Black History Month Events: Central MA/ Worcester

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

See also:

• Black History Month Events: Western MA
• Black History Month Events: Lowell, Lynn
• Black History Month Events: Boston, Eastern MA

All Month

Krikorian Gallery

25 Sagamore Road, Worcester, MA

The exhibition draws on the inspiring words of poet, activist, and educator, Sonia Sanchez. It is a poem written to her community that both inspires Black folk to remember their history and the historical injustices they experienced…”

Worcester Black History Project

Feb. 1 to 29: Gallery open Tuesday through Saturday.Krikorian Gallery, 25 Sagamore Road, Worcester

Art exhibition featuring work by Black artists responding to the theme “Catch the Fire,” in reference to the poem of the same name by poet and activist, Sonia Sanchez. Opening reception will be held Friday, Feb. 3 from 4 to 6 p.m.

February 13

The Oppressed Head: A Historical Review of the Beauty and Identity of Black Women’s Hair and Headdress

Higgins Lounge, Dana Commons, 2nd floor at Clark University, 36 Maywood St., Worcester Free

3 to 5 p.m.

A lecture by Dr. Tameka Ellington discussing how Black women’s hair is viewed in a society catering to white sensibilities and the unequal treatment that can arise. Lecture will be followed by a reception and book signing of Ellington’s book, “Black Hair in a White World.”

February 15

50th Anniversary Hip Hop, Wortown Rising

5:30 p.m.Sullivan Auditorium, 486 Chandler St., Worcester Free

Screening by Worcester State University’s Office of Multicultural Affairs of the documentary “Wortown Rising,” depicting the origins of Worcester’s own brand of hip hop music and culture, followed by a post-film discussion with the director and panelists. Snow date scheduled for Feb. 22.

February 17

Black History Month Celebration

337 Main St, South Lancaster, MA 01561

Last February we held our 1st annual Black History Month celebration and it was a huge success! We had hundreds in attendance, and many more watching live online. We also had the event recorded and played on local TV stations.

Film Showing: Biking While Black

Saxe Room Main Library3 Salem Square , Worcester, MA, 01608

An important look at the joys and challenges of biking while Black and the need for a transit future rooted in justice and equity. BIKING WHILE BLACK chronicles the determination of communities and the fight to continue to ride through decriminalization, disenfranchisement, and gentrification.

Filmmaker Yolanda Davis-Overstreet takes us on a journey to explore the devastating realities of Black lives on bicycles from community members most impacted, from over-policing to loss of life. We learn from local experts how this problem has been progressing and whether it is getting any better.

February 18

Black History Month Youth Extravaganza

3 to 5 p.m.The Village Worcester, 4 King St., Worcester

Free

Family event designed to educate young people about Black History Month through arts, crafts and activities.

February 24

“The Greatest Cyclist of All Time” with Whirlwind film director Cyrille Vincent

Banx Room Main Library 3 Salem Square , Worcester, MA, 01608

“The Greatest Cyclist of All Time” is a presentation by Cyrille Vincent who is the director and producer of WHIRLWIND, the upcoming documentary exploring the life and time of legendary American world champion cyclist, Marshall Major Taylor.

In this presentation, Cyrille argues that Major Taylor is perhaps the greatest cyclist of all time. Through a combination of rare archives and behind the scene photos of the film in the making, Cyrille introduces the audience to the often overlooked aspects of Major Taylor’s life. His childhood, family, Jim Crow and life abroad are some of the themes explored in this presentation.

Cyrille Vincent is a storyteller and filmmaker interested in uncovering stories of marginalized communities in America and around the world. Cyrille received the Worcester Artist Fellowship Grant in 2020. He has produced and directed numerous short films and one feature length documentary titled: Woodstock: The Guide. Cyrille’s work has been featured at QFlix, the Largest LGBTQ+ film festival in the United States, the Neuro Film Fest and the International Cycling History Conference.

February 29

Black History Month: Closing Keynote with Austin Martin from Rhymes with Reason

7:00pm, Fitchburg State College, Hammond Hall | Main Lounge

Join us as we commemorate the closing of the month with Keynote Speaker Austin Martin. Austin founded the organization “Rhymes with Reason,” which helps youth learn vocabulary through music lyrics of famous artists. Austin’s work has been invested in by the Beyonce Foundation and many more!