Event

Roxbury's Black History tour

Boston's Black community has been on the move politically, socially, and artistically for centuries. The free Black community was once centered in the North End in the 1700s. As the population grew and new opportunities became available, the community moved first to Beacon Hill in the early 1800s and then the South End in the late 1800s. By the first half of the 20th century, the highlands of Roxbury eventually became the center of Black Boston, although the community has since continued to grow into Dorchester, Mattapan, and the suburbs.

Join this informative and exciting trolley tour as it travels through three centuries of Boston's historic Black neighborhoods. Follow the progression of the Black churches, gain an appreciation for the importance of the arts, and learn about the movers, shakers, and strivers of their time.

As a special treat, we will briefly visit the Huntington Theatre Company and meet local actor Jason Bowen, one of the performers in the upcoming production of August Wilson's "Ma Rainey's Black Bottom."

Note: There are 2 pickup locations: 12:30 @ Roxbury Heritage State Park, 183 Roxbury St 12:50 @ Hotel 140, 140 Clarendon St (former YMCA) Please arrive at these times in order for the tour to begin at 1pm.