Museum Of African American History
46 Joy St.
Boston, MA 02114
Price: $3 to $5
A visit to the Museum of African American History in Boston is always a good way to celebrate the culture and history of African Americans in the United States. Two current exhibits that are especially important are a Martin Luther King, Jr. exhibit and a celebration of the 150-year anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation. The first revisits King’s and his contemporaries’ work for civil rights through the photography of Ernest Withers. The second involves not only the anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation, but of the first northern black infantry regiment to fight in the Civil War.
African American Patriots Tour
The Freedom Trail
99 Chauncy St. #401
Boston, MA 02111
The African American Patriots Tour is a walking tour of the city that shows visitors the black history side of The Freedom Trail. The tour takes an hour and a half. Some individuals discussed in the tour are Phillis Wheatley, the first African-American poet, and Crispus Attucks, the first victim of the Boston Massacre. Groups can call the Freedom Trail Foundation to book a group tour. The tour is returning to Boston exclusively for Black History Month, so this is the only time to enjoy it.
John F. Kennedy Library And Museum
220 Morrissey Blvd.
Boston, MA 02125
John F. Kennedy was President of the United States during the peak years of the Civil Rights Movement and was one of its most important figures. Both John and his brother Robert stood by Martin Luther King, Jr. and were outspoken proponents of desegregation. As it was a major part of his presidency, there are pieces in the museum’s exhibits and materials in its library that pertain to the Civil Rights Movement. Sifting through them is a great way to celebrate and learn about black history in the United States.
Boston Black… A City Connects
Boston Children’s Museum
308 Congress St.
Boston, MA 02210
This exhibit at the Boston Children’s Museum is a celebration of the city’s ethnic diversity and an interactive way for children to explore concepts of race and racial identity. It also delves into the history of blacks in Boston and the impact they have had on the city. The exhibit is a walk through some of Boston’s neighborhoods and a lesson in the presence and culture of black people in Boston, which is something children today might take for granted.
Boston Public Library Reading List
Boston Public Library
700 Boylston St.
Every year, the Boston Public Library releases a reading list for Black History Month. The books on this list are considered on-topic and timely. The list is called “Black Is,” as it is meant to be a study in what being black means to the writers in their experiences or to teach the reader something about the ethnicity and culture. On top of this book list, the library tends to hold several events that include guest speakers. Those who have the time should check out these events. Otherwise, pick a novel from the list and celebrate the month by reading relevant books.
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Shelly Barclay is a professional freelance writer and amateur author. She writes on a variety of topics from food to mysteries. She loves to share the culture and rich history of her birthplace and home, Boston, with the rest of the world. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.