Dear Members and Friends:
February is Black History Month
Explore events for Black History Month in Boston in and around Boston, from historic exhibits, talks and forums to skate parties, historic walks and more. Check out the organization Embrace Boston, working at the intersection of arts, culture, community and research to dismantle structural racism. Embrace Boston sees a radically inclusive and equitable Boston where everyone belongs and Black people prosper, grounded in joy, love and wellbeing.
Check out Boston’s City gov page for many event listings: Black History Month
And read bios of exceptional and inspirational Bostonians here: Black History Boston
Boston has deep roots in abolitionism and civil rights, the month honors figures like Lewis Hayden, Phillis Wheatley, and the 54th Regiment, while highlighting the Museum of African American History, Black Heritage Trail, and City Hall celebrations of local leaders.
Boston celebrates a century of organized Black history week, tracing back to Dr. Carter G. Woodson’s 1926 initiative. Woodson, known as the “father of Black history” chose February to build on the ongoing black community celebrations around the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass. More importantly, Woodson believed that history was made by the people, not simply or primarily by great men, and the community focus should be on the countless Black men and women who contributed to the advance of civilization.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Official statements on ICE in Boston and Massachusetts:
Mayor Wu – Executive Order
Mayor Michelle Wu stood together with mayors and city managers from neighboring municipalities to give an update on how the City of Boston and neighboring municipalities are taking steps to address unconstitutional federal operations. She was joined at the event by Cambridge City Manager Yi-An Huang, Chelsea City Manager Fidel Maltez, Lynn Mayor Jared Nicholson, Newton Mayor Marc C. Laredo, and Somerville Mayor Jake Wilson.
Governor Healey states “my job is to protect people from ICE”
Last week, Governor Maura Healey hosted a press conference to announce new actions to protect Massachusetts residents from the harmful actions by the U.S Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Watch the speech (7 minute video) here:
Governor Healey executive order: https://www.mass.gov/executive-orders/no-650-protecting-access-to-essential-services-and-keeping-massachusetts-communities-safe
Cold and Snow Emergency in Boston: Saturday through Monday
The cold continues this week, stay safe with cold weather safety tips, and these important winter phone numbers.
Be aware: parking bans may be put into effect on emergency roadways due to snow
Superbowl related Traffic disruption / parking ban – Sun 1pm – Mon 3am
Affected areas: Park Drive / Boylston / Brookline Ave (near Landsdowne St)
DCR Traffic Advisory: Park Drive and Boylston Street parking bans begin Sunday, Feb 8 at 1pm and continue through Monday Feb 9 at 3 am
PARKING BAN: The DCR will implement a parking ban along Boylston Street between the Bowker overpass and Park Drive, and on Park Drive between Boylston Street and Brookline Avenue. ROAD CLOSURES; Additionally, beginning Sunday, February 8, at 9 p.m., and continuing through Monday, February 9, at 1 a.m., DCR will close Boylston Street between the Bowker overpass and Park Drive, and close Park Drive between Boylston Street and Brookline Avenue to all vehicle traffic. Traffic patterns will be clearly marked, and a police detail will be on site.
THE WEEK AHEAD
Sunday, Feb 8, 6:30 pm, Patriots at Superbowl LX
There will be traffic interruptions near Lansdowne Street at Super Bowl 2026: Fenway All Access Block Party 4 -11:30 pm. Parking bans along Park Drive and Boylston / and Brookline Ave temporarily closed.
Sunday, Feb 8, 2 pm, Puppy Bowl XXII Lesser known, but no less loved, featuring 150 rescue puppies from 72 shelters across the U.S., the event spotlights adoptable dogs.
Tues, Feb 10, 12:15-12:45 pm, 2026 Pipes on the Plaza Organ Concert Series at The Mother Church Extension at the Christian Science Plaza, 250 Massachusetts Ave – free, lunchtime series.
Experience the glorious sounds of one of the world’s largest pipe organs, featuring celebrated organists from around the world. The series kicks off with Mark Dwyer, Organist and Choirmaster performing works spanning a century of organ repertoire, from Mendelssohn’s dramatic fusion of Baroque and Romantic, through Peeters’s tender lyricism, to Sowerby’s expansive American style. For details visit: Pipes on the Plaza concert series.
Wed, Feb 11, 6 pm, Community Preservation Committee Hearing (virtual)
Members of the public may participate by using the Zoom meeting link or by calling 1-312-626-6799 and entering the following details:
Meeting ID: 858 3175 8819 Passcode: 651471
The Committee will review and vote on the full slate of affordable housing, historic preservation, open space, and recreation applications submitted for the 2026 funding round. If you have any questions, please contact Thadine Brown at 617-635-0545 or via email thadine.brown@boston.gov. The public can offer testimony. Read the most recent 2025 update of the plan here: Community Preservation Action Plan 2023-2027. This Plan outlines the funding allocations throughout the city.
UPCOMING
Northeastern University presents a Wellness Series – open to the community:
Bringing the community together to focus on their health & wellness through three events. All events are free and open to the public.
Health and Wellness Open House – February 18th
This event will connect neighbors, organizations, and partners with valuable tools and information. Explore local programs, discover wellness and support services, and learn how we can work together to strengthen our community. Light refreshments will be provided, RSVP requested but not required.
NU is collecting resources of all types, if you would like to share something please complete this Google form.
Check this link for two more events:
Health of the Community w. Heart of a Giant Foundation – Feb 28 11:30am – 2pm
Safety Preparedness Workshop – March 5, 6-8 pm
Kaji Aso Studio – 2026 International Haiku Contest – Submissions due April 6th.
Please Note: This is a different deadline date from previous years. Offering cash prizes, and a complimentary Certificate of Commendation for first prize from the Consulate General of Japan in Boston. Vist the website for full details on how to participate. Click here to read some of last year’s winning haikus.
USA- 250TH ANNIVERSARY – July 4th, 2026 – Revolution never gets old!
Boston events: https://www.boston.gov/boston-250
BPL art exhibit: Revolution! 250 Years of Art & Activism in Boston
Statewide events: https://massachusetts250.org/events/
GOVERNMENT NEWS
The City of Boston’s Participatory Budgeting initiative is open until February 15th. Residents can vote on how to spend a portion of the City’s budget. You don’t have to be a registered voter – or even an adult – if you live in Boston and are at least 11 years old or in 6th grade, you can participate! Link to the voting page here: https://www.boston.gov/departments/participatory-budgeting/ideas-action
TRANSPORTATION & DEVELOPMENT
City of Boston – Curb Use Survey: the Public Curb Map project aims to learn how people use curb space, how they understand curb rules, how the City communicates curb-related information, and how residents share feedback. Please take this short survey to contribute to the study: Boston Public Curb Map — Community Survey
MBTA: Visit https://www.mbta.com/alerts/subway for info on service disruptions.
Bowker Overpass project: follow progress on the project page.
DEVELOPMENT NEWS by status: “Under Review”: “Board Approved”:
HEALTH & SAFETY
FENWAY CARES Every other Wednesday, 3:30 pm ‘til done – Next date Feb 11
Fenway Cares Food Distribution at 2 locations:
West Fenway – Fenway Community Center, 1282 Boylston (enter-Jersey)
East Fenway – Symphony Community Park, 39 Edgerly Road
Volunteers are welcome to sign up for all dates and both locations!
The MGH/MBG Community Care Health Clinic 1-5 pm on Fenway Cares dates. Rotates between the West and East Fenway locations (see above). Offerings may include blood pressure monitoring, blood sugar testing, COVID-19 and flu vaccines.
on 2/11 at Morville House, 100 Norway St. and 2/25 at Fenway Community Center.
Boston Police D4 Community News eMail Add your email to the list
See you around!
Promoting a vital and sustainable neighborhood
Fenway Civic Association 