Don't miss MPDC’s Sparks!

A Starry Night In Nubian Square

Join us to celebrate and support MPDC's

work in the community!

When: Thursday, November 21st, 2024, 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm

Pre-Reception begins at 5:30 pm



Where: Hibernian Hall Ballroom

184 Dudley Street, Roxbury, MA 02119

FEATURING

Dinner and Dessert from Johnny Burke Catering and

Ms. Boston Berries

Azúcar & Más (Pre-Reception)

Hosted bar with beverages from Samuel Adams, Bully Boy Distillers, The Urban Grape, and Dorchester Brewing Company

Entertainment from Cornell Coley, Art Heals, Kristalis y Las Nenas del Swing, and Angelena and The Unit

Madison Park Development Corporation is thrilled to invite you to our annual Sparks! Gala, which will be held on Thursday, November 21, 2024. This black-tie optional event will be held at the beautiful Hibernian Hall Ballroom, with vibrant performances by artists, delicious food, and plenty of opportunities to celebrate the Roxbury community collectively.

With a guiding framework of promoting community wealth-building in Roxbury, MPDC is working to overcome the decades-long, compounding efforts that have systematically prevented Black and Brown Bostonians from access to homeownership, high-quality education, and employment, and a myriad other factors that today result in an enormous racial wealth gap in Boston.

This “North Star” has been visually weaved into this year’s “Starry Night in Nubian Square” Sparks! Gala underscoring the centrality of MPDC's commitment to creating opportunities for our residents and the broader neighborhood to access asset and wealth-building resources.

We look forward to seeing you and celebrating on November 21st!

MPDC's 2024 Sparks! Honorees

🏆Pauline Sheridan🏆

Edna V. Bynoe Community Champion Award

A lifelong resident of Madison Park Village, Pauline has dedicated years to building community and supporting her neighbors. Founder of the “Jolly Walkers,” she inspires others to stay active and connected.

🏆Priscilla Flint🏆

Community Catalyst Award

Founder of the Black Economic Justice Institute and leader of the Black Boston Covid-19 Coalition, Priscilla is a powerful advocate for justice and systemic change in Boston.

🏆 Idil Mohammed🏆

Embracing Promise Award

A senior at Edward M. Kennedy Academy for Health Careers, Idil’s journey through MPDC’s Youth Employment programs and the Civil Air Patrol Program shows her dedication to service and her dreams of becoming a MedFlight paramedic.

🏆Willa Mae Burnett🏆

Community Catalyst Award

As an administrator at MPDC’s Dewitt Community Center, Willa Mae’s work has empowered countless lives. From civil rights advocacy to community service, her commitment to Roxbury is unmatched.

MPDC has great opportunities to celebrate democracy and get involved on Election Day!

Tomorrow at Hibernian Hall, MPDC will partner with Teen Empowerment and Boston Community Action Team from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM to host an engaging event that will provide information about popular topics related to voting and this year's election!

Hibernian Hall (184 Dudley Street, Roxbury MA) will open the space afterwards to watch the election results come in. This is a free event and open to all!

You can also join MPDC at Prince Hall Grand Lodge throughout Election Day to volunteer for the Get Out the Vote Launch.

Tips for this Election

The Election is TOMORROW, Tuesday, November 5th. 

Polls are open from 7 AM to 8 PM and don't forget that you have the right to still vote if you are in line when the polls close.

Check your voter registration in Massachusetts here.

Find your polling location here.

On Friday, October 25th, MPDC joined The Roxbury Sunflower Project for the End-of-Season Garden Party, hosted at the Freedom House, across from the Sunflower Garden at MPDC's 639 Warren Street property. This past summer was MPDC's second season working with Roxbury's own Ekua Holmes to beautify the vacant lot and create a space for community gathering and public art.

Thanks to grant funds from the New England Foundation for the Arts and Healthy Places by Design/John Hancock, this year, MPDC was able to construct a shed and raised garden beds on the site with the support of Conrad Builds and work with Maria McKnight of 2 Birds No Stones Sensory for a six-week series of sensory art-making at the site. The End-of-Season Garden Party was a welcome opportunity to celebrate the work accomplished this year with partners at The Rose Kennedy Greenway, The Friends of Martin's Park, Speak For the Trees, United Neighbors of Lower Roxbury, and many others.

It has been a pleasure for MPDC to work with this team to create the Roxbury Sunflower Garden over the past two summers while plans progress to develop a new mixed-use, all-affordable building on the site.

For more information on MPDC's 639 Warren project, check out the Planning Department page here or contact Project Manager Josh McLinden with any questions or thoughts.

The MPDC Real Estate team recently completed a major milestone, submitting a critical funding application to the City to bring 63 new affordable family housing units to Grove Hall. Leading the charge, Josh and the team worked tirelessly to compile hundreds of pages, organize binders, and gather financial data with support from MPDC team members Amanda, Antonio, Anna, Meg, and Elijah. The previous applications also served as a foundation for this effort.

This application is a key step toward securing $3.5M in City funding, which will open doors to additional State funding this winter. Learn more about the project on the Project Website.

MPDC extends thanks to all involved, including the Impact Advisory Group and supportive city officials, as they move forward in building a brighter future for the community!

A proud shout out to Ekua Holmes, renowned mixed media artist, children’s book illustrator, and MPDC 2023 Community Catalyst Honoree! Holmes has created a beautiful Kwanzaa stamp, now available nationwide through USPS!

Inspired by a live performance at the OrigiNation Cultural Arts Center in Roxbury, her design features a male drummer and two female dancers, perfectly capturing the essence of Kwanzaa. Holmes is the founder of The Roxbury Sunflower Project.

The Dewitt Center was thrilled to host the inaugural Latina Women’s Conference in collaboration with Boston City Councilor At-Large Julia Mejia. The conference featured food, raffles, networking, and celebrating Latina empowerment. Josh Kraft joined us to speak on behalf of the New England Patriots Foundation and a vendor panel showcased the work of Latina entrepreneurs in Boston.

The Dewitt Center recently hosted an open dental clinic organized by the Somali Development Corporation in partnership with Boston University’s Dental School. This community-focused event provided essential dental check-ups, drawing many residents from Madison Park Village.

Every Monday night, The Dewitt Center comes alive with the rhythm of Jean Appolon Expressions African Dance. These classes are a chance to dive into African dance styles in a fun, welcoming environment. Whether you're an experienced dancer or trying it out for the first time, everyone is welcome to feel the rhythm!

The Dewitt Center proudly hosted the annual Black Lives Matter Political Prisoners Curb Fest, an event dedicated to community engagement and advocacy. This gathering brought together attendees of all backgrounds to celebrate Black culture and unity, featuring music, art displays, vendors, and workshops.

The Confidence Toolbox is a new program led by Genie Rose at The Dewitt Center. The program offers young women a supportive space to explore and strengthen their confidence. Participants receive monthly assignments to encourage personal growth, while check-ins from Genie Rose provide ongoing guidance.

The Dewitt Center recently hosted a GOTV (Get Out the Vote) Door Knocking Training, where volunteers connected with MPDC residents to encourage voter participation. Led by Civic Engagement Coordinator Allison Anderson, neighbors learned about importance of voting in the upcoming election.

The Dewitt Center hosted an Historically Black College and University Tour panel, where MPDC staff who attended historically Black colleges and universities shared their stories and experiences. Among the speakers, PJ Tucker, Dewitt Center Program Manager, and Erica Davis, Dewitt Center Director shared their insights and excitement about chaperoning the upcoming tour in February.

MPDC is pleased to announce its Historically Black College and University (HBCU) Tour during Winter Break from February 17th to 21st, 2025!

Historically, Black colleges and universities have been academic, social, and spiritual safe havens for students seeking an intimate and purposeful college experience. HBCUs provide a diverse, inclusive, and supportive educational experience that has a life-long impact on student confidence, achievement, and belonging.

MPDC wants to provide this unique opportunity to Black and Brown students so they may consider all viable college options!

For more information, contact Assistant Director of Community Action Sandra Sierra.

On October 10th, Dunk it at the Dewitt was a success, thanks to the incredible support from our MPDC community! The atmosphere was filled with fun as MPDC came together to enjoy an evening of camaraderie and competition. The Dewitt Center staff, program partners, and members inspired us with stories highlighting the importance of community support and engagement. The event culminated in exciting basketball competitions, featuring some talented seniors who showcased their skills and walked away as winners. MPDC is thrilled with the turnout and the positive energy, and looks forward to building on this experience each year, aiming to make it even bigger and better in the future. 

Congratulations to the OEP class of 2024 Izabella, Kameron, Kissary, Strecy, and Trinanell! These OEP Students have successfully completed testing in all 5 subjects and received their HiSET certificate. They have put in a lot of hard work and dedication, and are looking forward to what’s next. The OEP HiSET graduation will be December 4th from 4 pm to 6 pm at Hibernian Hall.

MPDC is thrilled to announce new Opportunity Employment Program and Youth Workforce Career Tracks, offering hands-on training and professional development.

Here’s a look at the exciting courses launching:

• Everything is Real Barbering Artistry Course: In partnership with Everything is Real, a renowned local barbershop, this 10-week course provides students with hands-on barber training, a complete barber kit, and career development support.
• KSD Makeup Artistry Course: Led by graduates of the Makeup Artistry course, KSD is offering a 10-week program covering everything makeup, including guided sessions, a makeup kit, and professional development.
• Reaching for Tomorrow Youth Worker Certificate Training: This 8-week training equips students to become certified Youth Workers, focusing on youth development and community-based work. Students also have the chance to intern with civic organizations upon completion.

For more information about these courses and enrollment contact Assistant Director of Community Action Sandra Sierra.

With gratitude, MPDC was pleased to be one of the organizations awarded a grant by MassHousing to fund impactful summer job opportunities for youth across Massachusetts. Collectively through this support, 98 young people, primarily from MassHousing-financed communities, worked up to 40 hours a week, gaining valuable skills and professional experience with mission-driven organizations."

This program is a testament to MassHousing's dedication to fostering economic advancement and career growth for youth in affordable housing communities, and MPDC is honored to be part of this meaningful initiative!

A big thank you to all the residents who joined MPDC’s Homeownership Vision Board Night! About 15 residents gathered for an evening dedicated to envisioning their paths toward homeownership. Surrounded by supplies, snacks, and good company, participants crafted boards filled with images of cozy homes, welcoming gardens, and dream interiors.

Throughout the evening, MPDC staff shared resources and tips on homeownership, blending creativity with practical guidance. The event fostered connections, inspiration, and a sense of purpose, as residents left with personalized vision boards and a renewed hope for the future.

For information on MPDC's Next Door Program, email nextdoor@madison-park.org.

Recently, MPDC’s latest Meal Prep & Participation (MPP) class introduced participants to a vibrant Avocado and Cucumber Salad, along with insights into the nutritional benefits of each ingredient. This intergenerational class fosters connection, learning, and healthy eating within the community. As one participant noted, “It’s a wonderful way to meet, check up on neighbors, and try something new together.” Each session also includes a green salad to encourage increased vegetable intake.

For information on upcoming classes, visit the Health Equity and Wellness section on MPDC’s website.

Allison Anderson

Brianna Wright

Dynasty Perez

Griffin Thomas

Joshua McLinden

KFL Strategies

LaQuisa Burke

Leslie Stafford

Meghan Higgins

Philip Tucker

WHEN: Friday, November 15th

7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

WHERE: Hibernian Hall

(184 Dudley Street, Roxbury, MA)

Join us for an unforgettable evening of performances at ALTARS: The Live Experience on Friday, November 15th, 7:00-9:00 PM at Hibernian Hall, as part of the City of Boston’s Wake Up the Night program.

Featuring world-class Boston-based artists:

Russell “Gutta” Fergusson – Krump Champion & Season 6 winner of “So You Think You Can Dance”

My’Kal Stromile – Boston Ballet Dancer & US Presidential Scholar in the Arts

Alondra Bobadilla – Boston’s First Youth Poet Laureate

Phillip Young – Grammy-nominated Saxophonist

SambaViva – Brazilian Dance Ensemble

PLUS, we’ll screen Mariona Lloreta’s award-winning short film ALTARS!

Stay for a brief Q&A with the performers and enjoy a delicious reception with food by Palestinian Chef Abdulla Awad from Yafa Cafe, TravelMug Cafe, and booze-free drinks by Curious Elixirs.

WHEN: Saturday, November 16th

6:30 pm to 8:30 pm

WHERE: Hibernian Hall

(184 Dudley Street, Roxbury, MA)

Join Hibernian Hall for a night of gathering and live storytelling around the campfire. “Roxbury Roots” is back by popular demand.

Allow the night to take you through a wide range of human experiences filled with laughter, tears, and truth. Each story is unique, and each voice is authentic, and we will go through each journey together.

Stick around for food, refreshments, and lots of prizes.

“Roxbury Roots” was created by Haris Lefteri (Creative Director of Hibernian Hall) and Leslie Stafford (Health Equity & Wellness Coordinator), who wanted to provide a platform for adventurers and storytellers. It opened in August 2022, and after popular demand, we are back for more.