Press Release  Suffolk Juvenile Probation Officer to host the Trial Court’s longest running Black History Month Celebration

Boston, MA — Suffolk Juvenile Probation Officer II Ronald Whitehead is hosting the 17th Annual Black History Month Celebration on Friday, February 28. It is the longest-running and most expansive Black History Month celebration and exhibit in the Massachusetts Trial Court.

The celebration, which is open to all Trial Court employees and the public, will take place at the Edward Brooke Courthouse, 24 New Chardon Street, in Boston, at 1 pm.

This year’s theme has a triple focus. Whitehead, who is an avid collector of African-American memorabilia, will feature a pop-up museum which will showcase African-American principal ballerinas such as Misty Copeland; Negro League baseball; and the life and contributions of the late Reverend Michael Haynes. The pastor of the historic Twelfth Baptist Church in Roxbury for 40 years, Haynes passed away in 2019 at the age of 92. He rose to national prominence through his friendship with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and later served as a member of the Parole Board. The celebration will also include a performance by Alvin Ailey dancer and Boston native Daharah Pritchard. A feast prepared by court employees will follow the program.

“Black History is American History. It is the history of you, me and everyone that exists in this country. Black History Month is not only 29 days, it is 365 days a year,” Whitehead said.

He organized the first Black History Month exhibit while a Probation Officer at Dorchester Court. When Whitehead later transferred to Brooke Court, he brought the Black History Month celebration and exhibit with him. This annual fete continues to be a much anticipated event that draws attendees from the courts, legal, law enforcement, and human services communities as well as the public.

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