Chelsea Black Community unveils Black History Month 2026 lineup and honors local 'Trailblazers'

Joan Cromwell, president of the Chelsea Black Community, on Saturday outlined the group’s Black History Month 2026 program and named five local “Trailblazers” the organization will honor at its Feb. 26 community celebration.

“We believe it’s essential to pause and give thanks to those who impact us every day,” Cromwell said, describing the award as a way to recognize leaders who “build trust, create access, and help shape a more equitable, connected Chelsea.”

The month’s calendar begins with an opening reception and art installation, “Held Intention,” on Wednesday, Feb. 4, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Chelsea City Hall Art Gallery. Cromwell said the installation, by artist Caleb Hawkins, ties work on the Black Heritage Trail to civic spaces.

On Thursday, Feb. 12, at 6 p.m., the Chelsea Public Library (569 Broadway) will host Sean Quigley, a park ranger with the National Park Service, for a presentation titled “Underground Railroad,” covering safe houses, routes and the role of community organizing in that history.

A spoken-word collaboration with Dev Zabit of Clock Ave Productions will take place Saturday, Feb. 21, at Spencer Lofts Galleries at 7:30 p.m.; the event will feature local and regional poets and performers (including True Queen) and carry a $15 gate fee to support the artists. The month concludes with a community celebration at Williams School on Thursday, Feb. 26, starting at 5 p.m., featuring performances and a keynote by Reverend Art J. Gordon, described by Cromwell as director of community engagement in the governor’s office (Governor Maura Healey).

Cromwell said the Trailblazers awards highlight a range of local service. She announced the honorees as a long-serving staff member at the Chelsea Recreation Department known as “Bea”; Pastor Kayla Velez of Bridal Church Chelsea, recognized for faith-based community care and her involvement in the Faith in Blue initiative; state Senator Sal DiDomenico, praised for his advocacy for Chelsea; Tony Martins, a longtime volunteer and public-safety contributor; and Damali Vedat, a former city councilor at large noted for work on mental-health and intergenerational outreach.

Cromwell framed the month as both a commemoration of the 100th anniversary of organized Black History observance, first initiated by Carter G. Woodson in 1926, and a local effort to center arts, history and civic engagement in Chelsea. She encouraged residents to attend events throughout February and to join the Feb. 26 celebration honoring the Trailblazers.

No formal actions or municipal votes were recorded during the announcement; the remarks consisted of program details and community invitations.