Black History Month 2023: Events, Celebrations, and More

Photo Credits: Boston University

By Max Donovan ‘25

With February comes an important cultural event: Black History Month. This month is observed to commemorate the achievements of Black people throughout history, stretching all the way back to the 17th century. According to history.com, Black History Month is “a time for recognizing [Black people’s] central role in U.S history.” While 1976 marked the first month-long celebration, the origins of celebrating black culture and history stem all the way back to the early 20th century, with an organization called ASALH, or, the Association for the Study of African American Life and History. This organization prompted the second week in February to be reserved for a celebration similar to our contemporary Black History Month, including the spread of information about black contributions in American history throughout schools and workplaces. Since this first week of celebration in 1926, Black History Month has spread to four countries worldwide and has gained more recognition every year. 

Milton Academy joins the celebration in 2023 by hosting several assemblies, talks, culture/affinity spaces, and celebrations (with dancing, pizza, etc). Throughout the month, Milton will host a total of 13 special events as a way to celebrate Black History Month. The month began with a celebration in the Stu, sponsored by Onyx, CSA, ASA, Brother/non-brother Bonding, and Jaded Matrix. This celebration included pizza, music, and the opportunity to join various culture clubs in celebrating Black History and culture. 

Onyx hosted the Tuesday February 7 ASP, which ranged from Ritmo to the “Little Steppers” to the fireside chat guest, Amari Paris Jeffries. This assembly offered a great mix of fun, laughs, and the recognition of black history and culture, all at the same time. The speaker, Mr. Jeffries, discussed in depth the role he plays towards equity in the city of Boston, as well as aspects in society as a whole that still need to be changed or modified in order to bring equity and fairness for all. 

ASPs for the rest of the month of February also plan to celebrate and recognize Black History Month in many different ways. For example, on February 21, Marsha Bonner will be joining the Milton community to discuss her work with a student panel. Marsha Bonner is a “diversity & inclusion empowerment speaker, human rights activist, producer and luminary for change,” according to the Black History Month event flier. This talk and presentation will be interactive, with student ideas and perspectives welcome at any time. This years’ Black History Month events/speakers are certainly more geared towards student involvement and interaction, a beneficial aspect which engages students to learn more about the significance of the month and the personal perspectives of Black community members. 

Affinity groups play a large role in this month’s upcoming celebrations. While many events include the entire Milton community, like last week’s ASP, some are conducted in smaller, more personal settings. In all, three affinity-held celebrations/meetings take place this month. The first one took place on Friday, February 10, where Black alumni met current students over zoom. The purpose of this engagement was to connect those from the Milton community from many different years/times and to connect over mutual experiences. The second affinity led event takes place on Thursday, February 23, and acts as a continuation of the first meeting. This time, Black alumni will actually come to campus, continuing the conversations held on zoom earlier and enhancing connections. This event will be very interactive, with both alumni and current students sharing their experiences of Milton, or of life overall, over dinner. For the last day of Black History Month, Tuesday, February 28, an affinity led celebration will be held. Over food, dancing, and music, this event will serve as a reflection of the month and to “reminisce on the past to create a better future.” 

In addition to ASPs and affinity celebrations, independent events for the entire Milton community will take place. For example, on Saturday, February 25, a Black history trivia night will run in the Student Center. The winning team receives a gift card! In addition, events like the “Gospel Explosion” and “Film Festival” will connect students with Black history and culture.