2026 Greatest MINDS Black History Month Events in Boston
- George Greenidge
- 1 hour ago
- 9 min read
"Check out these great events and community convenings - 100 years. Please RSVP!" - Chip Greenidge
2026 Greatest MINDS Black History Month Events in Boston
100th Centennial Black History Month Celebration
Boston Black History Month | February 2026
Greatest MINDS invite you to kick off the centennial year of Black History Month with us.
In partnership, we will honor our stories, our contributions, and our resilience through dynamic events, activations, and cultural experiences across Greater Boston. A coalition of Boston organizations is amplifying a shared message of African American excellence, leadership, resilience, and joy. Together, we are collectively documenting Boston’s story during this historic centennial of Black History Month and the nation’s semiquincentennial. At a time marked by division and erasure, we continue to trailblaze — as we always have. Grounded in joy and liberation, let us gather this Black History Month and make history together.
We are proud that Greatest MINDS is contributing and compiling this comprehensive events list in collaboration with our community partners: Everyone 250, Greatest MINDS, Embrace Boston, The Bay State Banner, The City of Boston, The City of Cambridge, Museum of African American History & many other organizations.
Check out these listings at MAAH: https://www.maah.org/events
Check out these listings: https://www.blackhistoryboston.org/
Check out Greatest MINDS: https://www.gminds.org
Join us. Celebrate with us. Build with us.
Check out our new Greatest MINDS video:
Donate to Greatest MINDS here. Donate here and tax-deductible:
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Also, check out the work of the City of Boston's Equity & Inclusion Cabinet:
Here is the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FW7yTTtOYV0
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Also, check out the work of the Office of Equity & Inclusion in the City of Cambridge.
Celebrate Dr. King’s Legacy – Watch the 2026 MLK Day Commemoration Replay in the City of Cambridge. Experience the power and inspiration of this year’s Martin Luther King Jr. Day Commemoration, hosted by the Cambridge Peace Commission at St. Paul AME Church on Monday, January 19. Centered on the theme “Community Begins With Us,” the program invited reflection, shared responsibility, and collective action. The evening featured a moving keynote address by Roeshana Moore-Evans, soul-stirring musical selections from the Millennium Gospel Choir, and heartfelt reflections honoring Dr. King’s enduring legacy. Through music and spoken word, the commemoration challenged us not only to remember Dr. King’s vision, but to live it — to recognize that community is not something we inherit, but something we actively build together. Watch the full recording, reflect on the message, and recommit to creating a more just and inclusive Cambridge — together. Here is the Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jAEtygCvPPM
Organized by the Cambridge Peace Commission & City of Cambridge Office of Equity & Inclusion: https://www.cambridgema.gov/Departments/departmentofequityandinclusion
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HERE IS A LISTING OF SOME EVENTS
for Black History Month
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A Conversation with Ilyasah Shabazz
( Daughter of Malcolm X, Professor & Author )
Monday, February 9, 2026 from
6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Dudley/Shaw/Roxbury Branch - Boston Public Library - Nubian Square, 149 Dudley St, Roxbury, MA 02119.
About Ilyasah Shabazz: Dr. Ilyasah Shabazz is an award-winning author, educator and producer. She has authored five historical novels, served as project advisor for the PBS award-winning film Prince Among Slaves documentary, and is currently producing a television series based on her latest publication, The Awakening of Malcolm X, with Sony Pictures Television, Tri-Star alongside a new 2026 publication release with Legacy Lit Hatchette Book Group.
This conversation will be narrated by Dr. Noelle Trent, Historian and President and CEO of the Museum of African American History In Massachusetts. After the talk, there will be an author signing facilitated by Frugal Bookstore. Event
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State of Black America: Bay State Banner
60th Anniversary Forum Series
Thursday, February 12th, 2026 at Boston Public Library Central Branch at 12:30pm - 1:30pm and the
Musuem of African American History at 3:00pm - 6:00pm.
FREE ADMISSION
FREE ADMISSION
Join us in from 12:30pm - 1:30pm at:
Boston Public Library Central Branch
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Community Forum & Reception
Museum of African American History
46 Joy Street, Beacon Hill
3:00pm - 5:30pm
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Celebrating 60 years of the Bay State Banner
Check out the Banner Recent GBH Amplifies:
GBH Amplifies - The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Today's Civil Rights Struggle:
Passing the Torch Article: https://baystatebanner.com/2024/12/18/passing-the-torch-from-the-old-guard-to-a-new-set-of-heroes-and-heroines/
Celebrating 60 years: https://baystatebanner.com/2025/10/01/protecting-our-voice-for-the-next-60-years/
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Roxbury Civic Engagement Forum at
Dewitt Center
Saturday, February 14th, 2026, from 10:00 am - 1:00 pm
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Joy Dance Party
Saturday, February 14th, 2026, from 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Roundhead Brewing Company, Hyde Park, MA
Westinghouse Plaza Building #10
Event Hosts: Jesse C. and Jenene
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Institute of Contemporary Art - Seaport
Presidents’ Day: Free Admission:
Mon, Feb 16th, 2026 10 AM–5 PM
FREE for all / Free tickets are required and available on Sun, Feb 15 at 10 AM
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Museum of African American History - Downtown
RED SOX FOUNDATION
Free Museum Entry Days
Saturday, February 14 -Tuesday, February 17, 2026
In recognition of Black History Month, the Red Sox Foundation is partnering with MAAH to provide free admission and tours for all visitors from February 14-17.
Join us during February school vacation week and see our latest exhibit, Black Voices of the Revolution!
Pre-registration is strongly encouraged; use code "RSF" when reserving your tickets online or in person.
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Greatest MINDS Mentor & Student Meeting In-Person at Shake Shack & Industrious - Seaport
Monday, February 16th, 2026, from 2:00 pm - 6:00 pm - (School Holiday)
Meet at Shake Shack first at 2:00 pm - 77 Seaport Blvd in the Seaport.
3:00 pm - 6:00 pm at Industrious Seaport in person.
Call Chip Greenidge - 857.312.6340 or george.greenidge@gmail.com
Greatest MINDS Mentor & Student Meeting In-Person
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Panel Discussion Black History & Book Launch
Tuesday, February 17th, 2026, in person at 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm at Mattapan Library.
- No RSVP. IN-Person.
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Movies Day at AMC South Bay for Greatest MINDS High School Students
Tuesday, February 17th, 2026, in person at 12:00 pm - 6:00 pm at AMC South Bay Center 12 - 25 District Avenue, Dorchester, MA 02125.
Movies Day at AMC South Bay for Greatest MINDS High School Students
Tuesday, February 17th, 2026, in person at 12:00 pm - 6:00 pm at AMC South Bay Center 12 - 25 District Avenue, Dorchester, MA 02125. Please bring money. Students will pay $8.00 to the AMC to attend this event. Also, parents and guardians must have lunch money as well.
We will meet at Chipotle in South Bay at 12 noon to buy lunch.
RSVP to Chip Greenidge - 857.312.6340 or email george.greenidge@gmail.com
Join Greatest MINDS as we head to the movies with our young people in February 2026.
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Mayor's Youth Summit at Artists for Humanity
Register: Saturday, February 21, 2026, from 3:00 pm - 7:00 pm - Please RSVP here:
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Boston University Study, Chill & Mentoring
with Greatest MINDS High School Students
(Open to all high school students in Greater Boston)
Thurman Hall - Boston University
808 Commonwealth Ave, Brookline, MA 02446
Sunday, February 22nd, 2026, from 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Sunday, February 22nd, 2026, from 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm
#47 Bus from Nubian Square to Cambridge
Thurman Hall - Boston University
808 Commonwealth Ave, Brookline, MA 02446
Email Mark at xyingzhe@bu.edu or call 857.961.9438
Also - RSVP to email: greatestmindsbu@gmail.com
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The People's Agenda with
Boston City Councillor Julia Meija
Register: Tuesday, February 24, 2026, from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm
RSVP here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeTMagTfSQW3GujSMi-9fFydOeqF-taN6mFtA5furpqWS2Yqg/viewform
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Promoting Purpose at Harvard Ash Center for
Democratic Governance and Innovation with Don West
Wednesday, February 25th, 2026, from 12:00 pm - 1:30 pm
at Harvard Ash Center for Democratic Governance & Innovation
124 Mt Auburn St # 200, Cambridge, MA 02138. RSVP to george.greenidge@gmail.com
"Promoting Purpose," a discussion with renowned Boston photographer Don West on Race, Civil Rights, Democracy & Social Justice.
Portraits of Purpose is a powerful visual chronicle celebrating 127 Boston-based African American leaders and their allies who have advanced the ongoing struggle for freedom and justice in the post-Civil Rights era. This compelling project is the result of a collaboration between renowned Boston photographer Don West and Pulitzer Prize–winning journalist Kenneth J. Cooper, with a foreword by best-selling author, Harvard Law School professor, and legal scholar Charles Ogletree Jr. In a time of deep racial and political division, these stories offer both comfort and inspiration. They uplift those who are weary of oppositional politics and offer hope for unity across lines of race, ethnicity, and class—toward building a better city, nation, and world.
More than 30 years in the making, this collection is as much a testament to Boston’s Black community as it is a tribute to the individuals featured in its pages. The black-and-white portraits—some posed, many candid—capture each subject within the context of their work and activism, often amid the protests, celebrations, and defining moments that have shaped Boston’s recent history.
Join co-moderators George (Chip) Greenidge, Jr., Harvard Ash Center Visiting Fellow & Executive Director of Greatest MINDS Boston, and Gloria Y.A. Ayee, Lecturer in Public Policy at Harvard Kennedy School, & Senior Fellow at the Ash Center, in a lunchtime discussion on promoting purpose, civil rights, democracy, and social justice. Lunch will be served.
Portraits of Purpose is not just a book of photographs—it is a living archive of conscience, resilience, and hope.
Biographies:
Don West Bio: http://donwestfoto.com/about/
George "Chip" Greenidge, Jr.: https://ash.harvard.edu/people/george-greenidge/
Gloria Y.A. Ayee: https://gloriaayee.scholars.harvard.edu/
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Global Citizen Circle Online Meeting
with the United Nations
Register: Wednesday, February 25, 2026, from 5:00 pm to 6:15 pm
(Online Event for BU Students & GM College Students)
RSVP here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScYGVDWaiCUdYASoJJqPSDwwplrLdih0ni51VHgX9gjkYsbEg/viewform
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Pop Up Poetry with Denise at Uphams Corner Library
Thursday, February 26, 2026 at 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Pop-Up Poetry Series at Upham’s Corner Library on Thursdays
Uphams Corner Library - 500 Columbia Road, Dorchester, MA 02125
Pop Up Poetry Description: For years, poetry has been popping up around Boston & beyond, adding voices and more beauty to gardens, parks, libraries, schools, museums, playgrounds, and beaches. It appears online and in-person, locally, and globally — sailing up the Hapi River in Egypt, Chicago, Jamaica, and Bahia, Brazil. - Email: denisewshtn7@aol.com
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NAACP Breakfast at Harvard University
Saturday, February 28, 2026, from 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
at Harvard University's David Rubenstein Treehouse
20 Western Ave, Allston, MA 02134. RSVP with Chip Greenidge.
Admission this year includes an annual membership to the Cambridge NAACP. Cambridge NAACP at our milestone 40th Anniversary MLK Brunch, hosted at Harvard University. This year's theme is “No Silence in the Face of Injustice.” You can find more details and a link to purchase tickets below.
RSVP Here: MLK40.eventbrite.com
Admission this year includes an annual membership to the Cambridge NAACP.
40th Cambridge NAACP MLK Brunch & Awards Ceremony
Saturday, February 28, 2026
10 AM - 1 PM
Harvard University
David Rubenstein Treehouse
20 Western Ave, Allston, MA 02134
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17th Annual African American Ball
Saturday February 28th, 2026, from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm
UMass Campus Ballroom Center
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GBMCAA's The Young Men's Leadership Conference (YMLC)
Time & Location: Saturday, March 14, 2026, 8:30 AM – 1:00 PM
Boston Latin School, 78 Avenue Louis Pasteur, Boston, MA 02115
GBMCAA's The Young Men's Leadership Conference (YMLC)
Time & Location: Saturday, March 14, 2026, 8:30 AM – 1:00 PM
Boston Latin School, 78 Avenue Louis Pasteur, Boston, MA 02115
About the Event: The Young Men's Leadership Conference (YMLC) is an annual, one-day conference that offers empowerment, enlightenment, and guidance to middle and high school males of color in the Greater Boston community (grades 7-12). By encapsulating the mission and vision of Morehouse College, "to produce academically superior, morally conscious leaders for the conditions and issues of today," the GBMCAA hopes to maximize the potential of young men of color. Since 2012, over 500 young men of color from over 60 schools in the Greater Boston area have participated and been impacted in the areas of college preparedness, career readiness, professional development, and civic engagement.
RSVP here: https://www.gbmcaa.org/event-details/tjx-companies-young-mens-leadership-conference-2026/form
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Special shout-out to
Get Konnected.
Thursday, February 24, 2026 at 5:30 pm - 8:00 pm
Lunar Year Black History Month
5:30 pm - 8:00 pm
Caveau. 1 Center Plaza, Boston, MA 02108
Celebrate LNY x BHM with culture, networking, and awards honoring Black & Asian-owned businesses. In partnership with NAAAP and COJE!
Join Get Konnected! In partnership with NAAAP and COJE for a dynamic cultural and professional gathering celebrating the 2026 Lunar New Year—Year of the Fire Horse—and Black History Month. This special evening honors the leadership, resilience, and impact of six Black- and Asian-owned businesses and the community leaders, bringing culture, storytelling, and meaningful connection into one shared experience.
Here is the link:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/get-konnected-lunar-new-year-black-history-month-legacy-on-the-move-tickets-1980025382219?
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Donate to Us this Month
About Greatest MINDS:
Donate to Greatest MINDS here.
Donate here and tax deductible: https://www.gofundme.com/f/2024-black-college-tour-programs-fund
Greatest MINDS is a nonprofit organization committed to connecting high school and college students with alumni mentors. Our mission is rooted in promoting social justice and empowering young people through their college, career, and civic engagement journeys. Through mentorship programs and civic dialogues, Greatest MINDS supports young people of color in navigating higher education and career pathways. We foster meaningful conversations between youth, elders, and policymakers—building bridges across generations to inspire leadership, advocacy, democracy, and lasting community impact.
Greatest MINDS has a vision for the 21st century where skilled, educated Black professionals will take leadership in their communities and careers by supporting community members and engaging high school students, college students, and young professionals on their road to college and beyond.
Check out our website and social media:
Check out our video:
For More Information, please contact:
George "Chip" Greenidge, Jr.
Founder and Executive Director
Greatest MINDS Boston
Cell Phone: 857.312.6340
Email: George.Greenidge@Gmail.com
Background article: https://ash.harvard.edu/articles/the-responsibility-of-intellectuals-to-a-changing-city/
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