As temperatures soar, researchers and advocates talk extreme heat solutions
As Boston trudges through the first heat wave of the summer, surviving high temperatures is top of mind for residents across the region. This is especially true for communities where limited greenery and dark surfaces like asphalt trap and hold heat, often correlating with historically redlined areas.

Cape Verdean president speaks at Bridgewater State Univ.
As a military commander for the African Party for the Independence of Guinee-Bissau and Cape Verde (PAIGCV), Pedro Pires thought he understood what it meant to be a revolutionary. He had spent time with revolutionary leaders in Algeria, Cuba and the Soviet Union.

Gov. Healey marks Juneteenth with Black advisory council
To the assembled members of her Advisory Council on Black Empowerment, Healey referenced the bronze tableau of one of the first Black regiments of the American Civil War, upon which she said she looks out at every day when she enters her office..

Sly Stone: A soulful revolution
The lineup that day read like a dream: Sly and the Family Stone, Tower of Power, and The Hues Corporation (“Rock the Boat”), alongside comedy legend Richard Pryor and jazz-funk innovator Donald Byrd with his group, The Blackbyrds. Tickets? Just $5.50. Yes, those were the days my friend.

Embrace honors and celebrates Juneteenth
On the night before Juneteenth, hundreds of members of the Black community and their allies commemorated the 72nd wedding anniversary and the civil rights legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King and honored local leaders committed to building a more racially just and equitable city.

“My boss said he wants to sell the company. Do you think I should buy it?”
“My boss said he wants to sell the company. Do you think I should buy it?”.

Empowering workers to become owners
For the last half dozen years, advocates in Massachusetts have been pushing for the creation of more worker-owned businesses, often called co-ops, as a way to share profits with the people who create products and deliver services.

Ten times Black women saved the culture
Auntie Fannie wasn’t just “sick and tired of being sick and tired,” she was sick of America ignoring Black pain. Her testimony about voter suppression in Mississippi wasn’t just powerful — it cracked the foundation of the Democratic Party. And she did it in pearls, with a Bible in her lap and fire in her belly.

IN THE NEWS
Madison Park Development Corporation (MPDC) is pleased to announce that Dr. Ingrid Tucker has been appointed as its new CEO. Tucker, who was born and raised in Roxbury, brings over 30 years of experience in education, nonprofit leadership, and community development, offering invaluable expertise and a deep commitment to MPDC’s mission.

Pell Grants at peril
Each year approximately seven million college students benefit from Pell Grants, a 50-year-old needs-based program that can be used to cover costs for tuition, fees, living expenses and room and board. These funds have been available at both four- and two-year institutions.

Plaque honoring MLK Love Trail unveiled
Lauren B. Martin, an actress of New York City; and Myra I. Hemingway of Medford, senior and trial court clerk of Massachusetts, unveiled the plaque on June 18 at 14 Wabon St. in Roxbury. the original site of the photograph. June 18 was also the 72nd wedding anniversary of King and his wife, Coretta Scott King.

EPA announces contamination removal options for Neponset River Superfund site
EPA Superfund Section Chief Matthew Audet speaks with members of the Lower Neponset River Superfund Community Advisory Group at the group’s monthly meeting at the Hyde Park Community Center, June 17. The EPA, this month, released a document outlining four potential options they could pursue to remove contaminated sediment from the river.

Joseph Clash: A 19th century gangster/entrepreneur
When two white men entered Joseph Clash’s North End barbershop on Feb. 2, 1863, he probably thought little of their arrival.

The Theater Offensive celebrates queer joy and resistance
Despite living her best life as a Black trans woman, she knew firsthand that employment can be a battle. According to the Human Rights Campaign, LGBTQ+ community members are more likely to be unemployed or underemployed in comparison to their straight and cisgender peers, and those economic disparities were greatly felt during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Two steps backward
Kanessa Alexander has put up a Juneteenth flag celebrating her business, Perfect 10 Salon, for years. But this year, her father is nervous for her to display the symbol of support for Blackowned businesses outside of her West Roxbury salon’s door, believing it might make her a target.

Young athlete inspires on and off the course
This is a love story that all people, especially mothers, can fully understand. Cathy Mayo and her son Delmace (pronounced DELL-MOSS) Mayo share a unique life/love experience. The beginning of their tale took place when Cathy journeyed to Port-au-Princee, Haiti, to perform volunteer work in 2006.

BPS athletes shine in spring sports
Congratulations to all softball players who made the Boston City League All-City Softball Team..

Oklahoma Thunder claim the 2025 NBA championship
The Oklahoma City Thunder concluded their run to their first National Basketball Association title in franchise history at home with a 103-91 triumph over the Indiana Pacers. This was the seventh and final game of this year’s league playoffs. The Thunder previously played in Washington state as the Seattle Supersonics, winning the 1979 championship.

100th Anniversary Jabberwock Debutante Cotillion
Meet Boston and The Boston Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. awarded $30K in scholarships at their 100th Anniversary Jabberwock Debutante Cotillion.

Economic Mobility Pathways (EMPath) Annual Gala
EMPath, a national nonprofit that improves the lives of people living in poverty, recently hosted its Annual Gala. The event honorees included U.S. Rep.

Roxbury Homecoming
Thousands gather in Franklin Park for the annual Roxbury homecoming Juneteenth celebration. (Top left) Mayor Wu joins Maverick Alfonso and the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. (Top right) Russel Holmes and the mayor join Bay State Banner owner Ronald, Lisa, Alexander, Andrew Mitchell and Sondjino Jacques.

Madison Park graduates
Madison Park graduates Carlos Guity Abreu, of Dorchester, (left) and Maria Souza, of Brighton, (right) were awarded The Matthew Ruiz Foundation Opportunity Scholarships by Founder and President, Amanda Ruiz (center)..

Greater Boston Pan Hellenic Council at the15th Annual Juneteenth Emancipation Observance Parade
Greater Boston Pan Hellenic Council at the15th Annual Juneteenth Emancipation Observance Parade.

Soul on Shawmut: serving the community with love and great food
“Our amazing restaurant is a blessing that I didn’t think I would be able to have this soon, but you know, everything is for a reason, and it all falls in place. This is a place, a building, a neighborhood, that I have so much connection to, and spent so much of my life around, so for me to get the space really means a lot,” he said.

Let’s Dance!
At this annual celebration, Bostonians can dance the night away to Donna Summer’s greatest hits as well as other groovy beats from DJ Vince 1. Disco balls, bubbles and glow sticks will abound, and many partygoers come decked out in their 1970s finest. A roller-skating rink will also be set up next to the dance floor.

Boston Black Pride begins this weekend!
This weekend launches the annual Boston Black Pride festival, a weeklong celebration of QTBIPOC culture and community. Organized by the Boston Lesbigay Urban Foundation, the programming includes events of all kinds, from a pride parade and a music and arts festival to an R&B brunch and a fitness class.

Words as weapons
“To The People Like Us,” the newest production from activist opera company White Snake Projects, is a little different from its usual performances. This opera was written by teenagers.

Cambridge Jazz Festival brings music, dancing and more to Danehy Park
On Saturday and Sunday, July 26-27, from noon to 6 p.m., the 10th annual Cambridge Jazz Festival celebrates the power of music. The free event at Danehy Park on Sherman Street features local and national performers whose art and energy are revitalizing..