The Bay State Banner

Franklin Park abutters erupt in rage over city’s White Stadium plan

Wed, 17 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Franklin Park abutters erupt in rage over city’s White Stadium plan
By YAWU MILLER
A meeting held in Franklin Park June 11 to discuss parking and transportation issues around White Stadium was contentious at times with residents yelling at city officials on hand to discuss the finer points of their lease agreement with a professional women’s soccer club set to make partial use of the re-built facility in Franklin Park next year.

Jazz Urbane Cafe opens in Nubian Sq.

Wed, 17 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Jazz Urbane Cafe opens in Nubian Sq.
By SAVANNA RUST
Amid attacks on the future growth of Black television, journalism and media, Jazz Urbane Cafe has declared itself as a cultural epicenter. From the creative minds of Bill Banfield and co-founding partner Turhan Dorsey, Jazz Urbane Cafe is now open in Nubian Square.

Third-party electric market to face new regulations under proposed bill

Wed, 17 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

By AVERY BLEICHFELD
Since the late 1990s, consumers in Massachusetts have had the option to purchase electricity from companies other than their utility. But critics say that the deregulated market, which was intended to lower energy prices, has increased them for many residential customers.

Years removed and read aloud, Frederick Douglass 4th of July speech still relevant

Wed, 17 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Years removed and read aloud, Frederick Douglass 4th of July speech still relevant
By OLIVIA GRANT
In parks, museums, churches and community centers across Massachusetts this summer, residents are gathering to read a speech delivered more than 170 years ago by Frederick Douglass criticizing the nation’s hypocrisy about independence and the institution of slavery.

Historic First Church Meetinghouse reopens to anchor Roxbury community

Wed, 17 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Historic First Church Meetinghouse reopens to anchor Roxbury community
By BANNER STAFF
The restoration and reopening of the First Church in Roxbury Meetinghouse are far more than the completion of a six year construction project; it is the renewal of a living center of history, culture and community.

AI tool aims to ‘level the playing field’ in conversations between city and communities

Wed, 17 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

AI tool aims to ‘level the playing field’ in conversations between city and communities
By AVERY BLEICHFELD
“You often hear, ‘a shooting happened at this cultural fair,’ ‘incidences [of violence happened] here,’” said Maridena Rojas, director of neighborhood engagement at the Boston Project Ministries.

Honor the past, celebrate the present, shape the future.

Wed, 17 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Honor the past, celebrate the present, shape the future.
Honor the past, celebrate the present, shape the future..

Juneteenth is more than a holiday feast

Wed, 17 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Five years after the first time, the nation is celebrating Juneteenth as a national holiday. The annual commemoration of the liberation of the last Black slaves, in Texas, results from federal legislation that President Joe Biden signed in 2021.

Making local Black history public

Wed, 17 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

The presentation was led by Ruth Batson, chair of the education committee of the Boston branch of the NAACP. Batson started out as a parent concerned about the unchallenging homework her children were receiving at a Roxbury school.

Pride month focuses on struggle for LGBTQ+ equality

Wed, 17 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

By REV. IRENE MONROE
This Pride Month is a somber reminder that the struggle for LGBTQ+ civil rights is far from over. The politics shaping the current administration has contributed to the rollback of protections for LGBTQ+ Americans.

Happy Father’s Day, Chris Sumner

Wed, 17 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

By KANDICE SUMNER
I knew growing up that my dad was special. Between neighborhood games of tag and Hot Peas and Cold Butter (which my dad would referee) my friends would say, “I wish I had a dad like yours.” I Without hesitation I’d reply, “We can share him.” And I meant it.

IN THE NEWS

Wed, 17 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

IN THE NEWS
Gary Bailey, Professor of Practice and Master of Social Work (MSW) Program Director at Simmons University, was honored with the Mel King Social Innovator Award at the United South End Settlements (USES) 2026 Neighborhood Gala.

Springfield Rep. Bud Williams reflects on Rep. Benjamin Swan’s legacy

Wed, 17 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Springfield Rep. Bud Williams reflects on Rep. Benjamin Swan’s legacy
By SAVANNA RUST
Swan spent decades as one of Springfield’s most consequential figures — a civil rights attorney who sued the city’s school department, police department, and criminal justice system before winning a seat in the Massachusetts House of Representatives, where he served the 11th Hampden District for over two decades.

The promise of freedom

Wed, 17 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

The promise of freedom
By Kelley Chunn
And, it is in the names of our ancestors, our children and ourselves that we celebrate June 19 or Juneteenth.

Juneteenth 2026: The weight of history, the fire of hope

Wed, 17 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Juneteenth 2026: The weight of history, the fire of hope
By Colette Phillips
The progress made over the past 60 years is significant. The Voting Rights Act. Affirmative action. Desegregation.

Juneteenth and the opportunity gap hiding in plain sight

Wed, 17 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Juneteenth and the opportunity gap hiding in plain sight
By Dr. K. L. Allen
Every year, Juneteenth invites us to reflect on the meaning of freedom and the progress our nation has made toward expanding opportunity. It is a celebration of resilience, perseverance and possibility.

Happy Juneteenth!

Wed, 17 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Happy Juneteenth!
Emancipation Day celebration, June 19, 1900, held in “East Woods” on East 24th Street in Austin, Texas..

Juneteenth’s connection to religion

Wed, 17 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Juneteenth’s connection to religion
By Rev. Jeffrey Brown
Juneteenth and Black faith are intertwined. The growth of the June 19, 1865, holiday celebrations among formerly enslaved people corresponds to the rise of Black churches in the United States.

A MATRIARCH EVOLVES IN PLAY 8 OF THE UFOT FAMILY CYCLE

Wed, 17 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

A MATRIARCH EVOLVES IN PLAY 8 OF THE UFOT FAMILY CYCLE
By SUSAN SACCOCCIA
Presented by ArtsEmerson, the producing organization of Emerson College, in collaboration with the Front Porch Arts Collective, Boston’s premier Black theater company, the production is directed by Dawn Meredith Simmons, who also directed the Huntington Theatre’s acclaimed fall 2024 production of the first play in the series, “Sojourners.

‘The Gathering’ pays homage to social dance traditions

Wed, 17 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

‘The Gathering’ pays homage to social dance traditions
By CELINA COLBY
Shakia “The Key” Barron grew up dancing on the streets of her neighborhood in Springfield. For her upcoming performance of “The Gathering” at The Dance Complex, Barron wanted to take dance off the stage and back into the group settings she grew up with.

In first interview for DA bid, Rachael Rollins makes her case despite ‘messy’ exit as US attorney

Wed, 17 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

In first interview for DA bid, Rachael Rollins makes her case despite ‘messy’ exit as US attorney
By KATIE LANNAN
In her first interview since announcing her run for Suffolk district attorney, Rachael Rollins acknowledged that the federal watchdog reports that led to her resignation as U.S. Attorney in 2023 were “incredibly damning,” but argued that her leadership and innovation are exactly what the office needs right now.

Mother and son duo bring crystals, metaphysical services to Jamaica Plain

Wed, 17 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Mother and son duo bring crystals, metaphysical services to Jamaica Plain
By DEIDRE MONTAGUE
Tasha Kitty, a human resources management professional, decided to do a major shift in her career. She couldn’t stop thinking about what she was truly passionate about — crystals. Kitty had loved them since she was a child, and on the other side of the pandemic, introduced her son to them.

WCVB-TV announces first ever award to honor local nonprofits

Wed, 17 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WCVB-TV announces first ever award to honor local nonprofits
By PHOEBE TRIANT
Karen Holmes Ward (center right) walks down the hall at WCVB’s Needham station to the applause of her coworkers following the taping of her final “CityLine” show, Sept. 25. Holmes Ward, WCVB’s director of public affairs and host and executive producer of “CityLine,” is wrapping up a 44-year career at the station.

Behavioral Health Network grand opening of Rose’s House in Hyde Park

Wed, 17 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Behavioral Health Network grand opening of Rose’s House in Hyde Park
The Behavioral Health Network’s new program expands access to trauma-informed care for women in recovery. BHN President & CEO Steve Winn, BHN Senior Vice President Rose Evans, Boston City Councilor Enrique J. Pepén and State Representative Rob Consalvo cut the ribbon for Rose’s House.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston House Party

Wed, 17 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston House Party
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston (BGCB) recently held its annual fundraising House Party, hosted by Paul and Sandy Edgerley at The Quinn House. The gala directly supports vital youth programs across Boston and Chelsea.

2026 JerkFest highlights powerful women

Wed, 17 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

2026 JerkFest highlights powerful women
By CELINA COLBY
JerkFest is back and bigger than ever. This beloved annual Caribbean food festival has expanded into a threeday affair with special programming related to FIFA World Cup festivities. The 2026 theme, Feme Tropikal, honors powerful women by spotlighting female chefs, performers and women in soccer.

Juneteenth roundup of local celebrations

Wed, 17 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Juneteenth roundup of local celebrations
By DEIDRE E. MONTAGUE
On June 19, 1865, nearly two years after President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation freeing people in bondage in slaveholding states, Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, to share the news, according to the National Museum of African American History and Culture.