The Woods Hole Black History Month Committee is celebrating 40 years in Woods Hole in 2021. Four virtual events are planned. All are free and open to the public. However, advance registration is required.
The 2021 national theme for Black History Month is “The Black Family: Representation, Identity, and Diversity."
Two panel discussions, a live radio interview, and a month-long virtual Harambee, or ethnic feast, are planned. Events will be held on February 4, 9 and 17th, with the virtual Harambee continuing throughout the month. Further information about each event is provided below under each event date.
Woods Hole Black History Month activities are sponsored by the Woods Hole Diversity Advisory Committee. The committee is composed of members from each of the six scientific institutions in Woods Hole: Marine Biological Laboratory, NOAA Fisheries Northeast Fisheries Science Center, Sea Education Association, United States Geological Survey, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, and Woodwell Climate Research Center (formerly Woods Hole Research Center).
More information about the Woods Hole Diversity Initiative and the Diversity Advisory Committee can be found here.
This panel discussion will be moderated by Ambrose Jearld, Jr., a charter member and formal chair of the Woods Hole Black History Month committee. Jearld retired in 2016 as a fisheries biologist after a 38-year NOAA Fisheries career at the Northeast Fisheries Science Center in Woods Hole.
Dr. Walter Massey, an educator, physicist and business executive, will be interviewed by Mindy Todd of Cape and Islands NPR station WCAI. Todd is host and producer of the station’s “The Point” program. They will discuss Massey's experiences as chair of Bank of America during the nation's financial crisis in 2008. Among his accomplishments, Dr. Massey is a trustee emeritus of the Marine Biological Laboratory and of the University of Chicago. He also serves as a senior advisor to the president of the University of Chicago.
A panel discussion on the Boston Globe production about African American lives. Those interested are asked to watch the short videos of the production in advance to prepare for the discussion. The episodes can be found on the Boston Globe website or on YouTube. Questions should be submitted by Feb. 15 to the panel at woodsholedac@gmail.com
Although we cannot safely gather together for our cherished Harambee event, we can still come together as a community! We invite you to participate in our virtual Harambee by either trying one of the delicious recipes listed and sharing a photo of your meal, or submitting your own recipe and photo. Email your photos or recipes to woodsholedac@gmail.com