We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who joined us for Sparks! on November 21st, 2024. We came together in a remarkable display of unity and commitment to MPDC's mission of fostering a healthier and wealthier Roxbury. This event was not just a celebration; it was a testament to the collective power of our community as we honored the shining stars among us whose contributions inspire us all.

With your generous support, we raised an astounding $340,000, a direct investment in enhancing our programs and initiatives that uplift our neighborhood. As we danced the night away, we felt the vibrant spirit of our Roxbury community, and we invite you to continue this journey with us.

Together, we can build an even stronger, more connected Roxbury—your ongoing support is vital to this mission!

🎓 Congratulations to the OEP Class of 2024! 🎓

What an incredible turnout for the OEP 2024 graduation ceremony! Thank you to everyone who showed up with your support, encouragement, and dedication. To our graduates and staff: your inspiring words left not a dry eye in the crowd.

It takes true courage to keep moving forward, no matter the challenges life brings. As this chapter closes, a new one begins—brimming with opportunities, growth, and adventure.

Here's to the bright futures ahead!

In December, the OEP Team hosted a Sweet Treats Workshop for youth, spreading holiday cheer through creativity and delicious treats. Participants made delicious chocolate-covered strawberries and cookies shaped like snowmen and Christmas trees, creating festive goodies to take home and share with loved ones.

Special thanks go to Ms. Boston Berries, who guided the workshop with expertise and enthusiasm, helping everyone craft delightful holiday-themed snacks. The event was a wonderful way to celebrate the season!

As the 2024 election cycle unfolded, its impact began to resonate throughout the Lower Roxbury community, setting the stage for a transformative year ahead. During this critical time, MPDC proudly collaborated with various community organizations to amplify local voices and ensure residents were informed and engaged.

Dedicated volunteers, both long-standing and new, worked tirelessly to share vital information with their neighbors while fostering open conversations about the issues that matter most. Through challenges and successes, this collective effort strengthened civic engagement, rebuilt trust, and empowered the community to actively shape its future.

Workshops and gatherings held throughout the year were instrumental in advancing the mission to EDUCATE, ENGAGE, and EMPOWER. These events provided opportunities for residents to connect, learn, and advocate for meaningful change.

For more information or to join future Civic Engagement efforts in 2025 please contact Allison Anderson at aanderson@madison-park.org or 617-386-2025.

The Dewitt Center recently had the honor of hosting Sista's Y'all Alright, an event focused on uplifting and empowering women of color. This inspiring gathering brought together a panel of influential Black women from across Boston who shared their wisdom, personal experiences, and strategies for resilience and success. In partnership with Jessicah Pierre, the event provided a space for meaningful dialogue, connection, and a heartfelt celebration of sisterhood.

The Dewitt Center’s annual holiday party was a success! It brought the community together for an evening of celebration and gratitude. The event honored dedicated partners and members with well-deserved awards and recognition, highlighting their invaluable contributions throughout the year.

The Dewitt Team was honored to highlight Stephanie Thomas, one of the most dedicated senior residents and Dewitt Center members. Stephanie has been an integral part of the community, exemplifying hard work and a commitment to improving The Dewitt Center for everyone. Stephanie will be joining The Dewitt Center’s Senior Council. In this role, she will play a key part in shaping and planning Senior Night events launching soon in 2025.

The Dewitt Center was proud to host WinnResidential's Winter Wonderland Toys for Tots Toy Drive, an event that brought holiday cheer to many MPDC residents. The toy drive was a success and ensured that families had a brighter holiday season. The Dewitt Center is grateful to have partnered with Winn to make this event possible!

MPDC is pleased to announce its inaugural Historically Black College and University (HBCU) Tour during Winter Break from February 17th to 19th, 2025! Students will visit Morgan State University, Howard University, Lincoln University, Delaware State University, and Coppin State University.

The application deadline has been extended to January 31, 2025.

Apply here!

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

On Saturday, December 14, 2024, Hibernian Hall hosted the "Become An Author" Youth Book Workshop, an event that celebrated young creativity and storytelling. The workshop, which was covered by WBZ (CBS News), featured a young authors’ book fair, an engaging panel discussion, and hands-on activities for children and their families.

The event highlighted the power of storytelling, as attendees received free books and prizes and were left inspired to explore their creative potential.

7 Reasons Why The Piano Lesson Is the First Must-See Show of 2025!

Thank you, Actors’ Shakespeare Project, for this exciting preview of August Wilson's The Piano Lesson! Here’s why you cannot miss this masterpiece:

🎹 Enjoy Another Wilson Classic with ASP

If you loved Seven Guitars and King Hedley II, it’s time to dive back into Wilson’s American Century Cycle and experience the magic of the Hill District all over again.

🏆 Pulitzer Prize Winner & Tony Nominee

An unforgettable exploration of legacy and progress, The Piano Lesson is a 1990 Pulitzer Prize winner and one of Wilson’s most celebrated works.

🎭 One of the Greatest Plays of All Time

Named by Entertainment Weekly as one of "The 50 Greatest Plays of the Past 100 Years," this classic has captivated audiences on stage and screen alike.

🎬 Christopher V. Edwards Directs

ASP’s own artistic director, fresh off his award-winning production of Fences, is ready to make this Wilson production one for the books.

3️⃣ Omar Robinson’s Hat Trick

From Canewell (Seven Guitars) to Mister (King Hedley II), ASP Resident Artist Omar Robinson is back as Boy Willie Charles, bringing big energy and even bigger dreams to the stage.

🤩 A Stellar Ensemble Cast

With ASP stars Jade Guerra as Berniece and Anthony T. Goss following up his Elliot Norton Award-winning performance in Seven Guitars, this cast is pure brilliance.

🏙️ Make a Day Out in Nubian Square

See the show at historic Hibernian Hall, explore the rich history of Roxbury, and grab a bite at Suya Joint—free parking included!

Don’t wait—grab your tickets now! Let’s kick off 2025 with a story that will stay with you long after the curtain falls.

Here’s a snapshot of what we achieved together in 2024: 

• Youth empowerment: Over 150 youth and young adults earned nearly $600,000 in stipends through MPDC’s workforce programs, helping to create brighter futures. 
• Opportunity Employment Program (OEP):  
• 30 youth earned valuable employment credentials like ServSafe certification. 
• 6 young adults completed their HiSET credential, with more graduates to come. 
• 16 participants secured permanent employment, stepping confidently into the workforce. 
• Educational support: $57,000 in scholarships were awarded to 18 college students, bringing their academic dreams within reach. 
• Community engagement: At the Dewitt Center, we served over 1,400 individuals through events, food distributions, and year-round programming, including 430 children and youth. 

In 2025, we are poised to build on this momentum. One of our most anticipated programs is the HBCU tour in February, which will offer young people in our properties and youth programs a chance to explore new opportunities and discover their potential. For many, this will be their first chance to visit college campuses outside Massachusetts. We are equally committed to supporting those pursuing vocational training, ensuring everyone in Boston can share in the city’s growing opportunities. 

To make this vision a reality, we need your support. Your gift can create life-changing opportunities: 

• $2,500 funds immersive college exploration for 4 high school students, including a multi-state HBCU tour. 
• $1,000 provides over a month of employment stipends for a young person in our School Year Youth Employment Program. 
• $500 delivers up to 300 pounds of fresh, healthy produce to 85 older adults through Dewitt Center food distributions. 
• $250 offers 8 MPDC residents access to first-time homebuyer classes, helping them take a critical step toward homeownership. 

Every contribution helps MPDC empower individuals, strengthen families, and build vibrant communities. 

Please join us in making 2025 another remarkable year by making your tax-deductible gift today. Together, we can ensure that everyone we serve not only survives but thrives. 

Allison Anderson

Brianna Wright

Dynasty Perez

Griffin Thomas

Haris Lefteri

Kelly Lydon

Meghan Higgins

Philip Tucker

WHEN: Friday, January 31st

4:00 pm to 7:00 pm

WHERE: The Dewitt Center

(122 Dewitt Drive, Roxbury, MA)

Join us for a night of karaoke fun at The Dewitt Center!

WHEN: Every Last Saturday of the Month

12:30 pm to 2:30 pm

WHERE: The Dewitt Center

(122 Dewitt Drive, Roxbury, MA)

Join us for The Confidence Toolbox hosted by Genie Rose at The Dewitt Center! The Confidence Toolbox is a wonderful young women’s empowerment program at The Dewitt Center, held on the last Saturday of every month. Led by Genie Rose, this program is designed to empower young women of color by providing them with essential tools to build confidence, believe in themselves, and achieve their dreams. For more information about Dewitt Center programming, please email Dewitt Center Program Manager Phillip Tucker at ptucker@madison-park.org.

WHEN: Every Saturday

1:30 pm to 3:00 pm

WHERE: The Dewitt Center

(122 Dewitt Drive, Roxbury, MA)

Come join Capoeira MDP Roxbury for community classes every Saturday at the Dewitt Center. All experience levels are welcome!

WHEN: Every Wednesday

6:00 pm to 8:00 pm

WHERE: The Dewitt Center

(122 Dewitt Drive, Roxbury, MA)

Join The Red Velvet Steppers at The Dewitt Center!

The Red Velvet Steppers dance group focuses exclusively on Chicago Stepping, an African American partner dance that originated in Chicago during the 1970s. This style evolved from the swing dance movement, drawing influences from the bop, Lindy Hop, and jitterbug. The group’s mission is to expand knowledge of African American dance traditions and foster community fellowship through dance and music.