The heart of Nantucket will come alive with creativity, history, and community as Nantucket Black History Month 2026: Celebrating the Intergenerational Power of Black Arts takes place on Saturday, February 7, from 12:30 to 2:30 pm at the historic African Meeting House, 29 York Street.
This vibrant afternoon will honor the voices, stories, and artistic traditions that have shaped Black culture across generations. Designed to be interactive, educational, and entertaining, the free event invites community members of all ages to experience the power of the arts as a force for connection, expression, and change.
The afternoon program features inspiring performances by Neville Richen, Nantucket High School senior and Poetry Out Loud winner; Danielle Lewis, and Ecliff’s Jazz Trio, offering a dynamic blend of spoken word, music, and youth-led creativity. The celebration will also include a panel discussion and a powerful keynote address by Massachusetts Poet Laureate Regie Gibson, whose words and wisdom promise to leave audiences moved
and energized.
Presented in partnership with the Nantucket Island Chamber of Commerce, the Town of Nantucket Department of Culture & Tourism, the Nantucket Historical Association, and the Museum of African American History Boston and Nantucket, the event reflects a shared commitment to honoring history while uplifting the next generation of artists, leaders, and storytellers.
“This celebration centers Black creativity, legacy, and artistic expression across generations,” organizers shared. “Through art, storytelling, and shared experience, we honor the past, amplify present voices, and inspire the future of Black culture on Nantucket and beyond.”
The community is warmly invited to attend this free celebration of creativity, culture, and
collective joy.
The African Meeting House is the only public building constructed and occupied by African Americans in the 19th century still standing on Nantucket. The small post-and-beam building, a National Historic Landmark, is the island’s most vivid reminder of a thriving 19th-century Black community. The Museum presents cultural programs and interpretive exhibits on the history of African Americans on Nantucket, and makes the African Meeting House available for ceremonies and special events.