Free with RSVP at vbsseniorcenter@boston.gov or 617-635-6120

Registration is limited, and lunch will be served, as we explore the history of the House-Ball Culture, an underground LGBTQ+ subculture created by Black and Brown individuals in opposition to racism within established drag queen pageant circuits, with a voguing performance by the Legendary House Mother London Saint Morta and their house members, who were also finalists on HBO Max’s LEGENDARY.

Register for the event

Tentative Schedule:

10 a.m. - Youth Tour of City Hall 

11 a.m. - Panel with city employees 

12 p.m. - Lunch 

1 p.m. - Ballroom Panel 

1:30 p.m. - Performance By London Saint Morta and the House of Saint Morta

Please be aware that registration is limited, and completion of this form does not guarantee attendance. Following submission, you will receive an email confirming your attendance or informing you of your placement on our waitlist.

REGISTER HERE

Join the Mayor's Office of LGBTQ+ Advancement for a Youth Tour followed by a panel and demonstration; registration is limited, and lunch will be served, as we explore the history of the House-Ball Culture, an underground LGBTQ+ subculture created by Black and Brown individuals in opposition to racism within established drag queen pageant circuits, with a voguing performance by the Legendary House Mother London Saint Morta and their house members, who were also finalists on HBO Max’s LEGENDARY.

Space is limited. 

Register Here

Join us for an inspiring evening of spoken word and rhythmic beats, featuring an incredible lineup of poets and a soulful performance by Chief Dion Irish, AKA DJ Underground.

🔥 Featured Invited Guest Poets 🔥

• Amanda Shea
• Art Collins
• Michael Bonds
• Vernon (VCR) Robinson

🎧 DJ Underground: Chief Dion Irish 🎧

As we honor Black History Month, immerse yourself in the powerful narratives and expressions that have shaped our community. This event promises to be a dynamic celebration of resilience, talent, and unity.

We invite you to participate in this cultural celebration by sharing your own voice during the open mic segment. Embrace the spirit of Black History Month with us at "Fire and Flow."

For more details or to sign up for the open mic, please contact Jamarhl Crawford. 

An evening dedicated to commemorating Black History Month, featuring the music of Negro Spirituals and narratives honoring James Baldwin.

Free Food will be provided

Join us on the third floor Mezzanine, where we will showcase incredible art from members of the Black ART Community, with keynote speaker Taneshia Laird, Inaugural President and CEO of the Greater Roxbury Arts & Cultural Center.

This year's theme, "African Americans and the Arts," pays tribute to the profound impact Black Americans have made in visual arts, music, and cultural expressions. From the deep south's solace-seeking melodies to the urban jazz scenes in New Orleans and Chicago, our history is steeped in artistic brilliance. 

The kickoff will also be a special occasion as we collectively honor living legends of African American Artists:

• Paul Goodnight,
• Dominga Martin,
• Shaumba-Yandje Dibinga

These remarkable individuals have made significant contributions to the arts, and we are delighted to come together as a community to celebrate their impact.

Visit our page for more information regarding Black History Month!

Several Boston Youth Poet Laureate semi-finalists will be invited to participate in a public reading at the Roxbury Branch of the Boston Public Library from 2 - 4:30 p.m. At the end of the reading, we'll be announcing Boston's next Youth Poet Laureate. 

The Boston Youth Poet Laureate program (BYPL) was created in cooperation with the national youth literary organization, Urban Word, local youth literary leaders, the Boston Public Library, MassLEAP, and 826 Boston to promote appreciation for poetry. Similar to the Poet Laureate's civic challenge, the Youth Poet Laureate is tasked with inspiring deeper engagement in the written and spoken word.

• Exquisite handmade treasures: Unique handmade designs for sale by the talented older adults of Boston. Please bring cash for purchases.
• Ugliest sweater contest: Strike a pose in our photo booth or in front of holiday-themed spaces!