Safeguarding a Legacy, Renewing Community

October 19th, 2025

The Evolution of a Black Classical Musician

Join bassoonist Lecolion Washington as he performs a recital featuring music from his album Legacy: Music for Bassoon by African American Composers. You will also learn how a conversation with Archbishop Desmond Tutu transformed Lecolion's perception of the power of music and the trajectory for his career. Come to also be part of a discussion around the ways in which the identities of musicians can work alongside their artistry to have even greater impact. This event is in partnership with the Community Music Center of Boston's John Kleshinski Concert Series.

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September 14th, 2025

Centering Culture

Join dancer/choreographer Mar Parilla, percussionist Cornelly Colley, and interdisciplinary artist Ifé Franklin in a conversation rooted in culture, intentional placemaking, and the beautiful connections that arise when both are centered. Moderated by Castle of our Skins' Artistic Director Ashleigh Gordon, this discussion is a prelude to the MassQ Ball 2025: Color event, in which all three artists will be showcased. The MassQ Ball - a large-scale celebration of ritual, performance, and cross-cultural arts, featuring the diverse artistry of Boston's communities of color - will take place at The Arnold Arboretum on Saturday, October 4th from 10-4pm. Free and family-friendly, this event will weave together art, movement, dance and spoken word with ritual, nature, and the joy found in creative expression and cultural celebration. Learn more at MassQBall.com.

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Heart of the Culture Event Series 2025

Black History in Action is excited to announce the second season of Heart of the Culture event series! Our fourth programming season includes a series of dynamic arts and culture events exploring themes of identity, liberation, and exploring the unsung composers that helped shape genres. This fall, you will experience artists from Castle of our Skins and the MassQ Ball, and storytellers Lecolion Washington, Director Daresha Kyi, and James Dargan. Join us again at the historic African-Caribbean St. Augustine’s church to gather, celebrate, organize, and reflect starting September 14 as we continue our reactivation work of creating an inclusive Black space for arts, documentation, organizing, and joy in collaboration with the community.

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