Black History Boston
Lifting up the contributions of local legends, past and present who are working to create a thriving and vibrant Boston.
We continue to honor Black History #MoreThanAMonth this year. Although 2020 has brought incredible challenges, community leaders continues to do find creative ways to share their message of hope to increase our resilience.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, but it's also the month we honor our mothers and those who nurtured us. The women featured on this page have dedicated their lives to improve themselves and those around them. Learn more about their work.
February Black History Highlights
Melnea Cass, the First Lady of Roxbury
Learn more about Melnea Cass
Reverend Michael Haynes, the Conscience of Boston
Learn more about the Honorable Reverend Michael Haynes
Ayanna Pressley, a True Pioneer for Black women
Learn more about the Honorable Ayanna Pressley
Mel King, a King Among the People
Learn about the Honorable Mel King
Beverly Morgan-Welch, the Griot of Black History
Learn about Beverly Morgan-Welch's Journey
Chuck Turner, a champion of human rights
Learn more about Chuck Turner's life and work
Marie St. Fleur, Boston's preserver of Coretta Scott and Martin Luther King's Legacy
Learn more about Marie St. Fleur's journey
Anti-Apartheid Activist Nelson Mandela Visits Boston
Learn more about why Nelson Mandela came to Boston
Frederick Douglass Speaks At Faneuil Hall
Learn more about why Frederick Douglass spoke at Faneuil Hall
Tito Jackson, the inheritor of the Roxbury Legacy
Learn more about Tito's Journey
Beth Chandler, a fighter for Black women empowerment
Learn more about Beth Chandler's Journey
Doris Bunte, the first Black woman to serve in the Mass. Legislature!
Learn more about the Honorable Doris Bunte
Reggie Lewis, the Celtics' number 35
Learn more about Reggie Lewis
Ruth Batson, the champion of educational desegregation
Learn more about Ruth Batson's life and work
Martin Luther King Jr. marches from Roxbury
Learn why Dr. King led a march in Roxbury
Combahee River Collective
Learn about the Combahee River Collective
Bruce Bolling, Boston's first Black Council President
Learn about Bruce Bolling's work
Thelma Burns, Boston's beloved activist
Learn about Thelma Burn's Work
Byron Rushing, Boston's moral compass
Learn about Byron Rushing's journey
Lucy Miller Mitchell, the architect of Boston's early childhood education
Learn about Lucy Miller Mitchell's Journey
Travis McCready, the change agent of health equity
Learn about Travis McCready
The hero of the Boston Massacre, Crispus Attucks
Learn about the heroic Crispus Attucks
Black Heritage Trail
Learn about the Black Heritage Trail
Royal Bolling, a Forefather of Modern Boston
Learn about Royal Bolling's journey
Elma Lewis, the Grande Dame of Roxbury
Learn about Elma's accomplishments
Michael Curry, the hardest working man in public service
Learn about Michael Curry
Black women of the City Council: Andrea Campbell, Kim Janey, Lydia Edwards
Learn about Councilors Campbell, Janey, and Edwards
Charles Yancey, the first City Councilor of District 4
Learn about the Honorable Charles Yancey
James Brown saves Boston
Learn how James Brown saved Boston
May Black History Highlights
Jane C. Edmonds
A force for equity and inclusion... she did it her way.
Sheena Collier
Sheena Collier is a super-connector, convener, and strategic planner.
Aba Taylor
Aba Taylor is a social justice educator, facilitator, organizer, consultant, and nonprofit executive.
Bridgette Wallace
Learn more about Bridgette's work
Yavilah McCoy
Learn more about Yavilah's work
Michelle 'Mona' Thompson
Learn more about Michelle's work
Shelley Webster
Learn more about Shelley's work