Worcester Black History Trail Preserves the Legacy of the City’s Black Community

As we celebrate Black History Month, we reflect on the sacrifices and contributions African Americans have made to our country and recognize the integral impact that African Americans have had on Central Massachusetts' history since shortly after European settlement.

In an effort to pay homage to Worcester's Black community, Professor Thomas Doughton, a senior lecturer in interdisciplinary studies at Holy Cross, has partnered with the College, the Worcester NAACP branch, Worcester's Laurel Project and the office of City Manager Edward M. Augustus Jr. to create the Worcester Black History Trail.

Set to be installed and unveiled publicly by summer 2022, the Worcester Black History Trail acknowledges specific locations integral to Worcester's Black community and their significance through permanent historical markers. Throughout the month of February, a preview of the Worcester Black History Trail markers has been on display at City Hall and most recently at Holy Cross' Hogan Center Weigand Art Gallery (first floor of Hogan), where it can be viewed  through Sunday, March 6th.

Doughton told MassLive.com in a recent interview that the goal of the project is to reaffirm the historical Black presence in Worcester through community empowerment that's based in historical facts, teaching Worcester emerging Black youth the history of the community that preceded them.

"Once you understand the history of these sites," Doughton said, "you'll understand the history of Black people in Worcester."

To read the full article, go to MassLive.com.