Black History Month logo with radiating black, green, orange, and red triangles.
celebratediversity

Black History Month – February 2024

Why is Black History Month Important?

Students, staff, and faculty from Emerson College share why Black History Month is important to them. Quotes as follows: Black history has been stepped on and slept on for centuries...this gives it the attention and honor it deserves. - Sophie, student. Black History Month is integral to learning about inventions, activists, and artists who paved a way for us and how we create our lives and work. - Drew, staff. It's important to shine a light on the moments of people who, as forces of nature, survived and thrived by overstanding an institutionalized victimization they refused to understand. - D Simpson, staff. Black History Month is a powerful tool to challenge and dismantle structures of inequality; to promote understanding, foster dialogue, and actively work towards a more inclusive and equitable society. - Sharon, staff. Recognition is everything. To be thought of as nothing for centuries creates an imprint that needs to be destroyed. Beyond acknowledgement, Black people deserve celebration. Celebration leads to inspiration. - Chelsea, staff. If the epic struggle of Blacks in the United States—a quest that the national narrative of white supremacy has often tried to distort—teaches me anything, it is that there is no god higher than history. - Jabari Asim, faculty, from his book The N Word.

Black History Month, observed annually during the month of February in the United States and Canada, and during other months of the year across the globe, is a time for acknowledging the culture, heritage, history, contributions, excellence, and joy of Black and African American communities.

Each year, the theme of Black History Month is chosen by the Association for the Study of African American Life and History. The 2024 theme, African Americans and the Arts, celebrates the power of the visual and performing arts as a space for making meaning of lived experiences.

Emersonians know the value of the arts and how deeply they are intertwined with communication. This very ethos is manifested in the title of our 2024 Teach-In on Race, A “New Normal” Just Won’t Do: Intersectionality in the Arts and Communication. This annual series of events is an opportunity to engage in critical thinking and creativity to deepen our understanding of systems of oppression and how they impact our culture and communities. The Teach-In on Race is February 7-8, both in person on the Boston campus and remotely.

We have a collective responsibility to learn about and acknowledge history, and to understand how systemic oppression reinforces power and control. As storytellers and change-makers, we must also celebrate the moments of joy that unite us. Through this year’s Teach-In on Race, other events and learning opportunities, including the Boston Public Library’s extensive calendar, and the collection of resources listed below, we hope you make time to pause and reflect on the importance that is Black History Month.

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EVENTS

TEACH-IN ON RACE
A “NEW NORMAL” JUST WON’T DO:
INTERSECTIONALITY IN THE ARTS & COMMUNICATION
FEBRUARY 7-8, 2024
https://emerson.edu/news-events/signature-events/teach-race

The Teach-In was developed to advance and deepen Emerson’s unwavering commitment to equity and inclusion, with support from the President’s Office, Academic Affairs, Office of Internationalization and Equity, Social Justice Collaborative, Emerson Prison Initiative, Deans’ Fellowship for Racial Equity and Leadership Development, ProArts Consortium, and our dedicated students, faculty, and staff.

Illustration of a woman's face looking sideways with multicolored skin and hair. White text: Teach-In on Race

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LOS ANGELES

Join us for a compelling film screening and discussion with filmmaker Yelena Demikovsky, MFA ‘04, featuring Black Russians: The Red Experiment. After the screening, engage in a Q&A with the filmmaker, followed by a short reception for further conversation and connection. Don't miss this thought-provoking event! Date: Wednesday, February 28, 2024 Time: 7:00-9:00PM PST Location: Bright Family Screening Room, Emerson Los Angeles; 5960 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles CA 90028

The Guide to Black History Month Events in Los Angeles: LA events and cultural attractions are celebrating Black History Month throughout February, by Discover Los Angeles, January 30, 2024. Still image from the film Dreamgirls, 2006.

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BOSTON

EBONI Logo

Emerson’s Black Organization with Natural Interest

Tuesday 2/6, 8 p.m.
A Taste of the Diaspora
Owens Multipurpose Center, 172 Tremont

Here’s a hard question: what’s your favorite type of Black cuisine? Rightfully so, there are so many delicious dishes to choose from! Join us for a taste of the Black diaspora where we will cater African, Soul, and Caribbean food from local Black-owned restaurants.

Tuesday 2/13, 8 p.m.
Get Down On It: Line Dance Class
Little Building, Rehearsal Studio 1

The Wobble, the Electric Slide, the Mississippi Cha Cha slide, and the list goes on…. Line dancing is a staple in our community, but do we all know the right steps? Come to check yourself, improve, and learn new dances with us.

Tuesday 2/20, 8:30 p.m.
Melanin Care Fair Sponsored by EBONI & the ladies of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.
The Cultural Center 172 Tremont, 4th Floor

Ari Lennox said, “Self-love is the best love” and she did not lie. Grab some essentials: bonnets, durags, lip balms, face masks, and prepare to be immersed in a healing workshop.

Wednesday 2/28, 12 p.m.
Lunch with the Divine Nine, co-hosted by EBONI, Fusion, & Intercultural  Student Affairs
Emerson Dining Center, 122 Boylston Street

Join students, faculty, and staff from Black Greek Letter Organizations for lunch in the Dining Center. There’ll be a DJ set and a special menu to close out BHM ’24.

Rhythm & Art: A Black Exhibition

Rhythm & Art: A Black Exhibition & Performances Sponsored by EBONI
Thursday 2/29, 8 p.m.
Huret and Spector Gallery, Tufte, 6th Floor

Join us for a night of smooth rhymes, and beautiful art created by local college Black artists.

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Unity Circles: Affinity & Support Meetings, circular illustration of a group of people with their arms around each other.

Unity Circles for Black-identifying students hosted by Emerson Wellness Center, Intercultural Student Affairs, and Student Success, Access, and Belonging 
This is a welcoming space designed for connecting, sharing, and seeking peer support in a laid-back atmosphere. Our BIPOC counselors will be available to offer guidance. We invite you to join us, foster friendships, celebrate your identity, and collectively fortify your community! EmConnect.
Fridays: February 2, March 1, April 5, and May 3, 11 a.m.
Little Building, Room 231 
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2024 Black History Month Kickoff and Flag Raising from the City of Boston. Join us as we kickoff Black History Month 2024 with "An Ode to Black Culture Through the Arts." February 6, 2024, 12:00pm-2:00pm. 1 City Hall Square, 3rd Floor, Boston, MA 02201-2006. Contact Susan McCollin at susan.mccollin@boston.gov. Price: Free.

Three Black artists performing and posing. Text from Museum of Science, Boston: Featuring a Celebration Weekend February 10 and 11. Black History Month. Public Event. Separate tickets required. Cost included with General Admission or Membership.

Flyer for Sankofa Stories. Text: Sankofa Songs: Africentric Arts Education. Lessons from Boston's Iconic Africentric Music Educators. Sankofa Stories, Presented by Sankofa Songs! Inc. A Panel Discussion with Leading Experts. Delve into the unique perspectives, methods, and materials of Boston's iconic Black music educators past and present. Free admission. Tuesday, February 20, 2024, 10:30 a.m. Roxbury Branch, BPL, 149 Dudley St. Roxbury, MA 02119.

Emerson Contemporary featuring Kameelah Janan Rasheed, January 23 - March 23, 2024.

Joel Mackall leads a group of students from the University of London down Long Wharf during one of his Hidden Black History Tours. (Jesse Costa/WBUR)

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LEARN MORE

Library Guide from the Iwasaki Library featuring selections in honor of Black History Month.

From the Association for the Study of African American Life and History: The Founders of Black History Month featuring The Origins of Black History Month by Daryl Michael Scott, ASALH Former National President. Photo of Carter G. Woodson in front of bookshelves full of books.

Black History Month Digital Toolkit: Art as a Platform for Social Justice, illustrated background of a person holding microphone in the air. From the National Museum of African American History & Culture.