MPDC wants to express immense gratitude to all who made the 2023 Sparks! Gala a night to remember. It was an evening filled with elegance and celebration as we rallied behind MPDC's mission.

Community Catalyst Awards: Ekua Holmes and Leslie Stafford

Edna V. Bynoe Community Champion Award: Peggy Holt

Embracing Promise Award: Kadidiatou Ba

We sincerely thank our sponsors, donors, performers, caterers, staff, volunteers, and attendees for their unwavering support. Together, we raised over $350,000 to strengthen MPDC's community and arts and culture programs.

The spirit of collaboration shone brightly at MPDC's 2023 Sparks! as graduates from the Opportunity Employment Program (OEP) Makeup Artistry Course, generously lent their artistic touch to adorn the MPDC staff and Embracing Promise Award recipient, Kadidiatou Ba, with glam makeup for the special evening.

Simultaneously, the OEP Food Service/Hospitality Training Program graduates took charge of the Gala's culinary experience, ensuring a seamless and delightful food distribution throughout the evening.

The MPDC Youth Workforce program has been buzzing with activity lately and is excited to share some recent achievements:

Internship Opportunities: There are currently 46 youth interns in the After-School Youth Employment Program, with additional workshops for the Opportunity Youth Employment Program underway.

Collaborations: MPDC youth have collaborated on various projects, including supporting the food pantry, engaging in civic education, and community planning.

Notable Achievements: Celebrating participants' success, including securing full-time employment and recognition at MPDC's Spaks! Gala.

Acknowledgments: Recognizing the dedication of volunteers and interns like Daniel Phifer and Lillie Brown.

Engaging in Community Initiatives: MPDC youth actively participated in various community events, making a positive impact.

Building Knowledge and Skills: Empowering youth through educational sessions on law, fitness, nutrition, and professional development.

In its 8th consecutive year, MPDC proudly hosted the Gratitude Project, formerly the Thanksgiving Project, in partnership with United Way. This initiative once again fulfilled its commitment to the community by providing essential groceries to 500 deserving families, equating to an astonishing 5,000 servings of food.

Amidst the challenges of accessing food in urban areas, the Gratitude Project stands as a beacon of hope, ensuring that the needs of many families are met during the Thanksgiving season.

This remarkable accomplishment was made possible through the unwavering support of dedicated volunteers, enthusiastic youth participants, and the collaborative efforts of other organizations.

The Gratitude Project here!

The Lower Roxbury Coalition (LRC) hosted its 3rd Annual Community Resource Fair at The Dewitt Center on Saturday, November 11th.

LRC is a community-based organization of stakeholders, including providers, community leaders, advocates, and residents. The members of LRC work together with a shared purpose to support families to prevent child abuse and neglect in the Lower Roxbury neighborhoods.

Over 300 community members, including MPDC residents, attended this year’s Resource Fair. LRC gave away gift cards, clothing, diapers, toiletries, and toys to attendees. There were fun activities, from face painting to games, music, massages, and more.

In November, WinnResidential hosted its annual Thanksgiving dinner for 100+ MPDC residents. Perry’s Gourmet Catering served turkey, mac n cheese, mashed potatoes, collard greens, rice, sweet potatoes, desserts, and more. At the event, there was an opportunity to sign up for Toys for Tots to receive gifts for the upcoming holidays. Guests were genuinely thankful for eating, dancing, and socializing together at The Dewitt Center!

Dress for Success Boston hosted its annual end-of-the-year sale at The Dewitt Center on Saturday, November 4th. Over 75 attendees had the opportunity to shop for affordable professional attire. Various items were for sale, from suits, pants, shoes, and jewelry, for prices ranging from $2.00 to $15.00. The event was an excellent opportunity for people of all ages and backgrounds to purchase items for upcoming job interviews, new jobs, meetings, and more. 

Civil Air Patrol (CAP) is one of The Dewitt Center's most unique programs. CAP allows teens and adults to learn to fly planes while exploring the aerospace world using STEM.

By joining CAP, teens can earn their pilot's license for free, and adult members with a private pilot license can become certified flight instructors. Teens who participate as cadets experience hands-on flight training, obstacle courses, hiking, and camping. Adults who join CAP can access online education resources and opportunities to train and participate in search and rescue, emergency services, and leading cadet programs.

Civil Air Patrol is a fantastic program at The Dewitt Center, offering the opportunity to learn a skill set that can change a youth's life - learn more here.

As Get Out the Vote (GOTV) Season officially concludes (for now!), MPDC wants to extend its heartfelt gratitude to all the volunteers from the Lower Roxbury area who came together to make a difference. These dedicated individuals reached out to their neighbors and advocated for initiatives supported by local community members.

From sharing information on Ranked Choice Boston to promoting Participatory Budgeting, MPDC's Civic Engagement leaders tirelessly doorknocked, phonebanked, and attended community events to ensure that updates were distributed and people knew when and where to vote.

The collective efforts of volunteers of all ages resulted in attempts to contact over 6,000 community members, with successful outreach to approximately 1,250 people. These efforts paid off, as polling locations saw increased participation compared to the preliminary election.

The MPDC Civic Engagement team applauds and acknowledges those who volunteered their time to work at polling locations throughout the day and those who took the initiative to share election updates with residents, youth, and Resident Service Coordinators.

The sold-out show "For Nina" at Hibernian Hall was a lively celebration with 120 attendees. The atmosphere was exciting as guests mingled, shared their love for Nina Simone, and connected over her music.

The performance, a captivating blend of dance and live music paid a fitting tribute to Simone's dynamic legacy. It moved the audience deeply, sparking tears and discussions about themes of identity, empowerment, and societal challenges in Simone's work.

After the show, Hibernian Hall echoed with applause and lively conversations as attendees discussed the performance and its impact. "For Nina" was a night of joy and connection that celebrated the enduring influence of Nina Simone.

WHEN: Every 1st & 3rd WEDNESDAY of each month

WHERE: The Dewitt Center

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.

myimso@yahoo.com or call 617.442.2805.

WHEN: Thursdays

WHERE: MPDC Offices

(184 Dudley Street, Roxbury, MA 02119)

Get ready to share stories and advice with like-minded young women. These sessions are designed to be a platform to empower young women.

WHEN: Thursdays

WHERE: MPDC Offices

(184 Dudley Street, Roxbury, MA 02119)

Engage in transparent communication on health disparities, sexual health, and mental health. Black and Brown, as well as the Migrant community, but everyone is encouraged to join the space and the “SHOP” Table Talk conversation!

Did YOU know you could qualify for a $5/a-year membership for Bluebikes in Boston? There are several different ways you might be eligible for a discounted membership.

WHEN: Monthly on the third Wednesday

WHERE: The Dewitt Center

(122 Dewitt Drive, Roxbury, MA)

 Participation is free, and everyone is welcome. Whether you’re a regular visitor to The Dewitt Center or it’s your first time, we look forward to sharing this fun afternoon with you.

WHEN: Friday, March 8 to Sunday, March 31, 2024

WHERE: Hibernian Hall

(184 Dudley Street, Roxbury, MA)

Following one of ASP’s most acclaimed and successful productions of all time, Seven Guitars, Actors’ Shakespeare Project returns to Hibernian Hall in 2024 for another installment in August Wilson’s American Century Cycle: King Hedley II.

Fresh off of a seven-year stint in prison, King Hedley II (named after his father, who was played by Johnnie Mack in ASP’s Seven Guitars) dreams of going straight. He’s going to open his own video store — even if he has to steal every refrigerator in Pittsburgh to make it happen. Returning home to the Hill District in 1985, King finds that his community is beset by violence, con men, and redlining. As King fights to keep his family afloat, the harsh realities of Reagan’s America threaten to drag him under.

Hailed by Variety in 1999 as “maybe the most passionate work that August Wilson has penned to date,” King Hedley II dives into family tensions and the Black experience in America with Wilson’s signature poeticism and power.