Roxbury Library renamed for journalist, community leader Sarah-Ann Shaw
Nearly 300 residents, elected officials, journalists, librarians and community leaders gathered outside the Boston Public Library’s Shaw-Roxbury branch on July 18 to celebrate the official renaming of the building.

Haitian leaders protest TPS rescission through art, activism and education
As the federal government moves to end Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitian nationals after last month’s contested U.S. Supreme Court ruling, activists, business owners and artists say they are leaning on each other — and on culture — to hold their communities together.

Newport’s hidden Revolutionary history quilted into view with new exhibition
At Rosecliff, the Gilded Age mansion in Newport better known for hosting scenes from “The Great Gatsby,” a very different story is now on display.

African Meeting House recognized by international monument group
The African Meeting House on Beacon Hill has been included on the World Monuments Fund’s (WMF) new “Irreplaceable America” list as one of the country’s 10 historically significant locations essential to understanding the United States and that face preservation challenges.

At Dorchester YMCA, Kay Savage’s fitness classes build strength, joy and community
That simple act has become as much a part of the class as the low-impact aerobics, bodyweight strength exercises and old-school soundtrack that keeps nearly 50 participants moving each session.

Ubuntu: Pan-African convention promotes unity, empowerment
The three-day convention was organized by the Alliance for Total Freedom for Republics and Independent Countries of Africa Network (AFRICAN), an organization that seeks to engender unity, empowerment, justice and self-determination in African descendants all over the world.

Rooting out racism in law enforcement a continuing struggle
Carved into the lintel over the entrance to the U.S. Supreme Court is the phrase “Equal Justice Under Law.” The motto supposedly ensures that all who pass beneath it are ensured a fair hearing in the court’s soaring chambers.

“Uncovering systemic racism, one leaked group chat at a time.”
“Uncovering systemic racism, one leaked group chat at a time.”.

The missing conversation in the Blue Hill Ave. debate
The debate over Blue Hill Ave has become increasingly polarized. As someone who was born and raised in Roxbury, this conversation is deeply personal to me. I know these neighborhoods because they shaped who I am. Today, some support the proposed center-running bus lane.

IN THE NEWS
Supporting over 50,000 individuals and families annually in Massachusetts and Rhode Island with a workforce of more than 2,700, Advocates offers a continuum of care spanning behavioral health, developmental disability, brain injury, family, employment and crisis services.

What the World Cup can teach Boston about the power of sports
A few weeks later, Cape Verde, a nation with a population smaller than Boston’s, went on a run to the Round of 16 that stunned people around the world. That historic feat captured the hearts of the Cape Verdean communities of Dorchester and beyond that have shaped so much of this city’s culture.

Medicaid ban on routine care at Planned Parenthood ends
Medicaid can once again cover non-abortion services such as cancer screenings, birth control distribution, and testing for sexually transmitted infections at the clinics that were able to remain open. But individual states must decide to allow the clinics to be reimbursed.

Blue Mass. blues: Local progressives face resistance as socialist candidates win in other states
When Democratic Socialist candidates won June 23 primaries in New York, Pennsylvania and Colorado, response from congressional Democratic leadership was somewhat muted. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer cited wins by centrist Democrats in June primaries.

Local service workers and care staff demand better wages and immigrant protections
Though almost a year has passed since the MAB Community Service employees, formerly known as The Massachusetts Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired, unionized, organizers have yet to secure a first contract. Community members claim that MAB management is stalling negotiations.

Urban Farming Institute honors Pat Spence
The Urban Farming Institute recently recognized former President & CEO Pat Spence for her leadership and service to Boston’s urban agriculture movement.

Summer Nights with Teen Empowerment
Last week, the Center for Teen Empowerment kicked off its Thursday summer nights program in collaboration with DCR and the Dudley Street Neighborhood Initiative. It featured performances by Clark_D, Edalis Soto-Garcia and 2T2UFF..

R.U.S.H. 4 Humanity celebrates Muslim women doctoral graduates
On July 5, R.U.S.H. 4 Humanity Inc. honored several African American Muslim women who earned doctoral degrees. Among the celebrated doctoral graduates were Dr. Zakkiyyah Witherspoon, Dr. Amani Rodgers and Dr. Khabirah Yahya. The event was held at the Blackstone Education Collaborative in Roxbury.

Two historic theater buildings up for sale
President and Creative Director Ian Judge said that while the building is for sale, the theater business is not, as CSB Theatres, Inc. took over the operations of the Somerville Theatre, the Capitol Theatre, and The Crystal Ballroom in 2025, according to their website announcement.

Citizens Bank ends relationship with ICE prison companies after months of protest
Citizens Bank announced Friday it would end its relationship with ICE prison companies, more than two months after Rev. John Edgerton, senior minister of Back Bay’s Old South Church (center) led a rally of clergy and religious activists protesting Citizens Bank.

Boston summer bucket list
To help you make the most of Boston’s sunniest season, we’ve put together the ultimate summer bucket list.

8th Annual Caribbean Jerk Festival comes to Codman Square
The Codman Square Neighborhood Development Corporation is preparing to host its free 8th annual Caribbean Jerk Festival on July 25 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. The purpose of the celebration is to showcase “the cultural contributions that community members hailing from the Caribbean Islands have made to the Codman Square commercial corridor and beyond.

A community music, arts, mental health wellness festival returns to Mattapan
Founded by Monét Ledbetter-Glaude and presented by Inét Entertainment Corp. and HOI Radio Network, the July 25 festival merges arts and culture with mental health wellness.

Newport Jazz Festival about to begin anew
This year’s event in Newport, Rhode Island, is scheduled from Friday, July 31 through Sunday, Aug. 2. As in previous years the lineup is remarkable for the famous and soon-to-be-famous talent arrayed.

Crump, Sharpton demand answers in Nolan Wells case
Civil rights leaders say conflicting accounts and Mississippi’s history demand a full investigation

Inside the Obama Presidential Center’s opening week
The Obama Presidential Center welcomed its first public visitors and hosted its inaugural event after opening June 19 on Chicago’s South Side, bringing together hundreds of leaders, advocates and educators focused on improving outcomes for children worldwide.