Celebrate black achievements

We tell stories of Black people’s triumphs to celebrate their success and recognize the path they blazed for others to follow

Unearth the Past

We share stories of the people, places and events that shaped Black history in Massachusetts

Harriet Tubman

Step on Board Memorial-Boston

A Philip Randolph

African-American Railroad Worker Dedication-Boston

From Boston to the Berkshires, there is an abundance of Black History throughout the Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Learn Black History of Massachusetts

Black Gems Unearthed is an educational video series about Black History of Massachusetts. We bring Black history to life through well researched storytelling, and we show you present day locations where history took place throughout the state. Sources are provided for each video within the YouTube video descriptions so that you can continue to learn and explore on your own.

Jazz Dottin is the host of Black Gems Unearthed. She is originally from Massachusetts and is learning about Black history in her own backyard. Jazz earned a bachelors in Tourism Management and Spanish from Temple University, and has worked in the tourism industry and arts and culture field for 10+ years.

About us

Video Series

Black Gems Unearthed is on Youtube!

Check out our latest Black History video by clicking here.

Events

Black Gems Unearthed curates a list of upcoming educational Black history events from organizations based around Massachusetts. We also provide a short list of temporary art exhibts around the state featuring Black history and culture. Both lists are populated as events and exhibits available.

If you would like your educational event or exhibt included on this list, please send an email request. See the contact page for our email.

Temporary Exhibits

Ashley Bryan in Song

Now 98 years old, the celebrated artist and author Ashley Bryan has committed his life to filling the void of Black representation in children’s literature

The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art

Jun. 12 – Nov. 7, 2021

https://www.carlemuseum.org/content/current-exhibitions

Untold Stories: A History of Black People in Lynn

Lynn Museum & Historical Society

Apr. 10 – Dec. 31, 2021

https://lynnmuseum.org/exhibits-and-collections/

Uncommon Threads: The Works of Ruth E. Carter

New Bedford Art Musuem/Art Works

May 1 – November 14, 2021

https://newbedfordart.org/ruth/

Jazz Scene in Boston: Telling the Local Story