February is Black History Month, and this year’s theme is “A Century of Black History Comemorations.”
The following information in quotes is from the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH®), the founders of Black History Month. Visit https://asalh.org/
“2026 marks a century of national commemorations of Black history. Dr. Carter Godwin Woodson, George Cleveland Hall, William B. Hartgrove, Jesse E. Moorland, Alexander L. Jackson, and James E. Stamps institutionalized the teaching, study, dissemination, and commemoration of Black history when they founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (ASNLH) on September 9, 1915.
“In 1925, when Dr. Carter G. Woodson planned the inaugural week-long observance of Black history, he could hardly have anticipated the imprint he would leave on the world. From Negro History Week to Black History Month, ASALH has carried forth the tradition, and the observances have become part of the warp and weft of American culture and increasingly the global community. For our 100th theme, the founders of Black History Month urge us to explore the impact and meaning of Black history and life commemorations in transforming the status of Black peoples in the modern world.”
Locally, several organizations are holding special screenings of movies and other events to commemorate Black History Month. See pages 5, 6, 7.
Statewide, the Department of Conservation and Recreation is holding events at many of its properties (https://www.mass.gov/info-details/black-history-month-events-at-dcr-properties)
Fall River Heritage State Park. 100 Davol Street, Fall River, 508-675-5759, Ext. 0
Exhibit through 3/18 on Lewis Hayden, an abolitionist, businessperson, lecturer, and politician. A self-emancipated man, he stood at the center of a struggle for dignity and equal rights in nineteenth century Boston after living in nearby New Bedford. His story remains an inspiration.
Fri., 2/13, Noon–1:30 p.m., meet inside the Visitors Center. Join Park Ranger Rufai Shardow from New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park for a powerful Lunch and Learn exploring the history of the local Underground Railroad. The Railroad a loosely connected network of people from diverse backgrounds who risked their lives to help enslaved individuals escape to freedom, right here in Fall River and New Bedford. Presented by the Bristol Black Collective, the New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park, and DCR.
Wed., 2/18, Noon–3 p.m. Community Kwanzaa Sewing worshops. Join us for an interactive and festive experience as we celebrate the Kwanzaa principle of Ujima (collective work and responsibility). Learn sewing and embroidery techniques while creating a specially designed table runner. Supplies are limited.
Sat., 2/21. The Brave and the Bold: The Story of the 1st Rhode Island Regiment. Celebrate local Black history through a family legacy. Learn more about the courage of the 1st Rhode Island Regiment; Black and Indigenous heroes of the American Revolutionary War. Jason Roomes, a proud descendant, will be presenting.
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