Black History Month events in (and near) Wellesley
February arrives not just with the chill of late winter, but as a time to reflect on and celebrate Black history, culture, and heritage. Here are some events commemorating the ongoing contributions of Black Americans. Started by Dr. Carter G. Woodson in 1926 as Negro History Week, the week was rebranded to Black History Month in 1976.
Don’t see your Black History month event here? Email theswellesleyreport@gmail.com for inclusion.
EVENT: Vocal celebration—lunch and concert
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, February 4, 12pm
LOCATION: The Center at the Heights, 300 Hillside Ave., Needham
REGISTRATION REQUIRED: call 781-455-7555
DESCRIPTION: Dynamic “soul sisters” Nyisha Siliya and Carine Paul will lead an uplifting program of inspirational and gospel music. Having performed in more than 30 countries, the singers share messages of faith, hope, and love through song.
EVENT: Bright Star Touring Theatre presents “The Life of Dr. King”
DATE/TIME: Saturday, Feb. 11, 10:30am-11:30am
LOCATION: Wellesley Free Library, 530 Washington St.
REGISTER here
DESCRIPTION: One of Black History’s most influential Civil Rights Leaders, the life and story of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. is one of both triumph and tragedy. Learn how Dr. King came to be such a prominent leader in this dramatic show. Follow Dr. King’s life from his time as a young boy in Georgia, to becoming a preacher in Alabama, to becoming an important figure on the international stage. A powerful and impactful story, audiences will come to recognize that the Civil Rights won during Dr. King’s time came with a heavy price, and consider what role they will continue to play in the struggle for equality. Best for people aged 9 – adult. Sponsored by the Friends of the Wellesley Free Library.
EVENT: Public Historian Dr. Kyera Singleton, “Slavery in Massachusetts”
DATE/TIME: Sunday, Feb. 8, 2 pm
LOCATION: Needham Public Library, 1330 Highland Ave
REGISTER here
DESCRIPTION: In the 19th century, Massachusetts was known as the heart of the abolitionist movement. However, in the 17th and 18th century, slavery was a huge component of Massachusetts society and its growing economy. Dr. Kyera Singleton, executive director of the Royall House and Slave Quarters in Medford, will discuss how the myth making around the American Revolution has obscured the history of slavery in Massachusetts. The talk will focus on the stories of those enslaved in places such as Boston and outlying areas like Medford and Needham before gradual abolition in Massachusetts due to a court decision in 1783.
EVENT: Boston-Area “Plantation” Histories: an illustrated talk with local historian Joel Mackall
DATE/TIME: Tuesday, February 10, 7pm–8:30pm
LOCATION: Wellesley Free Library, 530 Washington St.
DESCRIPTION: In this powerful illustrated talk, local historian Joel Mackall uncovers the hidden histories of enslaved Africans who lived and labored on Boston-area estates. Focusing on sites like the Royall House in Medford, the Brattle Street estates in Cambridge, the Loring-Greenough House in Jamaica Plain, and the Shirley-Eustis House in Roxbury, Mackall reveals how these properties—often overlooked in narratives of slavery—were built on and sustained by the labor of enslaved people and the profits of plantation wealth.
EVENT: Martin Luther King Jr. Legacy Day speaker: Dr. Derron O. Wallace
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, February 11, 5pm
LOCATION: Babson College, Carling-Sorenson Theater
COST: Free. Registration required.
DESCRIPTION: The Babson community remembers, reflects upon, and celebrates the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. This annual event continues conversations around Dr. King’s vision of justice, equality, and peace in our own community and in the world at large. This year’s theme is The Power, Purpose and Promise of Education with keynote speaker Dr. Derron O. Wallace, Associate Professor of Education Policy and Africana Studies at Brown University. Dr. Wallace is an award-winning sociologist, educational policy analyst and writer, including author of the widely celebrated book, The Culture Trap: Ethnic Expectations and Unequal Schooling for Black Youth (Oxford University Press).
Black History Month concert—Boston
EVENT: Sheffield Chamber Players, Black History Month family concert
DATE: Feb. 15, 2026
TIME: 3pm
LOCATION: The Strand Theatre, 543 Columbia Rd., Boston
COST: Free
DESCRIPTION: The program will highlight Black composers, including works by Daniel Bernard Roumain, Kevin Day and Margaret Bonds, alongside a new commissioned piece created from musical ideas drafted by City Strings students. City Strings, Sheffield, and a combined ensemble will each perform, culminating in a vibrant collaborative finale.