Amherst Celebrates Black History Month

Source: amherstma.gov

The Human Rights Commission and the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion invite all community members to join them for the Annual Black History Month Flag Raising Ceremony on Thursday, February 1, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. at the Amherst Town Hall.

The Flag Raising Ceremony includes the reading of the 2024 Black History Month Proclamation read by members of the Town Council. After the flag raising, participants can view the opening of “The Black Experience in Amherst,” a self-guided exhibit in Town Hall of shared stories and experiences of Amherst’s African-American communities past and present through historic photographs, and artifacts. The exhibit is a collaborative effort between the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and the Community Responders for Equity, Safety, and Service. The exhibit is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 

Registration for the ceremony is not required, but it is appreciated, please click here to register. 

Other Black History Month Events
The Civil War Tablets at the Bangs Community Center, 70 Boltwood Walk. The descendent-led tour of the Civil War Tablets honors more than 300 soldiers from Amherst, including the African-American soldiers who served in the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Regiment and 5th Cavalry. This exhibit is Curated by Debora Bridges, descendent of members of both. Exhibit hours are Tuesday through Thursday, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 pm.  

Ancestral Bridges, An Exhibit of Historical photographs & Artifacts at the Frost library, Amherst College. This exhibit honors the Black and Afro-Indigenous families of Amherst in the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries. The exhibit is open Monday through Friday: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Sunday 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

At the Jones Library Atrium in February, view a display of adult books and local photos about Black History in Amherst and the Pioneer Valley, as well as in New England and beyond. Find displays celebrating Black history, culture, and stories in the Kids and Young Adult sections. Be sure to borrow some books to enjoy at home. And sign up here https://www.joneslibrary.org/list to receive the weekly “Black Lives Matter Book of the Week” announcement.

Black History Month is an opportunity to acknowledge and uplift the countless contributions of the African-American community.

Celebrating Black History this month and every month!

Printable Flier

Other Local Black History Month Events
Black History Month Resources at UMass
Black Art Matters Festival at Amherst College