Black History Month

During the month of February, we want to highlight books, local events, and virtual resources celebrating Black History Month.

The Town of Mansfield is committed to celebrating Black History Month by sharing some opportunities from our community and the surrounding area to learn more about our country’s black history through books, events, and resources that present the struggles and accomplishments of Black Americans and other individuals of African descent. As a community we recognize the importance of this month-long event which presents a good opportunity for people of all backgrounds to broaden our understanding in order to address inequity. Listed below are a few readings, resources, and event calendars. We encourage you to check them out:

• The Mansfield Public Library is highlighting Black History Month with a display of recommended works, in-person and online, on the black experience in both the adult and children’s’ areas of the Library.  
• The Mansfield Public Library will also be hosting a presentation on Saturday, February 18th at 1:00PM, in collaboration with the Mansfield Historical Society, called: Monday Hector- Born a Slave, Served in the American Revolution, Died a Freeman Presented by Rene Dearborn. All are welcome to enjoy this insightful presentation by Rene Dearborn who recently authored an article about Monday Hector in the Register of the NEHGS.  Monday Hector was a black man enslaved by the Leonard Family of Norton in the 1700's and served in the American Revolution for six years, enlisting in Mansfield.  
• The Mansfield Council on Aging welcomes senior residents to stop by to view a special display dedicated to black inventors during the month of February. Also, the COA's event schedule includes a community drumming circle on Friday, February 14th. Call the COA at (508) 261-7368 for details and to sign up.  
  
• The Providence Community Library is celebrating by featuring an expanded offering of books, movies, and videos.
• Boston USA offers this comprehensive list of local events celebrating the month.
• We also recommend exploring Eventbrite.com for a list of community events throughout the area.
• GoProvidence offers self-guided walking tours with free virtual maps and links on the early Black History of Providence.
• We also highlight these Goodreads book lists for adults, and Beyond the Bookends offers a list of recommended books for kids.
• Berklee's Center for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, and the Black History Celebration Committee present Performances celebrating Black History at Berklee, reflecting on Black history while moving towards an empowered future.