Boston, MA, February 5, 2026
News Summary
Boston College observes Black History Month through a series of events focused on themes of resistance, joy, and community. The initiatives highlight the importance of African American contributions and foster academic discourse. Engaging activities will run throughout February, culminating in special conferences and discussions that emphasize leadership and collective advancement within the campus and the broader Boston community.
Boston, MA — In a vibrant demonstration of academic tradition and community spirit, Boston College is observing Black History Month throughout February with a series of events and scholarly discussions centered on the powerful themes of resistance through joy and community. These celebrations underscore the institution’s commitment to academic rigor, student development, and a deeper understanding of African American contributions to society and the broader Massachusetts educational landscape.
As colleges and universities across Boston contribute to the rich tapestry of Massachusetts higher education, Boston College distinguishes itself by fostering an environment that champions critical thought, personal responsibility, and the development of future leaders. The month-long observance of Black History Month serves not only as a period of reflection but also as a catalyst for ongoing dialogue and collective growth within the campus community and beyond.
The 2026 commemorations hold particular significance as they coincide with the 100th anniversary of the initial recognition of Black History, which began as “Negro History Week” in 1926 and expanded into a month-long observance in 1976. This historical milestone reminds us that Black History Month is both a recognition of Black excellence and a form of resistance against historical erasure, promoting storytelling and giving voice to previously underrepresented narratives.
Unifying Through Shared Experience: The Opening Ceremony
The launch of Black History Month at Boston College was marked by an inspiring opening ceremony that brought together faculty, students, and community members. The event, sponsored by the Thea Bowman AHANA and Intercultural Center, highlighted the compelling themes of “resistance through joy and community” alongside “restoration as resistance” in the face of adversity. This focus underscores the importance of resilience and collective spirit in navigating contemporary challenges.
Key addresses at the ceremony provided insightful perspectives on these themes. Esosasehia Owens, a recipient of the 2025 Martin Luther King Jr. scholarship and a CSOM ’26 student, spoke on the necessity of finding joy as a form of resistance. Professor Latrica Best of the Sociology and African and African Diaspora Studies departments delivered a keynote, focusing on maintaining well-being during politically and racially charged times. Professor Florence Madenga from the Communication Department also contributed as a guest speaker at an opening ceremony, emphasizing Black Voices at Boston College. The evening featured live music, trivia, and several speeches from students and faculty, weaving together celebration with a call for meaningful change.
Academic Engagement and Scholarly Discourse
Central to Boston College’s Black History Month observance is the robust academic programming orchestrated by its African and African Diaspora Studies (AADS) department. These initiatives provide platforms for rigorous scholarly inquiry and foster academic freedom.
The 2025-2026 New Directions Lecture Series includes significant discussions, such as a roundtable on “Black Activism at the Intersection of History and Journalism,” held on February 12, 2026. This discussion, featuring authors Stefan Bradley and Victor Luckerson and moderated by Dr. Eddie Bonilla and Dr. Lorelle Semley, delves into the history and future of Black communities, from the Tulsa 1921 Race Massacre to the Black Lives Matter Movement.
Furthermore, the AADS department will host the 2026 Blacks in Boston Conference on Saturday, March 14, 2026, at Boston College’s Heights Room. This year’s conference, titled “Combahee River Collective: Race, Space, and Feminist Activism,” will explore the Boston origins and international influence of the Combahee River Collective (CRC), active from 1974 to 1980. The conference aims to reconnect the CRC to its geographical and liberatory roots, encouraging submissions on its global impact, cultural representations, and continued influence on Black feminist theory.
Fostering Leadership and Community Impact
Boston College actively cultivates leadership and community engagement through specialized programs that resonate with the values of personal responsibility and collective advancement. The Boston College School of Social Work’s Black Leadership Initiative (BLI) exemplifies this commitment.
The BLI adopts an Afrocentric approach to social work practice, placing a strong emphasis on community, collective action, cultural context, and the West African concept of Ubuntu, which signifies shared consciousness and group cohesion. This initiative empowers students to develop a nuanced understanding of challenges faced by specific populations, enabling them to devise sustainable solutions and contribute significantly to local and broader communities. The Thea Bowman AHANA and Intercultural Center also plays a vital role in supporting AHANA (African, Hispanic, Asian, and Native American) students, offering mentorship and fostering a strong sense of community that empowers students of color.
Diverse Campus Events: A Calendar of Engagement
Throughout February, Boston College offers a diverse calendar of events designed to engage students, faculty, and staff in celebratory and educational experiences. These activities underscore the rich student life and vibrant campus culture. Events include the FISTS Hair Show, a Black History Month Opening Reception, “Cultural Trivia – BHM Edition,” “Sexual Chocolate,” “History of Black Lives at BC (HBLBC),” “Everything Black Jeopardy,” “Dialogues On Race – Night of Discussions,” and a “Silent Disco: Dance With the Diaspora.” These events foster an inclusive environment and encourage active participation in understanding and celebrating Black history.
Beyond the campus, the greater Boston area provides additional opportunities for engagement. The Museum of Fine Arts (MFA) Boston, for instance, offers a Black Arts and Artists audio tour, enabling exploration of art by Black artists from the Americas. Such regional initiatives further enrich the cultural and educational experiences available to Boston College students and the wider community, reflecting the pervasive influence of Black history in Massachusetts.
Conclusion
Boston College’s Black History Month observances exemplify a holistic approach to education, blending academic rigor with vibrant student life and deep community engagement. Through scholarly conferences, impactful leadership initiatives, and diverse cultural events, the university reinforces the principles of academic freedom, personal responsibility, and collective progress. These efforts not only honor the profound contributions of the Black community but also equip students with the leadership skills and understanding necessary to make a positive impact in Boston and beyond.
Readers are encouraged to explore Boston College’s various academic programs, attend upcoming campus events, and remain engaged with the dynamic college community of Boston, MA. Further information about initiatives from the African and African Diaspora Studies department and the Thea Bowman AHANA and Intercultural Center is readily available for those seeking to deepen their understanding of these vital contributions to Massachusetts higher education.
Key Boston College Black History Month Highlights
| Event/Initiative | Focus | Key Participants/Sponsors |
|---|---|---|
| Black History Month Opening Ceremony | Resistance through joy and community; Restoration as resistance | Thea Bowman AHANA and Intercultural Center, Esosasehia Owens, Prof. Latrica Best, Prof. Florence Madenga |
| 2025-2026 New Directions Lecture Series | Black Activism at the Intersection of History and Journalism | African and African Diaspora Studies (AADS) department, Authors Stefan Bradley and Victor Luckerson |
| 2026 Blacks in Boston Conference | Combahee River Collective: Race, Space, and Feminist Activism | AADS department |
| Black Leadership Initiative (BLI) | Afrocentric social work practice, community, collective action, Ubuntu | Boston College School of Social Work |
| Campus Events (e.g., FISTS Hair Show, Cultural Trivia) | Student life, cultural celebration, engagement | Various student organizations and campus departments |
Frequently Asked Questions About Boston College’s Black History Month
Q: What is the central theme for Boston College’s Black History Month celebrations in 2026?
A: The central themes are “resistance through joy and community” and “restoration as resistance.”
Q: Which academic department at Boston College is heavily involved in Black History Month events?
A: The African and African Diaspora Studies (AADS) department is heavily involved.
Q: What is the focus of the 2026 Blacks in Boston Conference at Boston College?
A: The 2026 Blacks in Boston Conference will focus on the Combahee River Collective (CRC) in the context of Boston, MA, and activism in the Northeast.
Q: What is the Black Leadership Initiative (BLI) at Boston College?
A: The Black Leadership Initiative (BLI) is a program at the Boston College School of Social Work that takes an Afrocentric approach to social work practice, emphasizing community, collective action, cultural context, and Ubuntu.
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