Black Legacy Month

Dear Africana Community,

For over 55 years, the Africana Center has played a key role in Tufts University's Black History Month celebrations. Every February, we come together as a community of students, faculty, and staff to recognize and celebrate the achievements of Black leaders—both past and present.

As we build on the work done over the past several decades to offer meaningful programming and honor Black pioneers, we are rethinking how we celebrate our rich culture and history. While February has traditionally been known as Black History Month—and we will continue to honor this tradition—we recognize that the term "history" often evokes the past and can limit our understanding of the people and events we celebrate. Though there are specific dates that allow us to commemorate past milestones, we also want to acknowledge the lasting impacts of those moments.

Legacy, by definition, is something passed down from a predecessor. When we connect the lessons from our history to our present, we gain a deeper understanding of how we are linked to the legacy of our ancestors. With this in mind, the Africana Center reframed Black History Month as Black Legacy Month in 2021, aiming to connect our past to our present and, ultimately, create a foundation for our future.

We will continue to honor Black History Month while also incorporating Black Legacy Month into our programming. In the spirit of unity, we look forward to embarking on this ongoing journey with all of you.

Best,

The Africana Center Staff