Honor Black History Month in Somerville: Join a Community Panel, Take a Virtual Tour, and Explore Black Voices

Black History Month is a time for reflection, celebration, and learning, and this year, Mayor Katjana Ballantyne and the Somerville Department of Racial and Social Justice (RSJ) are inviting the community to join a series of events designed to engage, inspire, and connect the Somerville community. 

Join the Conversation: Community Panel on Black History & Culture

RSJ and the Somerville Museum invite you to a thought-provoking panel discussion on the impact of Black history on arts and culture and the importance of preserving Black narratives in our community. Hear from community organizers, activists, and City library staff as they share insights and experiences. Light refreshments will be served.

• Date: Wednesday, February 26, 2025
• Time: 6–8 p.m.
• Location: Somerville Museum (1 Westwood Rd.)
• How to Join: bit.ly/BHM_2025 or email rsj@somervillema.gov for more details.
   

Take a Virtual Journey Through History: Explore the Black Heritage Trail

Join Somerville Public Libraries for a virtual tour of Boston’s Black Heritage Trail, a 1.6-mile route through Beacon Hill, featuring landmarks that played a crucial role in Black history.

• Date: Wednesday, February 19
• Time: 7-8 p.m.
• Location: Zoom
• How to Join: Register online at somervillepubliclibrary.org or contact keodonnell@somervillema.gov for more information.
   

Read, Learn, and Celebrate Black Voices

Want to deepen your understanding of Black history and culture? SPL has curated booklists featuring powerful stories and perspectives from Black authors. 

Browse selections for all ages and discover your next great read:

• Adult Booklist
• Children’s Booklist

Don’t miss these opportunities to honor Black history, uplift Black voices, and engage with the community this February!

Persons with disabilities who need auxiliary aids and services for effective communication (i.e., CART, ASL), written materials in alternative formats, or reasonable modifications in policies and procedures to access the programs, activities, and meetings of the City of Somerville should please contact Adrienne Pomeroy in advance at 617-625-6600 x 2059 or apomeroy@somervillema.gov.  

The City of Somerville can provide you with an interpreter in your language for free. To request an interpreter, please contact us at somerviva@somervillema.gov or call 311 (617-666-3311) at least 7 days in advance of this event.  

This event will be videotaped by the City’s GovTV team. Watch it on-demand with optional closed-captioning (select the CC icon) on YouTube.com/SomervilleCityTV. Or watch on cable TV at GovTV ( somervillema.gov/video) Comcast Ch. 22 and GovTV Astound (RCN) Ch. 13 & 613. Videos generally post within one business day of recording.