Local nonprofit launches civil rights education effort
The booklet comes amid a changing landscape of rhetoric on the national political stage, as the administration of President Donald Trump takes aim at things like diversity, equity and inclusion. That shift and community concerns have raised fears that Bell is aiming to help address with the effort.

State plan aims to bolster climate technology sector
The Massachusetts Clean Energy Center, which developed and released the plan in collaboration with the state’s Executive Office of Economic Development, said the plan aims to solidify Massachusetts as a global leader in the space, drive equitable economic growth and advance the state’s goal to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

Gov. says resilience is key during tough times
Governor Maura Healey joins Rep. Bud Williams, Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno and other local officials to highlight savings for families under the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s expanded child tax credit during a visit to Educare in Springfield on Mar.

METCO looks ahead to its next chapter
Hired as the fifth leader in 2018, Arbaje-Thomas plans to step down at the end of June. As her youngest daughter starts college next year, she has not yet identified “professional next steps.” She said in a statement, “Wherever I land, it will be in support of mission-driven work.

Restaurateur Mika Winder opens a second location of seafood spot The Pearl
Recently retired Malik was skeptical, until Mika promised his signature chargrilled oysters could be on the menu. Grilled and adorned with parmesan, spinach and roasted garlic butter, the oyster recipe came straight from the Winder kitchen table to The Pearl menu.

The Facts About Prostate Cancer and Black Men
The Facts About Prostate Cancer and Black Men

Constitutional crisis looms over deportations
Our nation’s rule of law is the foundation of constitutional order. The balance of power between the executive, legislative and judicial branches of government is the glue that holds democracy together. When one branch oversteps its lawful boundaries, the other can step in to restore the proper balance.

“Ignoring the courts and the Constitution, no problem.”
“Ignoring the courts and the Constitution, no problem.”.

A Black woman seeks to prevail and help others after her loss
Nearly two years ago, I lost my 17-year-old son, Bryce, to a drug overdose. Now, I search for other mothers who have lost their children. Talking helps relieve the hollowness left by this loss. But it’s difficult to find other Black mothers willing to acknowledge and share their grief.

Twenty years of progress: women and girls in Boston
Twenty years ago, I ended a twenty-year marriage and embarked on a new journey as a single mother of three: eighteen-year-old twin daughters in college and a twelve-year-old son in middle school. Over the years, we, “The IV,” have embraced change and forged ahead to create our path to success.

IN THE NEWS
Kimberly R. Lyle was recently appointed by Gov. Maura Healey to serve on the board of MassDevelopment. Lyle is currently the CEO of the Boston-based economic development agency Dorchester Bay Economic Development Corporation, where she leads the...

Bob Terrell: A true defender of Roxbury residents, 73
From 1998 to 2007, Terrell served as executive director of the Washington Street Corridor Coalition, where he was responsible for overseeing the daily administrative operation of a multi-neighborhood coalition representing Chinatown, the South End,...

OWN partners with American Cancer Society to empower Black women’s health through historic study
Black women in the United States are 41% more likely to die from breast cancer than white women, despite being diagnosed at lower rates. This alarming disparity is just one example of the urgent health crisis facing Black women, who also experience higher mortality rates from cervical and colorectal cancers.

Prostate Cancer Rages in Black Communities
Prostate Cancer Rages in Black Communities

From wash tubs to union halls: Black women’s legacy in the labor movement
In the aftermath of the Civil War, as the United States grappled with Reconstruction, Black women — both formerly enslaved and free — emerged as a force in the labor movement.

She came first: Black women transforming sports
For generations, Black women in sports have faced obstacles beyond the game itself — disrespect, underinvestment, and outright exclusion. Yet, they have met every challenge with excellence, grace, and an unshakable belief that their place was never up for debate.

Nonbinary photographer showcases LGBTQIA+ community
After a decade of perfecting their craft, Belmer decided to open their own photography company, JayPixWorx, where they focus on “capturing the visual soul of the Black, Queer, and Unseen.

Immigrant small biz pitch contest held last week
Last week, Boston based English for New Bostonians (ENB) hosted a pitch contest for their students highlighting the innovation and entrepreneurship within the immigrant community.

Harmoni Turner leads Harvard women to college basketball glory
Upon learning that the Lady Crimson of Harvard had won their first Ivy League Tournament basketball title in school history, my thoughts shifted back to an exclusive interview with team star Harmoni Turner for the Nov. 21 edition of the Bay State Banner.

It’s a three-peat for the Cathedral H.S. Girls
Vice Principal and Head Coach Clinton Lassiter deserves special mention for the building and sustaining of the Lady Panthers dynasty, but he is the first to claim that his players deserve all the credit.“Over the years I have stood on the thinking that it is all about players who are willing to accept coaching.

Lesley athlete uses grit and determination to succeed
“My parents refused to allow me to feel sorry for being born with just a left arm. One of the most difficult everyday functions to master was tying my shoes. I could not ask for help until I failed to execute the maneuver three times. I cried many days before I learned to tie both shoes, the right shoe being very difficult, properly.

The Leading Women Awards
he Girl Scouts of Eastern Massachusetts recently celebrated the 32nd annual celebration of the Leading Women Awards, recognizing three outstanding women who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, resilience, and commitment in their communities.

17th BYCF Spelling Bee
On March 15 family members, teachers, and friends came out to support 24 Boston youth from across the City competing in Boston’s 17th annual BCYF Citywide Spelling Bee. The event was organized by Boston Centers for Youth & Families (BCYF), the City of Boston’s largest youth and human service agency.

Black Irish 2025
Black Irish, Boston’s largest Black bar crawl, was founded in 2017 with a focus on community. The organizers pictured above from left to right: Lee Jean-Louis, Bito Labranchea and Christian Jordan recognized a gap in events for Black and brown communities in Boston during St.

It’s time to laugh again
Now in its 25th year, the Boston Comedy Fest has featured, feted and launched such legends as Bill Burr, Lenny Clarke, Barry Crimmins, Gary Gulman, Eugene Mirman, Tony V and Steven Wright and continues to shine lights on the best and brightest in Boston and beyond.

Alvin Ailey, Celebrity Series expand free dance workshops
May isn’t just the season of swan boats and blooming flowers in Boston, it’s the season of Alvin Ailey. For almost six decades, the Black American dance group has been performing almost annually in the Hub in partnership with Celebrity Series.

‘Opus’ spotlights the cult of celebrity by saying too much and not enough
“Opus” stars Boston darling and Dorchester native Ayo Edebiri (“The Bear”). The Emmy-winning actress plays Ariel Ecton, an up-and-coming writer at an entertainment magazine who can’t seem to catch her big break.