City course aims to connect immigrants with advocacy skills, civic life
When Karen Mejia migrated to the United States from Somalia as a high schooler, she struggled to connect with the language and the culture. But it wasn’t long until her mother, who migrated first to set up a life for her family, sparked her desire to support others in the city’s immigrant communities.

Cape Verde celebrates 50 years of independence
Gunga Tavares remembers July 5, 1975, as an unusually hot day when thousands of Cape Verdeans made their way through the streets of the capitol city of Praia to the Estádio da Várzea to celebrate independence from 500 years of Portuguese colonial rule.

Introducing The Banner’s Encyclopedia Climatica: What is geothermal energy and how does it work?
Geothermal system in the works: A rendering shows an under-construction habitat for African penguins at the Franklin Park Zoo, slated to be opened in spring 2026. The habitat will be heated and cooled using a geothermal system to increase energy efficiency.

The people and perspectives behind the founding of America
Visitors gathered at the Museum of African American History (MAAH) in Boston last Monday to see the unveiling of their newest exhibit titled “Black Voices of the Revolution.

New grant means support for community health equity programming
The 13 grants, which mark the inaugural cohort of recipients under the company’s Healthy Futures Solution Fund, will aim to create more equitable access to care across Massachusetts through community-led solutions, especially in historically underserved communities.

Protesters call on Gov. Healey to end Dept. of Correction’s cooperation with ICE
The demonstrators wore masks and did not identify themselves. According to one, who spoke on condition of anonymity, several of those present were undocumented immigrants. Their target was a so-called 287(g) agreement between ICE and the DOC that allows state prisons to be used to detain immigrants on behalf of the federal government.

Library renaming is an appropriate way to honor Sarah-Ann Shaw
Sarah-Ann Shaw, the pioneering Boston journalist who died last year at age 90, believed deeply in the power of education to change lives and uplift communities.

“Roxbury honors our modern day Nubian Queen, Sarah-Ann Shaw.”
“Roxbury honors our modern day Nubian Queen, Sarah-Ann Shaw.”.

American democracy is at a pivotal moment and none of us should be silent
None of us should be silent about the recent use of federal agents by this administration to bully, arrest and investigate political opponents. Just as none of us should accept as normal or okay its use of the military against Americans exercising their First Amendment rights.

Congressional morality is at an all-time low
As a Christian, it’s also become clear to me that many of the congressional representatives who invoke their devotion to Jesus Christ when discussing issues like abortion or marriage equality conveniently check their “Christian card” at the door...

IN THE NEWS
Nancy S. Kirkpatrick has been selected as dean of libraries at Smith College. Kirkpatrick recently served as dean of university libraries at Florida International University, managing a $17 million budget while leading over 100 faculty and staff across the university’s two campuses.

Social isolation is a major health risk for older adults
Every day, the senior center at the Massachusetts Alliance of Portuguese Speakers in Cambridge offers an assortment of activities. About 40 participants play dominoes, color in coloring books, take exercise and dance classes and eat lunch together every day.

Can college prep programs survive Trump’s war on DEI?
The Education Department has warned colleges that they will lose funding for any admissions programs that “favor one race over another.” The Trump administration has gone after several prestigious colleges for promoting diversity, equity and inclusion.

After 30 years in business DRB has grown 73%
“I’ve had the right people in place to help me out,” Samuels said of his mentors. Among them are Ralph Martin, former Suffolk County district attorney who is now a partner at the law firm Prince Lobel; Richard Taylor, chairman of the real estate firm Taylor-Smith Cos.

The post-grad playbook: How new graduates can prep their finances for success, even in a rough economy
The labor market for new grads “deteriorated noticeably” in the year’s first quarter, says the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, with that group’s unemployment rate jumping to 5.8%. That’s the highest level since the pandemic was at full force back in 2021.

‘Doomsday’ of a positive light in South Easton
This is the story of a young man from the streets of Dorchester named John “Doomsday” Howard, who rose from the hardscrabble streets of his community to gain an international name for himself in the field of mixed martial arts.

Ben Shelton aims a shot at tennis history
Shelton, the 10th seed in the men’s bracket, stepped into the pages of Wimbledon history, beating Lorenzo Sonego in four sets, 3-6, 6-1, 7-6, 7-5, to advance to his fourth career major quarterfinal and become the youngest American man to reach the Wimbledon quarters since Andy Roddick back in 2004.

How bipolar disorder impacts families and what support can look like
Bipolar disorder — a mental health condition often characterized by mood swings between mania and depression — can take a toll on families, especially within the Black community where stigma and limited access to culturally competent care can compound those issues.

Slade’s owners carry on legacy of good food and community
Thankfully, he had an insurance claim, which left him with $700. But he and his wife divorced. Looking to start over, Renner went to Boston and invested his remaining funds into what he knew best — barbecuing. He opened a two-table, seven-chair restaurant called Slade’s Barbecue and became well known for serving rotisserie chicken out of the window.

Boston While Black Family Reunion celebrates five years
One of the changes includes hosting the event in two spaces simultaneously — the Lawn on D and the Harbor Way in the Seaport District to make room for additional in- and out-of-state attendees. The organization is striving to draw more than 20,000 individuals to the big outdoor event this year.

Young actors from Boston Arts Academy pour heart and soul into fifth play of ‘Ufot Family Cycle’
Since fall 2024, theaters around Boston have been hosting the nine-play Ufot Family Cycle by playwright Mfoniso Udofia. The fifth installment, “Kufre n’ Quay,” is performed almost entirely by Black and brown Boston Arts Academy students, many appearing in a professional production for the first time.

Commonwealth Shakespeare Company brings ‘As You Like It’ to Boston Common
“This play makes sense for our moment,” said Maler, talking by phone a week before rehearsals. “It celebrates love as a conquering force in the face of adversity. An authoritarian has taken over and the rightful leader, along with others, self-exile into a forest and create a new community in harmony with nature and each other.

Summer in the city
Never fear, Boston, we live to jam another year. The City of Boston has released “Dear Summer Vol. 3,” the latest edition of the city-curated mixtape featuring songs from 17 local musicians mixed by 6 local DJs. It’s the soundtrack to summer in the city, representing artists from neighborhoods across Boston and beyond.

Celebrating Pastor Pearline B. James
Boston leaders gathered to celebrate the life, legacy, and the naming of a Mattapan street for Rev. Pearline James, who nobly served as a minister at the Full Life Gospel Center. Thursday, June 26, 2025 was declared “Pastor Pearline B. James Day.”.

The Good Party
Creating New Lives for 130 Years! Was the theme for The Good Party, Morgan Memorial Goodwill Industries’ signature event. The first Goodwill was founded in Boston’s South End in 1895, and last year, they provided job training and career services to more than 6,600 people.

Boston Arts Academy
The Boston Arts Academy celebrated the close of its fundraising campaign with a $1 million donation from Vertex Pharmaceuticals founder Dr. Joshua Boger and his wife, Dr. Amy Boger. The check helped the school surpass its ‘Building Our Future’ goal of $35 million.