City-sponsored open house will share the design of a new community center in the Grove Hall section of Dorchester on Thurs., Feb. 13, from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. at the Grove Hall Branch of the Boston Public Library, 41 Geneva Ave. Stop by the open house to view a model of the proposed design. See Boston.gov/BCYF-Grove-Hall. (This meeting was re-scheduled from an earlier date of Feb. 6 due to inclement weather.)

Another event at the Grove Hall branch of the BPL features Douglas Stark, who will discuss his 2025 book “Race and Resistance in Boston: A Contested Sports History” on Sat., Feb. 15, from 3 to 4:30 p.m.

The John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum offers several family-oriented activities and programs throughout Presidents’ Day week, including its signature “Presidents’ Day Festival” on Mon., Feb. 17, from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., featuring presidential storytelling, make-and-take activities, musical performances, and other activities for the whole family.  The festival will close with a special free concert by the Harvard Din & Tonics, who will perform Kennedy campaign songs and popular music from the 1960s and today. 

On Thurs., Feb. 20, at 10:30 a.m., the Library will host a free performance by the Okra Dance Company, “Dancing Journey of Africans in America,” as part of its Celebrate! family programming. Audiences of all ages will be inspired by African dance, music, and rhythm on American culture in honor of Black History Month. 

The USS Constitution will be open for public visits from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Mon., Feb. 17, in observation of Presidents’ Day. A 21-gun salute is planned around noon at the Charlestown Navy Yard.

The 2025 Mayor’s Youth Summit will take place on Sat., Feb. 22, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Artists for Humanity EpiCenter on West 2nd Street, South Boston.  This free citywide celebration aims to engage and inspire Boston teens ages 14-19. Learn more at boston.gov/youth-summit.

Comedy night at the Dot Tavern on Thurs., Feb. 27, at 8 p.m. will benefit the Dorchester Day Parade on Sun., June 1. Raffle tickets for Bruins v. Predators tickets (March 4) game. See @mayorofdot on Instagram for more.

The Lower Mills Civic Association did not meet in January. The next meeting is Tuesday, Feb. 18, at 7 p.m. in St. Gregory’s auditorium.
BCYF Black History Annual Skate Night is this Friday, Feb. 14, from 5 to 8 p.m. This event will create space for young residents ages 17 and under to be in community and skate with friends and family.  Chez Vous Skating Rink, 11 Rhoades St. Dorchester.

Black Employee Network Employee Resource Group Celebration is Fri., Feb. 21, at 6 p.m. at Carver Lodge, 82 Talbot Ave. It will connect Black city employees and the community with city leadership to celebrate all of the triumphs of the Black diaspora.

Learn about the history, art, and fashion of headwraps as Tafari Wraps leads an interactive presentation and workshop at the Mattapan Branch of the BPL on Tues., Feb. 25, from 5 to 7 p.m. In another event, visit the branch and join Bro. Joel Mackall for a Saturday Series presentation on the “Hidden History of Black Boston” on Sat., March 1, from 2 to 4 p.m., 1350 Blue Hill Ave.

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