Celebrating

African American History Month

Black History Month is a time when the contributions and culture of African Americans take center stage. It is a time for us to learn and reflect about parts of our American history that have remained hidden, often because of who gets to write the history we've been taught.

“The way to right wrongs is to turn the light of truth upon them” – Ida B. Wells

“Those being honored were contributors to their communities, whether it be here in the Andovers or beyond. Theirs is a history that has been marginalized and is now being acknowledged to set the record straight. Hallelujah! “ –Michele Phillips

"Learning the stories of the African Americans in our community who are being honored by this project, will make our historical information more complete." Susan Malloy, North Parish Racial Justice Team

In addition to the banners around the Common celebrating Black History Month, The North Andover African American History Committee is proud to present events in February, March and June 2025. Check out the event page for program details.

This project is organized by Lynn Wentzel, Tina Klein, Michele Phillips, Ralph Bledsoe, Pat Grimm, Gail Forsyth-Vail, and Steve Vail, a group of passionate local citizens that believe that African American history is American history, and that all people should be represented in local history. Sponsors and supporting organizations include the North Parish Racial Justice Team, the Town of North Andover and the North Andover Historical Society. Financial support provided by private donations and Mass Humanities, which receives support from the Massachusetts Cultural Council and is an affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities.

In 2021 and 2022, artwork for a series of banners was commissioned from Elevated Thought (ET), an art and social justice 501(c)3 non-profit based in Lawrence, MA. Through creative youth development, beautification projects, public outreach, and paid opportunities for BIPOC creatives, ET actively addresses forms of systemic injustice. They develop spaces for BIPOC youth and communities to engage and understand art's liberating power. Each banner acknowledges and celebrates the contributions of an African American with local, regional or state connection.

Each year, banners are displayed around the Common for the month. While viewing the banners, snap a picture of the QR code posted with each banner to be directed to a short biography about each person, or visit the Biographies page.

Read about the project’s art diector and artist for this banner, Alex J. Brien.

This program is funded in part by Mass Humanities, which receives support from the Massachusetts Cultural Council and is an affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities.