U.S. 250th anniversary campaign aims to capture diverse voices
(From left) Jeneé Osterheldt, founder of A Beautiful Resistance and co-chair of Everyone250; Brian Boyles, executive director of Mass Humanities and co-chair of Everyone250; Dr.

Benjamin Healthcare sues former administrator
The civil complaint, filed in Suffolk Superior Court on March 4, alleged that Tony Francis, who previously served in the center’s top role, stole and embezzled, through a variety of schemes, over $3 million from the facility over his 10 years in charge.

Urban oasis awaits on Seaver Street
He said, “We could run, we could play sports, we could go to a concert.” He remembers kite festivals and cook-outs too. As a teenager, he watched productions put on by Elma Lewis in The Playhouse “every night during the summertime.” The performances took place in “the ruins, the foundation” of “an old field house that burned down in the ’40s.

City contract for civilian flagger management awarded to former BPD commissioner
It was a years-long effort to persuade city officials and police unions to allow civilians to take on the paid construction details that have long been the exclusive domain of police officers.

Five years later: Black health care workers reflect on COVID-19
When Americans rang in the new year in 2020, most had heard little about a mysterious virus with pneumonia-like symptoms sickening — and killing — people in Wuhan, China. A little more than three months later, on March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization declared a “Public Health Emergency of International Concern.

Toward new high school graduation requirements
Following voters’ rejection last November of MCAS as a requirement for high school graduation, the state is proposing new standards requiring the successful completion of a designated slate of courses.

“Now, there are universal state standards we have to meet, so pay attention!”
“Now, there are universal state standards we have to meet, so pay attention!”.

IN THE NEWS
Jerome McCluskey has recently joined Latham & Watkins LLP as a partner in their Banking and Private Equity Finance Division. Mr. McCluskey joined Latham & Watkins from Charlesbank Capital Partners in Boston, where he was the managing director of general counsel and the chief commercial officer.

The audacity of mediocrity: Why Black women have to work twice as hard and it’s still not enough
It was a moment of raw, unfiltered truth — a truth that too many institutions and decision-makers refuse to acknowledge. Black women in America are expected to be exceptional just to receive a fraction of the recognition routinely handed to white men for doing the bare minimum.

Hurting: A call to center Black women’s mental health
“The most disrespected woman in America is the Black woman. The most unprotected person in America is the Black woman. The most neglected person in America is the Black woman.” These profound words, delivered by Malcolm X in 1962, carry an undeniable truth that has not changed in the 60-plus years since they were first uttered.

Boston strikes deal to stop gentrification of housing complex in Mattapan
Mayor Michelle Wu joins residents of Fairlawn Apartments in Mattapan, as well as members of City Life/Vida Urbana, Related Beal, Winn Management, community members and elected officials to celebrate the acquisition of the Fairlawn Apartments, ensuring all 347 units will stay affordable in perpetuity.

Holland Tech boys last BPS school in state tourney
Five Boston high schools entered the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association young men’s basketball playoff competition; one remains. The one remaining is the Bulldogs of Dr. Albert D. Holland High School of Technology, formerly known as Jerimiah E.

Celtics snap Lakers 8-game win streak, 111-101
Jason Tatum, Jaylen Brown and Al Horford played major starring roles in this highly publicized matchup.

Former Reebok exec. creates clothing line
After fighting for a diverse and inclusive culture in the athletic apparel and footwear industry, Portia Blunt, a former Reebok executive, decided to bet on herself and tell the untold stories of Black American culture without boundaries by creating her clothing line, Bee Blunt.

Open Streets helps build community in Boston
Culture wars are pushing re-segregation and Americans are feeling it. Experiencing a sense of societal connection is increasingly important. A 2023 study by the Surgeon General found that 50% of Americans feel lonely and lack social connections. Organizing large local events can significantly help foster meaningful social interactions.

Boston Region VI Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Fair
On March 8, BPS and Northeastern University hosted the 79th annual Boston Region VI Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) Fair at the Reggie Lewis Track and Athletic Center.

Fletcher “Flash” Wiley Memorial Service
On March 7, friends, family and admirers gathered at the Berklee Performance Center for a memorial service celebrating the life of Fletcher “Flash” Wiley. He passed away on Feb 7..

Youth Art Month Exhibition
This month, Boston Public Schools students are taking over City Hall’s art galleries for the annual Youth Art Month exhibition. Over 300 students are featured..

Mass Now International Women’s Day Breakfast
Feminist organizations from around Greater Boston came together for a morning of inspiration, connection and action at the 27th Annual International Women’s Day Breakfast. This year’s theme, Action in Unity: Celebrating Women’s Collective Power, highlighted the strength of women working together for change.

Local designer champions traditional head wrapping
“The negative experience drove me to create a program, initially about the art and fashion of African head wrapping,” said McFarlane. “I started educating people on head wraps, the history of head wraps and why it’s being worn in different countries by different cultural groups.

john coltrane ORCHESTRATED
An evening-length journey through Coltrane’s life and music from the 1950s through the late 1960s, “Coltrane: Legacy for Orchestra” was curated and arranged by Carlos Simon, the BSO’s first-ever composer chair and composer-in-residence at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.

Queer Voices Festival brings LGBTQ+ stories to the stage
Works by seven local playwrights will be performed later this month during the Queer Voices Festival run by the Boston Theater Company. In its second year, the festival continues to develop with new programming and family-friendly activities celebrating the LGBTQ+ experience.