Past Events

Sayku, born and bred in the vibrant city of Boston, is a rapper whose musical journey is all about bringing the cool, laid-back vibes of chill hip-hop to life. With his unique blend of lyricism and smooth beats, Sayku has carved out a niche for himself in the world of rap.

Growing up in the diverse neighborhoods of Boston, Sayku was exposed to a wide range of musical influences from an early age. Drawing inspiration from the city’s rich cultural tapestry, he began crafting his own brand of hip-hop, one that’s characterized by its relaxed flow and introspective lyrics.

Photo credit: Josiah White

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. "Java With Jimmy" will spend the hour in the GBH studio at the BPL raising awareness of this disease that touches lives everywhere.



Breast cancer doesn't discriminate. It knows no name, age, or background. It affects not only individuals but entire families and communities. Join Jimmy in the Newsfeed Cafe as he opens a dialogue about breast cancer's far-reaching impact and the collective strength that can be drawn from sharing our experiences.



We have the privilege of welcoming breast cancer survivors Tamisha Hills and Alyssa Nelson-Kamalu, along with Alyssa’s husband Chinedu Kamalu. They will share their personal stories, triumphs, and the courage they found to face challenges along the way.

Dr. Giselle Perez, a clinical health psychologist at Massachusetts General Hospital, will also speak with Jimmy about coping with a diagnosis, surviving treatment and building a supportive network for survivors and their caregivers.




Our conversation goes beyond medical treatments and physical battles as we dive into the often-overlooked realm of mental health. Coping with a breast cancer diagnosis can take an immense toll on one's emotional and psychological well-being. We explore the importance of mental health support, coping strategies, and the tremendous strength found within communities.



Join us for inspiration, education, and empowerment as we honor those affected by breast cancer, salute the survivors, and learn how we can provide support.

Can America still build big things? It's the central question of The Big Dig, a new podcast from GBH News and PRX, examining American infrastructure through the lens of the most expensive highway project in the nation's history.

Meet producer and host Ian Coss and engage in a conversation about the project with three guests featured in the podcast: former Massachusetts Transportation Secretary Fred Salvucci, the mastermind of the Big Dig; Peter Zuk, its longest serving Project Director; and Dr. Karilyn Crockett, Assistant Professor of Urban History, Public Policy & Planning at MIT and the author of People Before Highways: Boston Activists, Urban Planners, and a New Movement for City Making. GBH News’ Stephanie Leydon, who served as the editorial supervisor on the podcast, will moderate.


Stay after the discussion for a reception with Ian and his guests — and, as we consider the legacy of the Big Dig, meet with some of today's ambitious thinkers who will showcase their efforts to solve for today’s infrastructure challenges.

Ian Coss is an acclaimed podcast creator, whose original series Forever is a Long Time was named one of the best podcasts of 2021 by The New York Times, The New Yorker, The Atlantic and Apple Podcasts. He was previously the producer for Radiotopia’s Over the Road, Ways of Hearing, and Blind Guy Travels as well as GBH’s “Detours,” which was nominated for Podcast of the Year by the Podcast Academy.

6pm Program in Theater begins
7pm Light reception in Atrium

Event registration is required. Seating is general admission.

The maximum capacity of this event is 220

By RSVPing for this event, you agree to receive timely news and updates on events, films, and special offers from GBH.


Photo credit: GBH

In this special Writing History event presented by American Ancestors in partnership with Massachusetts Historical Society, Steve Inskeep, the popular historian-author and host of NPR’s Morning Edition and Up First, discusses his new book, Differ We Must, a compelling and nuanced exploration of Abraham Lincoln’s political acumen. His presentation closes with an extended conversation about the hows and whys of writing about history.

The author of Jacksonland and Imperfect Union joins us to discuss his-just released work about Abraham Lincoln and his political times. In this fresh and compelling narrative, rich in detail and enlightening commentary, Steve Inskeep expands our understanding of the great politician, a man led by his moral compass, but also his priorities. He shows how many of Lincoln’s greatest acts came about through his engagement with people who disagreed with him.

Following Inskeep’s discussion of Lincoln and his new book, he engages in an extended conversation and Q+A session with Ryan Woods and Catherine Allgor about his process for writing histories and the importance of such story-telling. Past authors featured in the Writing History series include Nathaniel Philbrick, H. W. Brands, Eric Jay Dolin, and Stacy Schiff.

Presented by American Ancestors' American Inspiration author series in partnership with The Massachusetts Historical Society, GBH Forum Network, and Porter Square Books.

The effort to destroy facts and make American ungovernable didn’t come out of nowhere.  It is the culmination of seventy years of strategic denialism, according to Lee McIntyre.  In “On Disinformation” he shows how the war on facts began, and how ordinary citizens can fight back against the scourge of disinformation that is now threatening the very fabric of our society. McIntyre explains how autocrats use propaganda to manipulate the populace and deny obvious realities, why the best way to combat disinformation is to disrupt its spread and offers ten smart steps to fight back and win the war against truth.

PFAS, a group of chemicals added to many everyday products, became a concern years ago in the medical community, but governmental agencies were slow to impose regulations.  It is now clear that these “forever” chemicals are everywhere and in everyone. For years, epidemiologists have worked to establish the effects of these toxins on human development and general health. Even now, though, controls on PFAS production and use are inadequate. Philippe Grandjean has been a leader in the international scientific research on PFAS. He provides, in this discussion, the information the public needs for dealing with PFAS-related health issues, and also explains why so much data was not available to researchers until recently.

GBH is proud to be the presenting partner for Boston Book Festival 2023

The Boston Book Festival, one of Boston’s most beloved literary traditions, returns in person to Copley Square. Join more than 200 fiction, nonfiction, YA, and kids authors for a day of readings and discussions, book signings, workshops, and other lively literary events. The BBF also feature kids activities, walking tours, the Copley Square Street Fair, live music, food trucks, and more. And it’s all FREE. Celebrate the power of words. To join the mailing list for more information, visit the website: Bostonbookfest.org. GBH is the presenting partner for Boston Book Festival 2023.

Photo Credit: Boston Book Festival

We are here every Thursday bringing you local musicians to make noise at the library!

Prolific collaborator and award-winning multimedia artist Cliff Notez seamlessly manifests a mix of hip hop, jazz, folk, soul and R&B that’s been likened to “Kendrick Lamar’s To Pimp A Butterfly, blended with the paranoia of Radiohead’s Kid A.”
Their music reveals the repercussions of trauma, exposes the realities of the Black experience, and shares an intimate journey towards healing. Heavy lyrical themes are often juxtaposed with uplifting sounds: bright horns, sparkling keys, snappy percussion and glowing guitar riffs. Cliff’s art is the perfect visual accompaniment for all of these themes, creating work that is both emotionally challenging while layered with colorful, playful imagery.

Join us for an evening of music, wine, and food. Registration is encouraged for this free event.

Waging economic warfare consists of a variety of measures from implementing sanctions to fomenting labor strikes. Such tools are utilized by states to hinder their enemies, and in the case of the United States have been used as far back as the early 19th century. Since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, economic warfare has been the main means for the west to challenge Russia. How effective will these sanctions be at convincing Russia to cease its war?

Join WorldBoston for a timely discussion of this topic with Jason Blazakis, Professor at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies and Director of MIIS’s Center on Terrorism, Extremism, and Counterterrorism.

Join Paul Revere House for the second lecture of the Paul Revere House's 2023 Lowell Lecture Series. This 3-part series From Puritans to Catholics: Religion in Boston’s North End examines how shifts in religious traditions impacted cultural expression, demographics, political affiliations and economic status in the North End.

The key speaker is Prof. Jaimie D. Crumley, Assistant Professor, Gender Studies Division and Ethnic Studies Division, University of Utah. This lecture explores the Church of England's interventions in the Puritan North End with Old North's founding in 1723.

Prof. Crumley will also discuss the previously less well-known role of people of color in the Old North Church community during its early days. Presented in partnership with GBH, the Suffolk University History Department, Old North Illuminated, and the North End Historical Society, with funding from the Lowell Institute.