Boston Marks 100th Black History Month Commemoration

Boston marked the start of its 100th Black History Month commemoration on Tuesday, Feb. 3, with a City Hall ceremony led by Mayor Michelle Wu. 

According to a Boston Globe report, the event featured speeches, performances, and a flag-raising ceremony before a crowd of approximately 100 people.

The program began with opening remarks from Lori Nelson, the city's senior adviser on racial justice, followed by a performance of the Black National Anthem, “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” by artist and activist-scholar Zakiyyah.

Next, the Rev. Willie Bodrick II, senior pastor of the Historic 12th Baptist Church, led a prayer and called for equity and justice for Boston's Black community.

Wu followed Boderick and reflected on Boston's role in Black history. Calling attention to Sarah Roberts and the city's legacy of segregated schools, Wu reminded attendees that “separate was never equal.” She also referenced the work of famed civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

“This month should be a reminder of all that we have come through,” Wu said during her remarks.

Amanda Shea recited her poem “Black Excellence,” which was followed by the Black History Month flag being raised on City Hall Plaza. Afterward, Wu read a proclamation officially declaring February 2026 as Black History Month in Boston.

Rashad Morrison, an employee at the city's equity and inclusion cabinet, said that the event underscores the significance of Black culture and heritage. “It really captured the kind of essence of Black History Month,” he said.

In observance of Black History Month, the Boston Public Library has released a booklist celebrating recent titles on Black achievement, culture, and history, with related events across branches.

Details on all Black History Month programming hosted by the City of Boston are available online.