Tuesday, Feb. 22
Black History Month through Boston Arts

Black History Month is a time to celebrate the contributions of African Americans who shaped U.S. history. But what about the artists who shape the beauty in our lives right now?

Guest host Alicia Anstead spoke with three major players in the visual and performing arts. First up: Elliot Bostwick Davis, chair of the Museum of Fine Art’s new Americas Wing. She told us about the African American artists whose works are part of the museum’s permanent collection. From there it was to actor and singer Kami Rushell Smith, who plays Our Lady of the Spa in the current production of NINE.

Finally, it was Thomas Wilkins, the new conductor of youth and family concerts at the Boston Symphony Orchestra. He’s the first African American to hold a conducting position in the orchestra’s 130 year history.