Where to Celebrate Black History Month in Boston

It's February, and that means it's time to celebrate Black History Month. In Boston, you've got several options that range between programs, films, art shows and activities for adults, kids and teens. 

You can see the city's full list here, but here are some of the highlights happening in Boston:

BOSTON PUBLIC LIBRARY
Boston Public Library will observe Black History Month in February with a series of programs, films, and activities for all age groups. Highlights from the month’s programming include:  

• African Mask Making. For children ages 6-12, a program on African mask making is offered at sixteen different Boston Public Library locations. Young people will create a paper mache mask with Behind the Mask Studio Artists who will display samples, discuss techniques, and guide creativity. The South End branch will host this event on Wednesday, Feb. 4 Feb. 6 at 3:30 p.m.

• Harriet Tubman: I Can’t Die But Once.For families with children ages 11 and older, storyteller Gwendolyn Quezaire-Presutti (pictured right) performs Harriet Tubman: I Can't Die But Once at seven Boston Public Library locations including the East Boston, Faneuil, Dudley, Lower Mills, West Roxbury, Orient Heights, and Grove Hall branches on various days. Told in the oral tradition, Quezaire-Presutti will present the life and times of Harriet Tubman in a 45-minute presentation including how Harriet Tubman operated as a scout and spy of the Union Army, and was possibly the first American woman to work on the battlefields of the Civil War. 

• Author Calvin Alexander Ramsey will share readings from his book, Ruth and the Green Book, on Saturday, February 9, at 2 p.m. at the Central Library in Copley Square. Although the event is free, RSVPs are required as seating is limited. 

• Central Library Film Series. The Central Library in Copley Square hosts a trio of Monday evening films celebrating African American Actors in February with screenings of To Wong Fu, The Preacher’s Wife, andHotel Rwanda. The films are shown at 6 p.m. in Rabb Lecture Hall on February 4, 11, and 25. 
  
  
• Dudley Branch Film Series. The Dudley Branch of the Boston Public Library hosts a Wednesday afternoon film series during the month of February. All films relate to the theme “at the crossroads of freedom and equality” and will be shown at 3 p.m. on February 6, 13, 20, and 27. The movie titles are Glory, The Long Walk Home, Do the Right Thing, and Pariah. 

• Black History Booklist -  Boston Public Library is publishing its annual “Black Is” booklist, a compilation of recent works by and about African Americans for adult readers. The 2013 booklist contains dozens of fiction and nonfiction works, including autobiographies by Vanessa Williams; Rodney King; and Zakes Mda, the noted South African contemporary writer.

The complete schedule of upcoming events at Boston Public Library locations, for Black History month and beyond, is available at www.bpl.org/calendar.

FREEDOM TRAIL

• African American Patriots Tour - The African American Patriots Tour takes visitors through historic events of the American Revolution and the contributions of African-Americans who played a significant role in the formation of the country. Led by costumed guides, visitors view history through the eyes of revolutionaries such as Crispus Attucks, Phyllis Wheatley, Prince Hall and Peter Salem. The trail meets at 12:45 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays at the Boston Common Visitor Information Center (148 Tremont St.) and is $13 for adults $11 for seniors/students and $7 children. 

MUSEUM OF AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY

• MLK and Signs of Freedom - This new installation at the Museum of African American History (14 Beacon St.) celebrates the life and legacy of Dr. King and other heroes of the Civil Rights Movement. Poignant scenes captured by Memphis photographer Ernest Withers include protest signs from the Civil Rights era and powerful broadsides from the Abolitionist Movement recall incredible campaigns for human liberty. You can stop by anytime from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Cost of admission is $5 for adults, $3 for teens and seniors. 

Where do you plan to celebrate Black History Month? Tell us in the comments.

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