Events celebrating Black History Month in Boston

In honor of Black History Month, the city of Boston announced this week a series of events for residents to "celebrate and be in the community."

"Boston's Black communities are foundational to the fabric of our city, and we honor their contributions during Black History Month and throughout the year," noted Mayor Michelle Wu in a release Monday.

This year's national theme is "African Americans and the Arts."

"Boston is a city of Black art and talented Black creatives whose work challenges, inspires and moves our city every day," said Wu during the city's annual Black History Month celebration Tuesday. "We are so blessed to be a city filled with Black art [that's] fueled by Black brilliance."

Wu went on to say that Boston wouldn't be the city it is today "if not for our Black leaders, Black artists and activists, Black entrepreneurs and advocates – all sharing their craft with the deep knowledge of how much is at stake for our communities."    

Also Tuesday, Boston commemorated Black History Month with a flag raising ceremony at City Hall.

LUNCH AND LEARN: GENDER IN THE WORKFORCE THRU THE BLACK LENS
On Feb. 8, there will be a panel discussion about the role of "gender, race and their intersections play in the workforce."

This event begins at noon and ends at 1:30 p.m. at Boston City Hall.

BLACK EMPLOYEE NETWORK (BEN) ERG BLACK HISTORY MONTH CELEBRATION
This event takes place on Feb. 9 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Florian Hall in Dorchester.

The goal of this event is to connect Black city workers and the community with city leadership to "celebrate all of the triumphs of the Black diaspora."

Anyone interested in attending will have to register.

SANKOFA: SELECTIONS FROM SONGS OF FREE MEN: HONORING BALDWIN’S CENTENNIAL
Also on Feb. 9, an event celebrating "the Black Diaspora with music in honor of James Baldwin" will take place at the Black Market in Roxbury.

This will start at 7 p.m. and run until 9:30 p.m. Those interested in going will need to register.

THE MELANIN ROLL
This event is taking place at the Chez Vous Skating Rink in Dorchester on Feb. 17 from noon to 3 p.m. The city asks anyone interesting in going to register.

BCYF SKATE AND TRIVIA NIGHT
On Feb. 22, Boston youths, ages 17 and under, can "skate with friends and families" from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Chez Vous Skating Rink in Dorchester.

BLACK VETERANS APPRECIATION BRUNCH
On Feb. 24, the Office of Veteran Affairs will celebrate and honor the "contributions" and "sacrifice" of Black veterans during a brunch at the Prince Hall Lodge in Dorchester.

The city said it will also be "honoring deserving veterans" with awards. This event starts at 11 a.m. and ends at 2 p.m. Anyone who would like to attend will have to RSVP.

For a complete list of Black History Month events taking place across Boston, visit boston.gov.