Every February, we come together to celebrate the incredible contributions, achievements, and sacrifices of African Americans during Black History Month.

This year’s theme, “African Americans and Labor”, invites us to explore how work, whether free or forced, skilled or unskilled, vocational or voluntary, has shaped the lived experiences of Black people throughout history. The labor of African Americans has not only been a powerful force in shaping this nation, but it also serves as a key thread in the tapestry of their collective journey.

Black History Month has its roots in the 1920s, when Carter G. Woodson, a historian and founder of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH), initiated a week-long celebration of Black history and culture.

He chose February to coincide with the birthdays of two iconic figures, President Abraham Lincoln and abolitionist Frederick Douglass. The idea quickly grew in popularity, especially in the wake of the Civil Rights Movement, until it blossomed into the month-long celebration we know today.

In 1976, during the U.S. bicentennial, President Gerald R. Ford officially recognized Black History Month, urging the country to reflect on the essential roles African Americans have played in shaping the nation. Today, it is an opportunity to reflect not only on the past but also on the ongoing fight for civil rights and equality.

This February, the Merrimack Valley and North Shore are alive with events that celebrate the richness of African American culture. Here are some events worth checking out:

Classic Movie Matinees for Black History Month at the Haverhill Public Library: haverhillpl.org/black-history-month-2023/

Wangeci Gitau: Immigrant Queer African Femme – Feb. 12 at Northern Essex Community College: necc.mass.edu/about/news-events/black-history-month/

Haverhill Citizens Hall of Fame Induction of Poet Frances Cole Lee – Feb. 22: haverhillpl.org/celebrate-black-history-month-with-hpl/

Paint Workshop with the North Shore Juneteenth Association on Feb. 22 in Lynn: north-shore-juneteenth-assoc.constantcontactsites.com/

Black History & Culture Showcase at Old Town Hall in Salem every weekend in February, featuring poetry, fashion, music, and more, presented by the Salem Human Rights Coalition and the North Shore Juneteenth Association.

Art & Stories at the Peabody Essex Museum, including a drop-in collage workshop inspired by Alma Woodsey Thomas’ vibrant works, and story time for children celebrating Black authors and stories.

I hope these events inspire you to honor and celebrate African American history and culture in your community. For more local events, visit your local library, town hall, community center, or historical society. You can also learn more about the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) at asalh.org.

Are you caring for an older adult or need help finding healthy aging resources? Our experienced staff is available to help. Visit us online at www.agespan.org. You can also call 800-892-0890 or email info@agespan.org.

Joan Hatem-Roy is the chief executive officer of AgeSpan, which serves the following cities and towns: Amesbury, Andover, Billerica, Boxford, Chelmsford, Danvers, Dracut, Dunstable, Georgetown, Groveland, Haverhill, Lawrence, Lowell, Marblehead, Merrimac, Methuen, Middleton, Newbury, Newburyport, North Andover, Peabody, Rowley, Salisbury, Salem, Tewksbury, Tyngsboro, Westford, and West Newbury.