Message From The Director
History of BCIC
In 1979, thirteen African-American women were murdered in Boston in a series of related acts of violence. The shock of these violent crimes galvanized community residents to form the Community for Human Rights, an all volunteer organization dedicated to addressing the growing number of violent crimes being committed throughout the Greater Roxbury community. There was a mandate to educate residents about effective crime prevention techniques, administering neighborhood security patrols and the establishment of a telephone Hot Line. It provided referral and monitoring services that the Afrikan/Black community utilized to report suspected criminal activity. These were among the many types of strategies utilized by the Community for Human Rights.
Mission / Vision Statement
Attaining knowledge is instrumental to the continued development of a civilization and its communities. A lack of information limits the power gained from knowledge and dismantles the fabric of communities and individuals: knowledge is key & information is essential.
Founded in 1981, the Black Community Information Center Inc. (B.C.I.C.) Inc.) is a non-profit organization servicing the Greater Boston Afrikan/Black community and beyond. The Black Community Information Center's goal is to assist in the development of Afrikan/Black people by making pertinent and relevant information accessible to individuals of Afrikan descent. This would facilitate addressing the issues of disenfranchisement, inhibited cultural identification, isolation and direct action from the lack of useful information.
Programs & Events
BCIC continues to be a voice for human, civil rights & organizing the community. Our programs include:
Imani House
The Home office of The Black Community Information Center Inc., is located at 516 Warren Street in Boston, Massachusetts. The IMANI HOUSE houses nine affordable housing units and services for formerly homeless individuals. There is a community conference room for local organizations and groups to meet, including B.C.I.C. Inc. committee meetings.
Circle of Umoja
The Ujima Collective is a collaboration of organizations whose individuals are committed to the liberation struggle and overall improvement of the quality of life of people of Afrikan decent.
The Boston Bengal Pop Warner Football and Cheerleading Club
This is a program that services youth, both male and female, between the ages of five to sixteen years of age. The emphasis is on personal development, academic excellence and a winning attitude with good sportsmanship.
Drum Beat radio show (WRBB 104.9FM listen live)
Established in 1982, the Drum Beat radio show airs on WRBB Sundays at 10:00.a.m to provide a forum for discussing pertinent and controversial “black issues”.
Drumbeat TV show (BNN local access)
Another media format using guest interviews and community call-ins to provide coverage of important issues for our community.
Community Kwanzaa (Dec 26-Jan1)
Community Kwanzaa began in 1976 as an annual celebration of Kwanzaa through out Boston’s Black community and is still going strong.
Malcolm X Breakfast event
Established in 1987, the Annual Malcolm X Memorial & Awards Breakfast takes place each year in May. Notable speakers have included: IIyasah Shabazz, daughter of Malcolm X in 2009 and Ella Little, sister of Malcolm X in 1997.
Boston International Track Club
Boston International Track Club serves youth through sports, instilling discipline, self worth and pride.
Nubian Youth Sports & Technology Federation
The Nubian Youth Sports & Technology Federation unites 8 community technology centers, 7 major youth athletic and development organizations and Educational institutions (RCC, UMASS Boston, Northeastern) to bring PC resources in Roxbury to youth involved in sports.
Soul Patrol 4 Peace
Established in 2008, the Patrol utilizes a one-on-one approach to reaching young black males letting them know that we are here to help and that there is a way out of violence. It also provides leadership to concerned Black men working to decrease the incident of violent deaths among young black males.
Community Forums
Community Forums are organized to gather, educate & inform our people on such topics as Boston Police Department’s “use of deadly force”, the mis-education of Black Children, hosting a historic visit of “The Little Rock Nine” (The little Rock Nine were the first black teenagers to attend the all-white Central High School in Little Rock Arkansas, in 1957).
Contact Info
Contact information for the BCIC & Donations accepted here:
The Black Community Information Center, Inc.
516 Warren Street
Boston, MA 02121
617.427.2522
Email: blackinfonow@verizon.net
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