Mayor Michelle Wu has officially declared August 25th–31st, 2025, as “For The Culture Week” in the City of Boston, an initiative designed to celebrate Black culture, honor the legacy of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), and recognize Boston-born R&B icons New Edition.
“For The Culture Week underscores Boston’s continued commitment to uplifting the diverse voices, traditions, and institutions that make our city a home for everyone,” said Mayor Wu. “The City is proud to celebrate the historic impact of New Edition while bringing the spirit of HBCUs to the region. We look forward to welcoming residents, families and visitors from across the country for a week of celebration, pride, and community.”
The week’s programming will feature the Essence HBCU Kickoff Classic, sponsored by Cash App, VISA, and Meet Boston, where Morehouse College and Johnson C. Smith University will compete at Harvard Stadium on August 30th. Ahead of the game, the city will honor New Edition, founded in Roxbury in 1978, with a street naming ceremony, a block party, and the official designation of “New Edition Day” in Boston.
The celebration will conclude with the 25th anniversary of Gospel Fest, New England’s largest annual Gospel music event, headlined by the legendary John P. Kee.
City leaders emphasized the importance of the initiative.
“This is about joy,” said Boston City Council President Ruthzee Louijeune. “It’s the joy in honoring the legacy and future of Boston’s Black communities, through music, sports, food, and fellowship. From the Roxbury streets to the Harvard Stadium stands, we are showing the world what it looks like when a city comes together for culture and for one another.”
City Councilor Brian Worrell (District 4) added: “From the American Revolution to the civil rights era to today’s thriving Black arts and business community, Black culture has shaped Boston’s identity and progress for centuries. Our city’s rich history is inseparable from the contributions of Black leaders, thinkers, and entrepreneurs and it is essential that we invest in the next generation to carry that legacy forward. The HBCU Kickoff Classic is an ideal platform to celebrate the power, pride, and impact these institutions have on our culture and our communities.”
Key Events of For The Culture Week
The city has lined up a robust program of events running throughout the week, with additional activities hosted by local Black organizers and restaurateurs to be announced at boston.gov/for-the-culture.
Friday, August 29, 2025
- WorthWealthCon (9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.)
A series of panels and discussions focused on wealth-building and strategies for young people and families.
Reggie Lewis Track and Athletic Center, Roxbury - City Hall Pep Rally (4:00 p.m.)
A rally with Mayor Wu, representatives from both universities, and the City of Boston Marching Band.
Boston City Hall Plaza, Downtown - Harvard Black Graduate Alliance X HBCU Classic Social (5:00 p.m.)
An evening of food, games, music, and networking with local professionals.
The Mix, Dorchester - Old Skool Party (9:00 p.m.)
A New Edition–themed celebration of the group’s legacy.
Savvor, Downtown - Southern Comfort (#SoCoBoston) (10:00 p.m.)
Hosted by LiteWork Events and the Greater Boston Morehouse College Alumni Association.
Big Night Live, West End
Saturday, August 30, 2025
- New Edition Street Naming Ceremony (10:00 a.m.)
Mayor Wu will rename Dearborn Street as New Edition Way in Roxbury and declare “New Edition Day.”
Corner of Ambrose & Albany Streets, Roxbury - Community Block Party (11:00 a.m.)
A neighborhood celebration with music, free food, youth backpack giveaways, and a special appearance by New Edition.
Orchard Gardens Boys & Girls Club, Roxbury - HBCU Classic Watch Party (12:00 p.m.)
The Mix, Dorchester - Fan Fest & NPHC Stroll Off (1:00 p.m.)
Featuring food trucks, Black-owned businesses, activities for all ages, and a stroll-off by the Greater Boston National Pan-Hellenic Council.
Harvard Stadium, Allston - Black Outside Block Party (2:00 p.m.)
A downtown celebration of culture with food and music.
10 Summer Street, Downtown - The Essence HBCU Classic (4:00 p.m.)
Johnson C. Smith University vs. Morehouse College in Boston’s first HBCU game in more than 50 years.
Harvard Stadium, Allston - The Yard at Savvor (9:00 p.m.)
An HBCU-themed party celebrating Boston’s Black community.
Savvor, Downtown
Sunday, August 31, 2025
- Sunday Brunch: Homecoming Edition (12:00 p.m.)
Attendees are encouraged to wear college or university gear.
The Mix, Dorchester - HBCU Day at Fenway Park (1:35 p.m.)
During the Red Sox vs. Pirates game, the city will honor HBCU alumni.
Fenway Park, Fenway - 25th Annual Gospel Fest (5:00 p.m.)
Featuring local artists and headliner John P. Kee at a free community concert.
Leader Bank Pavilion, Boston Harbor
Community Leaders Speak
“As a Black man who grew up in Boston, I am proud to be part of this new era in our history where we have so many more opportunities to highlight the rich culture that makes our neighborhoods and our city so vibrant,” said Segun Idowu, Chief of Economic Opportunity and Inclusion. “For The Culture Week is yet another chance to showcase the progress we have made as a city, and will allow us to increase the economic impact of the events on our communities as we grow these events every year.”
“For The Culture Week is more than a series of events — it’s a living tribute to the history, creativity, and resilience that define Boston’s Black community,” said John Borders IV, Director of Tourism, Sports, and Entertainment. “From honoring our hometown heroes to welcoming the energy of HBCU traditions, this week is an invitation for residents and visitors alike to experience the pride, joy, and unity that make Boston unlike any other city.”
“As someone who has spent over a decade creating spaces for Black professionals to connect and thrive in Boston, this week is an important reminder that Boston’s diverse culture is not only to be celebrated, but also invested in,” said Farrah Belizaire, Founder of LiteWork Events.
Fena Fenelon, CEO of The Sofenomenal Agency Group and Co-Producer of the Black Outside Block Party, added: “We are writing our narratives and curating experiences that cater to US, for US and by US. We set the tone and we ARE the culture.”
The week’s events are a collaboration between the Office of Black Male Advancement, Economic Opportunity and Inclusion, Operations, and Tourism, Sports, and Entertainment.
For full details, visit boston.gov/for-the-culture.
