‘Celebrating a Century of Black History Commemorations’

Medford yesterday celebrated 100 years of honoring Black history. The gathering at City Hall included food, music, talks, games, and poetry.

In her remarks, Medford Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Frances Nwajei talked about the importance of people knowing their history.

“Coming here, it was very, very eye opening realizing that the history I had been exposed to was nowhere near the same history that Americans were being exposed to. Americans weren’t even being taught about their history, and I just found that completely fascinating. And, then I dug deeper and started to realize the reasons why,” Nwajei said.

“History is important, all of it, the good, the bad, the not-so-good, the painful,” she continued. “The painful will remind you not to go backwards, not to go back to that dark place, not to go back to that dark time. But, the painful can also be a strength. It shows the resilience. It shows the survival. It shows what you have become. It shows what we have become. And, in this day and age, there was never more a time for us to be heroes, for us to be resilient, for us to search within our own souls...”

Medford School Superintendent Dr. Suzanne Galusi said, “At its core, this centennial reminds us of the essential purpose of education, to preserve truth and to uphold our collective responsibility to remember to learn and to ensure that every child feels that they matter.”

Galusi read a quote by Lonnie G. Bunch III, who was the founding director of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture, saying, “Black History Month is not just for Black people. It’s a moment to understand the American experience through the lens of those who have been marginalized yet have been central to the nation’s progress.”

“That perspective deepens us all,” Galusi said. “It strengthens empathy, civic understanding, and our commitment to equity. So, today, we celebrate with seriousness and with joy. We honor a century of perseverance and excellence and we recommit ourselves to ensure that this work extends far beyond a single month. May this 100th anniversary renew our dedication to teaching truth, cultivating belonging, and preparing our students to shape a future where they have a history they inherit.”

According to the Smithsonian’s website, “When[Bunch] started as director in July 2005, he had one staff member, no collections, no funding and no site for a museum. Driven by optimism, determination and a commitment to build ‘a place that would make America better,’ Bunch transformed a vision into a bold reality. The museum has welcomed more than 11 million visitors since it opened in September 2016 and has compiled a collection of 40,000 objects that are housed in the first ‘green building’ on the National Mall.”

Before they headed upstairs for the event, attendees were greeted in the lobby with photos of, information about, and quotes from Black Americans who fought for civil rights, shaped culture, informed policy, and transformed education. They included Malcolm X , Ida B. Wells, Frederick Douglass, John Lewis, Rosa Parks, Maya Angelou, Booker T. Washington, and Thurgood Marshall.