(Above) Dorchester Board members, Najah Wallace and Angela Yard with keynote speaker, Ekua Holmes (Below) Dorchester Bay residents and supporters enjoy the festivities at More Than Words bookstore.

(Above) Yotron the Don, an artist, has a guest paint on his shirt. (Below) Kimberly Lyle, CEO, Dorchester Bay Economic Development Corporation.

On Sept. 25, 2025 the Dorchester Bay Economic Development Corporation (DBEDC) held their annual “Stay Bold” fundraiser in celebration of arts and culture. Held at the More Than Words bookstore in Boston’s South End, the event was a conglomeration of community art, unique storytelling and energy rooted in purpose.

The Dorchester Bay Economic Development Corporation is a local civic association founded in 1979 to address the problems of economic disinvestment, unemployment, crime, community tensions and shortage of quality affordable housing. Their focus is on the underserved and underrepresented people of Dorchester.

The fundraiser was one of many community networking events that DBEDC hosts throughout the year such as block parties, workshops on financial education and small businesses, the Bridges to Green Jobs training program, and HubHustle Collective cohorts. DBEDC is always one step closer in their efforts to building a stronger community and neighborhood.

The fundraiser event brought together Dorchester Bay residents with a night filled with fun festivities and community building.

Award winning artist and “Roxbury Girl” Ekua Holmes graced the occasion and was the keynote speaker.

Holmes delivered a breathtaking speech where she spoke about the importance of empowering local community artists and encouraged their new perspectives.

Among others, Kimberly Lyle, CEO of Dorchester Bay Economic Development, Yotron the Don, Najah Wallace and Angela Yard graced the evening with their presence.

The DBEDC prioritizes the welfare of its community and is a crucial support system for the residents of Dorchester Bay.