Sparks! is bubbling up in Nubian Square
this November
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Madison Park Development Corporation is very excited to announce this year's Sparks! Gala will be held on November 16th, 2023, at historic Hibernian Hall!
We are thrilled to welcome back our friends and supporters and look forward to an evening of bow ties with the return of our creative black-tie optional dress code, bubbles with a beverage menu focused on supporting BIPOC-owned and operated companies (thanks to The Urban Grape!), and building community through meaningful awards, exciting performances, nearly a dozen local food vendors, and, of course, dancing to live music by Angelena & The Unit!
We are also excited to be once again able to offer all of our sponsors Community Investment Tax Credits (CITC). Through the CITC program, donors who contribute to community development organizations like MPDC can receive a 50% state tax rebate on donations of $1,000 or more. For example, is your business considering sponsoring the Sparks Gala at the $5,000 level? Consider becoming a $10,000 level sponsor and leveraging the CITC program, resulting in a $5,000 donation out-of-pocket after your Massachusetts state tax rebate.
Please save the date for the evening of November 16th, 2023.
We can't wait to celebrate with you!
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MPDC acquires 639 Warren Street |
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MPDC’s Real Estate team is excited to share that MPDC has acquired a new property in Grove Hall at 639 Warren Street. This property has been vacant for decades, and MPDC is excited to collaborate with community groups on improving the site. A long journey is ahead, and the next steps will include developing a vision for the site, working with architects on design, seeking funding sources, and following the City’s community and permitting processes.
A new development here might include affordable housing – rental, homeownership–and commercial and open space.
MPDC is also excited to share its partnership with the Roxbury Sunflower Project to activate and beautify the vacant lot at 639 Warren with an installation of seven soil beds for the planting and growing of sunflowers. Read more about the Roxbury Sunflower Project collaboration below.
You can also contact Assistant Project Manager Josh McLinden at [email protected] to schedule a meeting and discuss the project over Zoom or in person.
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The Roxbury Sunflower Project blooms with MPDC in Grove Hall |
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Now in its sixth year, artist Ekua Holmes’ Roxbury Sunflower Project is a multi-site public artwork consisting of three large-scale sunflower installations growing throughout the City of Boston in July and August 2023. This project is an expansion of artist Ekua Holmes’ Roxbury Sunflower Project, which began via a Now + There Incubator Artists Accelerator Fellowship as a vision to use sunflowers to spread beauty and hope throughout the historically Black Boston neighborhood where the artist has lived since childhood.
Sunflowers are heliotropic plants, which means they shift and turn to follow the movement and light of the sun throughout the sky each day. For Holmes, sunflowers represent resilience, inner beauty, self-determination, and the ability for a community to evolve and emerge while staying deeply grounded in its history and traditions. “Sunflowers have a radiance that sustains us by inviting us to turn toward the light in all things,” she shares.
Holmes drew on these values to imagine the potential beauty in a large, empty lot in Grove Hall on the corner of Warren Street and Crawford Street. Highly visible and along many commuting routes, Holmes understood that the space could become a central neighborhood gathering space full of joy and reflection for residents and passersby alike.
On several Saturdays throughout April and May 2023, partners and volunteers from the United Neighbors of Lower Roxbury, the Friends of Martins Park, and the Greenway Conservancy came together to clean up the lot, rake leaves, pick up trash and bottles, and cut branches of fallen trees. The team from Hurst Landscaping then transformed the lot by widening the walking paths and creating soil mounds for the sunflowers, which were planted with sunflower seeds, now in their early stages of growth.
In addition to the plantings on the Roxbury garden lot, this summer, the Roxbury Sunflower Project extends to other corners of Boston through two sister spaces, including a one-acre parcel at Martin’s Park in the Seaport and three separate installations along The Greenway in downtown Boston. Just across the street, the Freedom House will also host a garden. Over fifteen varieties of sunflowers are featured throughout the plantings, and each landscape is dotted with bright golden signage featuring quotes curated by the artist to inspire, support, and nurture Boston’s younger generations.
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Hibernian Hall had a jubilant June! |
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Hibernian Hall recently hosted a series of successful events that showcased the rich diversity of artistic talent and fostered community engagement!
Arts on the Rox: On June 9th, Hibernian Hall brought together businesses, creatives, and community members for an unforgettable evening focused on MPDC's arts and culture programming. Arts on the Rox served as a celebration and fundraising opportunity and treated guests to captivating performances by acclaimed artists, including Cornell Coley, The Akwaaba Ensemble, and renowned jazz musician Darren Barrett.
The Wanderer's Tethering: During the Juneteenth weekend, Hibernian Hall presented an exceptional performance in partnership with the Boston Lyric Opera titled "The Wanderer's Tethering," which featured Castle of Our Skins and Boston Poet Laureate Porsha Olayiwola collaborating with composer Mason Bynes on an operetta that explored the complex experiences of individuals with African and Black American roots. The audience was captivated by this thought-provoking and evocative production.
The Roxbury International Film Festival: Hibernian Hall hosted the highly successful Roxbury Film Festival, a four-day event series that showcases outstanding filmmakers of color. This platform provided a valuable opportunity to amplify underrepresented voices and narratives. In addition to the film screenings, educational panels enriched the festival experience with workshops such as "The Business of Acting," empowering aspiring artists with industry insights and knowledge.
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Celebrate one year of "Roxbury Roots" with Hibernian Hall on August 19th, 2023!
Allow the night to take you through many human experiences filled with laughter, tears, and truth. Each story is unique, and each voice is authentic. Be sure to stick around after the storytelling for food, refreshments, and prizes.
"Roxbury Roots" was created by Haris Lefteri (Creative Director of Hibernian Hall) and Leslie Stafford (Health Equity & Wellness Coordinator), both of whom wanted to give a platform to the adventurers and the storytellers. It opened in August 2022 and, due to popular demand, has remained a returning highlight of Hibernian Hall's programming.
When: Saturday, August 19th, 2023; from 6:30 pm — 8:30 pm
Where: Hibernian Hall (located at 184 Dudley Street, Roxbury, MA 02119)
Cost: $10 (all proceeds will go to charity!)
For more information about Roxbury Roots, please contact Leslie Stafford at [email protected].
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MPDC's Annual Garden Tea Party steeped in fun!
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MPDC celebrated seven years of its Annual Garden Tea Party on June 3rd! Rain couldn't stop the party from happening, and although the event relocated to The Dewitt Center, the inclement weather didn't stop guests from showing off their gorgeous hats. The Hat Contest, a favorite highlight for guests, featured fantastic themes, including harvest, peacocks, and the Kentucky Derby.
Guests, including Boston City Councilor At-Large Julia Mejia, danced, played games, and enjoyed healthy food. The Garden Tea Party is an essential event that increases social connectivity among seniors and families with small children in the community.
Shout-out to the MPDC Youth and staff for volunteering their time to support the event!
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MPDC celebrates Unity in the community |
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Rain or shine, the MPDC community came together to celebrate each other with music, food, local entrepreneurs, and small businesses. On June 24th, MPDC celebrated togetherness through the annual Unity Day event with hundreds of community members and residents. Youth, residents, and staff volunteered and kept the festivities fun and exciting.
Unity is not only for that one day; together, we must continue to support and acknowledge our community's various forms of wealth.
Be on the lookout for our 2-part Civic Engagement Series happening August 2nd and August 4th! This series will provide residents with another opportunity to unite while also working together to create an action plan that addresses the needs of our community.
For more information or to get involved, contact Allison Anderson at [email protected].
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The Dewitt Center had a joyful June! |
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In June, The Dewitt Center was visited by Kenneth Haynes, the son of Vincent Haynes, one of Madison Park Development Corporation's founding members. Haynes' work to advocate for and mobilize residents in the Roxbury community continues his father's incredible legacy.
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Civil Air Patrol brings programming focused on aerospace education, other immersive STEM experiences, and leadership development, through Aerospace Education, Emergency Services, and Cadet Programs, to the Dewitt Center! These programs serve youth and young adults between the ages of 12-18. Learn more about the programs here.
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The Red Velvet Steppers bring the Chicago Steppin' dance scene to The Dewitt Center. The Steppers strive to help all participants grow their understanding and execution of the dance moves and host public and private dance events.
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Madison Park Next Door presents
Steps to Becoming a Homeowner
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Becoming a homeowner is an important goal for many individuals and families, but it can feel overwhelming without proper guidance. To help you navigate the process smoothly, here are the key steps to becoming a first-time homebuyer:
Step 1: Educate Yourself
Start by enrolling in a Homebuyer 101 education course a CHAPA-approved agency offers. These courses will provide you with essential knowledge and a first-time homebuyer certificate upon completion, allowing you to make informed decisions.
Step 2: Assess Your Finances
Look closely at your financial situation to determine how much home you can afford. Calculate your income, expenses, and debt, and start saving for a down payment and closing costs. It's also a good idea to obtain a copy of your credit report to understand your creditworthiness.
Step 3: Research and Select a Mortgage Lender
Explore different mortgage lenders and home loan programs to find the one that best suits your needs. Compare interest rates, fees, and closing costs. Additionally, consider the reputation and customer service of the lenders you're considering. The homebuyer education course will also cover local programs in the Boston area.
Step 4: Work with a Real Estate Agent
Once you have your financing in order, enlist the help of a real estate agent to find the perfect home for you and your family. Your agent will assist you in touring properties, negotiating offers, and conducting home inspections to ensure the property meets your expectations. You may also want to hire an expert to identify any potential issues with the property.
Step 5: Closing the Deal
When you've found your dream home, it's time to make an offer and negotiate with the seller. Once your offer is accepted, you'll enter the closing phase. This involves completing legal and financial steps, such as finalizing financing transactions, obtaining insurance, conducting a title search, and completing home inspections.
While the homeownership process can be complex, you can successfully navigate this journey with the proper education and support!
Contact experienced professionals for guidance and take advantage of available resources, such as MPDC's Next Door Program. For more information, visit MPDC's website or email [email protected] with any questions.
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Thank you to MPDC's June 2023 Newsletter Contributors |
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Allison Anderson
Erica Davis
Haris Lefteri
Joshua McLinden
Kelly Lydon
LaQuisa Burke
Leslie Stafford
Meghan Higgins
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UPCOMING EVENTS & MEETINGS |
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Resident Association Meetings for Madison Park Village are held monthly on Tuesdays.
August 8th
September 12th
Please join us at The Dewitt Center (122 Dewitt Drive, Roxbury) from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm.
If a meeting is rescheduled, it will be the following Tuesday.
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MPDC x IMSO
Food Pantry @ The Dewitt Center
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WHEN: Every 1st & 3rd WEDNESDAY of each month
11:00 am
WHERE: The Dewitt Center
(122 Dewitt Drive, Roxbury, MA)
The Dewitt Center and the Islamic Multi-Service Organization (IMSO) host monthly food pantries. Canned goods, fruit, pasta, spaghetti, and more will be available for pickup! Supplies are limited.
For more information, please contact IMSO at
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3 on 3 Summer League @ The Dewitt Center |
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WHEN: Mondays, July 10th to August 31st
WHERE: The Dewitt Center
(122 Dewitt Drive, Roxbury, MA)
Join The Dewitt Center for 3×3 Basketball! Are you up for the challenge? Sign up to play!
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MPDC's Early Education Pathways Program |
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WHEN: July 25th to August 18th
5:00 pm to 7:00 pm
WHERE: MPDC Offices
(184 Dudley Street, Roxbury, MA 02119)
MPDC's Opportunity Employment Program is now accepting applications for a 4-week Early Childhood Education Program!
MPDC’s Early Education Pathways Program is an extension of MPDC’s Opportunity Employment efforts. Learn about career pathways in family child care, center-based early education, and BPS-para professionals. Additionally, all participants will be certified in CPR and First Aid.
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The Dewitt Center Senior Prom Night |
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WHEN: Saturday, August 5th
4:00 pm
WHERE: The Dewitt Center
(122 Dewitt Drive, Roxbury, MA)
The evening promises a fabulous experience, complete with a formal dinner, a live DJ to keep you dancing, a photo booth with entertaining props for capturing fun moments, and much more.
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New Beginnings Community Resource Fair |
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WHEN: Saturday, August 19th
11:00 am to 4:00 pm
WHERE: Grove Hall - Dorchester
(corners of Warren Street and Crawford Street)
New Beginnings Re-Entry Services invites you to join them for their Community Resource Fair. Get first-hand access to employers, employment opportunities, professional development tools, and so much more!
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Your Inner Voice
@ Hibernian Hall
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WHEN: Saturday, September 9th, 2023
Senior Session 10:00 am to 12:00 pm
All Ages Session 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm
WHERE: Hibernian Hall
(184 Dudley Street, Roxbury, MA 02119)
COST: $15 - 20
This Wholistic Workshop is a merging between trauma-informed tools and fitness. Though fitness is a small part of our lives, this workshop is meant to show you how your thoughts can impact how your body performs. These tools can help with healing, belief in yourself, anxiety, clarity, flow, and empathy for self. All levels are welcome.
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