Local and state leaders in Massachusetts participated in a walking tour on August 18 to raise awareness about preserving Black history in Boston. The group visited notable landmarks, including the Robert Gould Shaw and Massachusetts 54th Regiment Memorial, which honors one of the first Black regiments of the Civil War.
The monument, unveiled in 1897 during a period of racial tension, faces uncertainty as federal policies threaten historical sites that document America’s complex past. Imari Paris Jeffries, president and CEO of the racial justice nonprofit Embrace Boston, noted the monument’s significance, highlighting the portrayal of Black soldiers holding guns during its original unveiling.
Officials emphasized the importance of maintaining these historical sites despite political pressures. Senator Edward Markey stated that efforts to rewrite history threaten recognition of Black and Brown contributions to U.S. history. Past federal actions have included altering educational materials and government websites, such as the temporary removal of Harriet Tubman’s role in the Underground Railroad.
The tour also included the Embrace Monument, commemorating the first meeting of Rev. Martin Luther King and Coretta Scott King, and the African Meeting House, home to Boston’s Museum of African American History. Leaders stressed the need for community support and membership contributions to sustain these institutions amid budget cuts and reduced government funding, ensuring Black history remains visible and preserved.
