The City of Boston will mark the 42nd anniversary of New Edition with a series of celebrations on Saturday, August 30th. Mayor Michelle Wu will officially declare the date “New Edition Day” and host events in the group’s hometown neighborhood of Roxbury, including a street naming ceremony and a community block party.
Founded in Roxbury’s Orchard Park housing development in 1978, New Edition, Ronnie DeVoe, Bobby Brown, Ricky Bell, Michael Bivins, Ralph Tresvant and Johnny Gill, helped shape modern R&B and paved the way for future pop and R&B acts. Over four decades, the group has achieved multi-platinum success, performed worldwide both as a group and individually, and earned honors including a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame (2017), induction into the Black Music Hall of Fame (2022), and the National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame (2023).
“It is an honor to welcome home Roxbury natives New Edition to celebrate their global impact, from our communities here in Boston to the music industry worldwide,” said Mayor Wu. “This is a unique opportunity to bring Boston’s neighborhoods together in a celebration of culture, pride and community and I encourage every community member to join us to celebrate New Edition’s tremendous impact.”
The official celebrations will begin at 10:00 a.m. with the New Edition Street Naming Ceremony at the corner of Ambrose and Albany Streets in Roxbury. Mayor Wu will designate Dearborn Street as New Edition Way, honoring the group at Orchard Gardens (formerly Orchard Park), where the founding members grew up.
At 11:00 a.m., the New Edition Day Community Block Party will take place outside the Orchard Gardens Boys & Girls Club. The event will include live music, a backpack giveaway, free food, activities for all ages, and a special appearance by New Edition.
Members of the group expressed gratitude for the recognition. “I am truly grateful for the privilege of being made a permanent fixture in our city that has played such a significant role in shaping our lives and career,” said Ricky Bell. “It brings me immense joy to think that future generations of my family, friends, and #NE4Lifers from all over the world will be able to walk and drive down New Edition Way. This honor is mind-blowing in the most awesome way. 02119 IS and WILL always be my home.”
“Boston is where it all began for us. This honor means the world to me,” added Bobby Brown.
City officials emphasized both the cultural and community significance of the tribute. “The world knows New Edition as international superstars, but for Boston natives, we consider them family,” said Brianna Millor, Chief of Community Engagement. “It is our greatest privilege to celebrate our hometown legends.”
