Celebrate Black History Month! February is Black History Month, and one of the ways we are celebrating is by giving away a $100 gift card to the popular wine bar & tasting room, Talisa’s On Main—a local, Black-owned business in Taunton, MA! What is Black History Month? Black History Month is an annually observed month-long celebration of African American life, History, and culture. Founded by Dr. Carter G. Woodson in February 1926, it is a way to promote, research, preserve, interpret, and disseminate information about Black life, History, and culture to the global community. —From the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH), the Founders of Black History Month How Do I Enter the Sweepstakes? STEP 1: Make sure you are following both Talisa’s On Main and Bluestone Bank on Instagram. STEP 2: Like the joint Instagram post from Talisa’s and Bluestone announcing the sweepstakes! STEP 3: Tag someone in the comments section of the joint Instagram post who you would like to take to Talisa’s! They must be 21 years of age or older at the time you tag them. 1 tag = 1 entry. In addition to entering the sweepstakes on Instagram, you may also enter: Digitally via Email: Send an email with the SUBJECT: TALISA’S ON MAIN to publicrelations@bluestone.bank and be sure to include your full name, address, email address, and phone number in the body of the email. In Person: Ask a Bluestone Bank Universal Banker for the Black History Month Sweepstakes entry form, fill it out, and hand it back to them before Wednesday, February 11th at 4:00 PM EST. Official Sweepstakes Rules NO PURCHASE OR PAYMENT OF ANY KIND IS NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN THIS CONTEST. A PURCHASE WILL NOT IMPROVE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING. THIS CONTEST IS VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. OPEN ONLY TO LEGAL RESIDENTS OF MASSACHUSETTS, RHODE ISLAND, OR NEW HAMPSHIRE WHO ARE 21 YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER. PERSONS SUBMITTING ENTRIES NEED NOT BE A CUSTOMER OF THE BANK TO ENTER. SPONSOR: The sponsor of this contest is Bluestone Bank. The Corporate Office is located at 756 Orchard Street, Raynham, MA. If you prefer to have a hard copy of the rules, click here. What is the Winner Selection Process? On or around Wednesday, February 11th, the Sponsor and Talisa of Talisa’s On Main will select the winner by random draw, and that person will receive a $100 gift card to Talisa’s—just in time for Valentine’s Day! In the event that the winner does not respond within ten (10) days after notification, Sponsor may select a new winner. Winner Confirmation For a written confirmation of the winner (available after February 28, 2026), send a stamped, self-addressed envelope (no later than March 15, 2026), to: The Bluestone Bank Black History Month Sweepstakes Winner Confirmation Request, 756 Orchard Street Raynham, MA 02767-1028. Who is Eligible? This contest is open to all legal residents of the state of Massachusetts, Rhode Island, or New Hampshire who are at or over the age of 21 at the time of entry. Persons in any of the following categories are not eligible to participate or win a prize: persons who are engaged in the development, production, distribution of materials, or drawing of winners for this contest, persons who are employees of Bluestone Bank and/or Talisa’s On Main, and persons who are immediate family of or who reside in the same household as any person in either of the preceding categories. What are some Additional Considerations? Sponsor reserves the right to terminate this contest if fraud, technical failures or any other factor beyond Sponsor’s reasonable control impairs the integrity of the contest as determined by Sponsor in its sole discretion. At its sole discretion, Sponsor may disqualify any persons whom it considers having intentionally violated the Official Rules or any element of this contest. All decisions of the Sponsor are final. Use of any automated entry software is prohibited. Electronically reproduced, mechanically reproduced, illegible, incomplete or inaccurate entries are void. If more than one person submits the same name suggestion, that entry will be accredited only to the person who submitted the name first. By participating, entrants agree: (a) to be bound by the Official Rules and the decisions of the person or persons who select the winner, and (b) to release and hold harmless Sponsor and its affiliates, subsidiaries, and independent contractors, and their respective directors, officers, employees and agents, including advertising and promotion agencies, from any and all liability with respect to acceptance, possession or use (or misuse) of the name. Sponsor will not be responsible for lost, stolen or misdirected entries. By submitting an entry, you are granting permission to Sponsor and Talisa’s On Main to publish your name on their websites and social network community pages, in any printed or digital media, and for promotional purposes. Bluestone Bank and Talisa’s On Main will not be required to pay any additional consideration or seek any additional approval in connection with such uses. SCHEDULE: The contest begins on Thursday, January 29, 2026 with an entry deadline of Wednesday, February 11, 2026 at 11:59PM EST. YOU UNDERSTAND THAT YOU ARE PROVIDING YOUR INFORMATION TO BLUESTONE BANK (REFERRED TO AS “SPONSOR”). THE INFORMATION YOU PROVIDE WILL BE USED FOR THIS PROMOTION AND COMMUNICATION PURPOSES ONLY. Other Ways to Celebrate Black History Month Interested in observing Black History Month further? Check out these ideas from ASALH! Explore Black History Learn about Black History by exploring your local community, reading books by Black authors, and visiting Black or African-American history museums. (Link changed to match the geographic location of Massachusetts.) Read Books or Stories Written by Black Authors Explore a captivating collection of books by talented Black writers on ASALH’s Author’s Bookshelf. Discover unique perspectives and rich narratives reflecting diverse experiences and cultural histories. Support Black-Owned Businesses By choosing to shop from Black-owned businesses, you contribute to greater diversity in the marketplace and help create opportunities for underrepresented communities. Consider exploring local shops, restaurants, and services to uplift these valuable businesses. Learn About Black Leaders Learn about influential Black leaders who have shaped history and continue to inspire. Follow ASALH on social media that highlights the legacies of Black leaders through its Black Facts posts, which celebrate the achievements and impact of these pivotal figures. Watch Films and Documentaries Created by Black Filmmakers Explore an array of films and documentaries by talented Black filmmakers on ASALH TV. Discover diverse narratives that celebrate the rich experiences, cultures, and histories of the Black community. Be sure to check out highlights from previous ASALH Film Festivals, showcasing powerful stories and perspectives. Organize Educational Events Plan interactive history lessons, social activism projects, and other activities. Social Justice at ASALH focuses on the community, bringing practical knowledge and theories learned through the lived experience of activists and oppressed groups that are often overlooked or discounted inside the academy. Commit to Beyond February Make a strategic commitment to Black History Month, and don’t limit your efforts to just February.