verdean Cultural Center, the former Strand Theater on Acushnet Avenue.

February 17

2024 Black History Month Programming: 1850 Ladies

Discover how Boston and New Bedford anti-slavery societies used crafting to raise money to support the abolitionist cause with the 1850 Ladies, aka Ruth and Abby. The Ladies will present a display of some of the arts and crafts sold and how New Bedford contributed. The women will also tell stories about the abolitionist fairs held in New Bedford by local women.

The New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park will host a special free event every Saturday in February at 1 p.m. to celebrate Black History Month.

February 18

Scavenger Hunts: Black History Month Events

Heritage State Park
Davol Street, Fall River, MA, 0272

Fall River is rich with history. These scavenger hunts put you on the path to discovering the people and stories that are the fabric of our community. Three scavenger hunts are available:

  • Do You Know Your Fall River Black History?
  • Find that African Flag,
  • Textiles, Textiles Everywhere

Free. All materials are provided.

February 27

ArtTalks: Black History Month

Dancer, choreographer, theatrical producer and newly arrived New Bedford resident, Marla D. Blakey shares stories of her illustrious career in the entertainment industry. Ms. Blakey performed with Sammy Davis, Jr., Billy Eckstein, Sarah Vaughan, and the bands of Duke Ellington and Cab Calloway, among many others. While living in Los Angeles she choreographed and staged shows for artists such as Donna Summer, Anne Murray, Aretha Franklin, Bette Midler, David Bowie, Sting, and Motown artists.

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