Black Resistance

Since 1976, every American president has designated February as Black History Month and endorsed a specific theme.

The Black History Month 2023 theme, “Black Resistance,” explores how "African Americans have resisted historic and ongoing oppression, in all forms, especially the racial terrorism of lynching, racial pogroms and police killings," since the nation's earliest days.

A Message from the Coalition

While, we may not have known Mr. Tyre Nichols we offer our condolences to his family and friends, and the Memphis, TN community.

The horrific video of the tragic killing of 29-year-old Tyre Nichols by members of the Memphis police department was released this past weekend for the world to witness. The Monadnock Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Coalition are deeply saddened by yet another instance of injustice that plagues our nation. It further necessitates that we all commit to the important work of building up and strengthen just communities.

Sherriff Eli Rivera, along with the MDEIB coalition, invites you to a Community Conversation on Race and Policing on Wednesday, February 8 at 6pm at the Keene Family YMCA. All are welcome.

Shop Black-Owned Month

The Local Crowd (TLC) Monadnock will join with the American Independent Business Alliance and partners throughout North America to support Black-owned businesses and celebrate diversity in the local economy.

Monadnock Region Partners:

Find some great local Black owned businesses below.

Black-Owned & Local Shopping

Local Craft Distillers of Full-Flavored, Artisan Liquors

Winchester, New Hampshire

Tasting Room open:

Friday-Sunday | 12pm-6pm

Website

Yahso Jamaican Grille has been serving authentic cuisine locally since it opened its door on Main Street in Keene in May 2019.

Website

In collaboration with the YMCA of the USA and the African American Resources Network, we will be encouraging people to wear black on February 24th in unity with those who continue to fight every day against injustice and inequity.

Want your shirt? Click to email for your order and shirts will be ready for pickup at the Keene Family YMCA on February 17th.

Order your Shirt

Learning about Black History

Monadnock Food Co-op Community Book Club

February 6 | 6pm - 7:30pm

Monadnock Food Co-op | Keene

Check out their monthly community book club on the first Monday of the month! Free & open to the public.

This month they will discuss Austin Channing Brown's I'm Still Here: Black Dignity in a World Made for Whiteness.

Special Film Event: Till

February 15 & 16 | 6:30pm

Colonial Theatre Showroom | Keene

A special FREE event presented in partnership with: Monadnock DEIB Coalition, Human Rights Committee-City of Keene and Keene State College Cultural Center.

Each night includes a Q&A after the film with Dr. Dottie Morris, Associate Vice President for Diversity and Inclusion at Keene State.

More Information

Remembering Baker Moore and the Brooks Family

February 22 | 6pm - 8pm

Historical Society of Cheshire County | Keene

The Historical Society of Cheshire County welcomes Michelle Stahl, Executive Director of the Monadnock Center for History and Culture, and archeologist Gail Golec to speak about their research on Baker Moore of Peterborough & the Brooks family of Walpole. Free & open to the public.

Reserve a Spot

Weekly participatory panel presentations throughout February in person and virtual. Free & open to the public.

Elinor Williams Hooker Tea Talks 2023

February 5 - March 12 | 2pm-3pm

Portsmouth | Virtual

The Black Heritage Trail NH will dig deeper into complex issues that often divide in order to build communities in which we can all strive in their annual series.

More Information & Registration

Celebrating The Stories And Accomplishments Of Black Leaders In The Y Movement

Learn about the Black leaders who helped move the Y – and America – forward.

Read the Blog

Anti-Racism Resources

Below you will find anti-racism and equity resources and tools, as well as recordings from events, to help us all consider and act on the role we can play, individually and collectively, to address the racism and racial inequities that affect us all each day.

Anti-Racism Resources Packet