City of Worcester, MA

Worcester Celebrates Black History Month

For Immediate Release: 1/31/2020 2:17 pm

The City of Worcester is pleased to announce and promote the following programs and events in celebration of Black History Month in February:

• Black History Month presentation: Major Taylor, “The Worcester Whirlwind" Thursday, February 13, 10-11:30 a.m., Worcester Senior Center, 128 Providence Street

Lynne Tolman, president of the Major Taylor Association, will present an illustrated talk on Major Taylor, “The Worcester Whirlwind.” Learn the story of the 1899 world cycling champion’s remarkable life on and off the racetracks of the world at the turn of the 20th century and how the legacy of this African American pioneer is shaping cycling—and Worcester—today. Please register for this program by calling 508-799-1232. (The snow date for this event is Thursday, February 27.)

• Cultural Hour: A Celebration of Worcester’s Black History – Thursday, February 20, 3-5 p.m., City Hall, Levi Lincoln Chamber (Third Floor), 455 Main Street

This event will highlight and document the first people of color to become officers for the Worcester Police Department. Relatives and colleagues will provide oral histories and a photo presentation of each officer. Photos will be provided by the Worcester Black History Project in partnership with the Worcester Historical Museum and will be displayed at City Hall during Black History Month. This event is presented by the City of Worcester’s Diversity and Inclusion Office, the Worcester Police Department and the Worcester Historical Museum.

• Film screening of “Through the Lens Darkly” – Friday, February 21, 2:30 p.m., Worcester Public Library, 3 Salem Street

This film explores how African American communities have used the camera as a tool for social change from the invention of photography to the present.

• Oh, Glory! Song Recital by James Dargan – Friday, February 21, 7:30 p.m., All Saints Episcopal Church, 10 Irving Street

This musical journey invokes the spirit of the five great Black musicians, inspiring the fight for social justice and equality.

• Discussion of “The Color Purple” – Tuesday, February 25, 7:15-8:30 p.m., Worcester Public Library, 3 Salem Street

The “Great American Read Book Club” will be reading “The Color Purple” by Alice Walker during the month of February. The book club will meet on February 25. Each registrant will receive a free copy of the book.

• Black History Month Book Recommendations

The Worcester Public Library will also feature Black History Month book recommendations on its blog and monthly “Reading Round-up” email.