HISTORY
THE MASSQ
BALL TRADITION
The “MassQuerade” Ball tradition started in the early 2000’s as an annual "sacred shindig" in California. From the Bay area to Boston, it has grown in scope and scale highlighting cultural traditions of people of color and the art of MassQing. Marrying past with present, art with ritual, and the individual with community, each Ball serves as a platform for cross cultural exchange, interpersonal connection and communal celebration.
Learn about previous MassQuerade Ball events below:
THE MASSQUERADE BALL
IN CALIFORNIA
MASSQ BALL 2017
CONVERGENCE
MASSQ BALL 2022
ORIGIN
THE CALI BALL
A cross between a Victorian Ball and an arts exhibition, the “MassQuerade” Ball brought together the diverse communities of The California Bay area for art, music, culture, and dialogue. Stewarded by an intergenerational community of artists, the Ball intentionally fostered a space for healing rituals, drawing upon such cultural traditions as dia de los muertos, traditional Nigerian masquerades, and Kwanzaa.
MASSQ BALL 2017
Convergence
Our first Ball on the east coast, Convergence wove together musical performances, dance ensembles, poets, painters, fashionistas, food and fellowship for a truly unique and unforgettable experience.
Held on Sunday, April 30, 20217 at the Hibernian Hall in Roxbury, Convergence drew more than 200 attendees and over 60 artists for a truly immersive and sensory rich experience.
“Not only did we offer the community something special, we connected with one another in beautiful ways.”
- Courtney Mark Grey Zumbi
Director Trauma Services at Boston Public Health Commission
“The event was splendid and offered the opportunity to work with other artists that might not have otherwise happened. All of the programmatic pieces were excellent and much appreciated. This one was a homerun!”
- L'Merchie Frazier
Visual and performing artist & former
Director of Education and Interpretation at Museum of African American History
PC: Lauren Miller
Styling: The House of Nahdra PC: Lauren Miller
PC: Lauren Miller
PC: Lauren Miller
MASSQ BALL 2022 ORIGIN
"Imagine if, we were united, what we could create..."
This was the inspiration behind MassQ Ball 2022: Origin.
Held on Saturday, July 9, 2022 at the Arnold Arboretum in Jamaica Plain, Origin drew over 2,000 attendees and over 120 artists for a celebration of diverse artistic expressions of and for Boston’s communities of color.
“Thank you it was wonderful and spirit filled and deep. I am so glad I got a chance to go, and take my children. I think we all felt a chance to slow down, commune with nature some, be grateful and grieve in and with nature, and to witness the beauty and meaning of connection, joy and power in many cultures. Thank you! And the masking was powerful, I didn’t want to wash it off at the end of my day!”
- Samara, attendee
“I heard from a lot of folks who attended "WOW this event was nothing I anticipated, it's much more" and that "every detail, every aspect of this experience was considered". I really enjoyed being a part of creating space on this day. Thank you for the opportunity. I cried with two people while massQing! Such a beautiful experience.”
- Noehmi, MassQer
