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Culture Nights

A series of events and concerts : a movement promoting expressive music and art for social change.

July 28, 2023
  • 6:00pm - 9:00pm
  • 88 Seaport Boulevard
    BOSTON, MA 02210
  • Contact:
    Susan McCollin
  • Price:
    FREE
  • Neighborhood:
    Allston
    Back Bay
    Bay Village
    Beacon Hill
    Brighton
    Charlestown
    Chinatown/Leather District
    Citywide
    Dorchester
    Downtown
    East Boston
    Fenway/Kenmore
    Hyde Park
    Jamaica Plain
    Mattapan
    Mission Hill
    North End
    Roslindale
    Roxbury
    South Boston
    South End
    West End
    West Roxbury
  • Posted:
2023-07-28T18:00:00 - 2023-07-28T21:00:00

The series honors artistic voice, freedom, and the gateway to truth and experimentation in the pursuit of justice. Culture Nights is a cultural programming initiative by The Artist Initiative for Revolution (AIR) in partnership with the City of Boston Mayor's Office of Equity and Inclusion Cabinet: Racial Justice.

culture nights - 7.28

July 28, 2023
  • 6:00pm - 9:00pm
  • 88 Seaport Boulevard
    BOSTON, MA 02210
  • Contact:
    Susan McCollin
  • Price:
    FREE
  • Neighborhood:
    Allston
    Back Bay
    Bay Village
    Beacon Hill
    Brighton
    Charlestown
    Chinatown/Leather District
    Citywide
    Dorchester
    Downtown
    East Boston
    Fenway/Kenmore
    Hyde Park
    Jamaica Plain
    Mattapan
    Mission Hill
    North End
    Roslindale
    Roxbury
    South Boston
    South End
    West End
    West Roxbury
  • Posted:
2023-07-28T18:00:00 - 2023-07-28T21:00:00
Last updated:

Community Resource Fair for Returning Citizens

Come learn more about the resources available in our City for Bostonians returning home from incarceration.

July 12, 2023
2023-07-12T10:00:00 - 2023-07-12T12:00:00

The Legal Services Center of Harvard Law School (LSC) is running a series of workshops building off of our monthly CORI sealing events. In addition to sealing clients’ records, this revised series seeks to assist clients with elements of the re-entry process such as:

  • finding housing,
  • securing CORI-friendly employment,
  • pursuing education and job training, and
  • developing financial literacy, among other subjects.

The setup of the events will mirror that of a job or career fair, with representatives operating tables in the library space and speaking to potential clients about their organizations. Additionally, the events will have brief presentations on the CORI sealing process open to clients and attending organizations.

We held our pilot workshop on April 5, and we are now planning our second session. The workshop will take place on Wednesday, July 12, from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. at the Roxbury/Nubian Square Branch of the Boston Public Library (149 Dudley St, Roxbury, MA 02119). 

We would absolutely love to see turnout from across Boston, as a number of organizations planning to attend the Roxbury/Nubian Square event serve individuals across Greater Boston.

July 12, 2023
2023-07-12T10:00:00 - 2023-07-12T12:00:00
Last updated:

2024 Children's Arts and Crafts Workshops: Roxbury

Looking for a free, fun activity to enjoy with the kids? Join us this summer for one of our arts and crafts workshops hosted in various parks throughout the City of Boston, hosted by a local artist.

July 9, 2024
  • 10:00am - 12:00pm
    Repeats weekly on Tuesday, starting from July 9, 2024, until July 23, 2024
  • Marcella Playground
    260 Highland Street
    Boston , MA 02119
  • Contact:
    PARKS AND RECREATION
  • Price:
    FREE
  • Neighborhood:
    Roxbury
  • Event Type:
  • Posted:
2024-07-09T10:00:00 - 2024-07-09T12:00:00

Our arts and crafts workshops are led by local artists. They're held Tuesday through Friday in July and August and run from 10 a.m. until 12 p.m. These drop-in workshops encourage kids to explore their creativity through projects like mask making, crayon art, watercolor and much more. Supplies are provided, but you'll need to bring your creativity! 

This series is completely free and open to Boston residents. These workshops will take place in various parks throughout the City of Boston.

Registration is required for groups of 8 or more. Please email Shannon.murphy2@boston.gov to register.

This series is weather-dependent. Check our social media pages for updated weather info regarding this series. Follow us on social media for the latest updates on events: TwitterFacebook, and Instagram.

July 9, 2024
  • 10:00am - 12:00pm
    Repeats weekly on Tuesday, starting from July 9, 2024, until July 23, 2024
  • Marcella Playground
    260 Highland Street
    Boston , MA 02119
  • Contact:
    PARKS AND RECREATION
  • Price:
    FREE
  • Neighborhood:
    Roxbury
  • Event Type:
  • Posted:
2024-07-09T10:00:00 - 2024-07-09T12:00:00
Last updated:

Canceled:
2024 Tito Puente Latin Music Series: Tito Puente Jr.

Reason for cancellation: Weather
August 15, 2024
2024-08-15T19:00:00 - 2024-08-15T20:30:00

Created in honor of Latin music icon Tito Puente, this series celebrates 15 years of bringing live Latin music with a strong salsa influence to Boston parks. The series is sponsored in part by:

Edwin Pabon has been a mainstay in Latin music in the Boston and New England areas for many years. Born to a family of Puerto Rican musicians, he began his musical career in the mid-seventies as a percussionist with El Sextets Pabon, a family band. El Sextets Pabon was one of the first bands in Boston to feature Latin music. In many ways, Edwin and his brothers Roberto and Israel and sister Janet were the pioneers of promoting Latin music in the New England area.

Edwin began his solo career in 1990 when he formed his own orchestra. He assumed all of the responsibilities for the orchestra, i.e., booking, promoting, and acting as the musical director. Throughout his career he has performed with some of the best artists in Latin music, including: Tito Puente, Carlos Santana, Celia Cruz, Ruben Blades, Tito Nieves, Eddie Palmieri, Lalo Rodriguez, Mongo Santa Maria, Ismael Rivera, Giovanni Hidalgo, Tito Gomez, and Ray Barreto. Edwin is the lead singer of his band, Edwin Pabon and Orchestra, and also plays several instruments; mainly percussion instruments such as the timbales, bongos, and congas. Edwin is also preparing to release his third CD "Rumbero de Corazon" that features "salsa romantica de hoy y de ayer" (hot salsa - romantic salsa) with Afro-Cuban rhythms. He is a passionate performer whose commitment to spreading the vivacity of Latin music and dance continues to inspire him.

August 15, 2024
2024-08-15T19:00:00 - 2024-08-15T20:30:00
Last updated:

2024 Tito Puente Latin Music Series: Gregorio Uribe

Join us this summer in Boston Parks for live salsa music and dance.

July 25, 2024
2024-07-25T19:00:00

Created in honor of Latin music icon Tito Puente, this series celebrates 15 years of bringing live Latin music with a strong salsa influence to Boston parks. The series is sponsored in part by:

Free salsa lessons are led by MetaMovements.

July 25, 2024
2024-07-25T19:00:00
Last updated:

2024 Tito Puente Latin Music Series: Clave & Blues

Join us this summer in Boston Parks for live salsa music and dance.

August 8, 2024
2024-08-08T19:00:00

Created in honor of Latin music icon Tito Puente, this series celebrates 17 years of bringing live Latin music with a strong salsa influence to Boston parks. The series is sponsored in part by:

Clave & Blues is a young Cuban music and Latin jazz band that has performed at several concert halls and festivals in the Boston area since 2016, including Lawrence Jazz Festival, Boston POPS, and many others. The mix between Afro-Cuban rhythms, blues, R&B, and world music creates a contemporary sound that gives this band its place in the New England music scene. The band includes professional international musicians under the direction of Cuban pianist and Berklee graduate Anibal Cruz. Their first single, "La Raza" (2020), shares a call for peace, diversity, celebration, and inclusion — a tribute to traditional Cuban music and its culture.

"Our goal is to create music that engages people of all ages and cultural backgrounds. We aim to grow an audience that loves Cuban music and its culture."

August 8, 2024
2024-08-08T19:00:00
Last updated:

2024 Tito Puente Latin Music Series: Alex Alvear and Mango Blue

Join us this summer in Boston Parks for live salsa music and dance.

August 1, 2024
2024-08-01T19:00:00

Created in honor of Latin music icon Tito Puente, this series celebrates 17 years of bringing live Latin music with a strong salsa influence to Boston parks. The series is sponsored in part by:

 

August 1, 2024
2024-08-01T19:00:00
Last updated:

2024 Tito Puente Latin Music Series: Rafael Moreno

Join us this summer in Boston Parks for live salsa music and dance.

July 18, 2024
2024-07-18T19:00:00

Created in honor of Latin music icon Tito Puente, this series celebrates 17 years of bringing live Latin music with a strong salsa influence to Boston parks. The series is sponsored in part by:

July 18, 2024
2024-07-18T19:00:00
Last updated:

2024 Tito Puente Latin Music Series: Orquesta Sensacional

Join us this summer in Boston Parks for live salsa music and dance.

July 11, 2024
2024-07-11T19:00:00

Created in honor of Latin music icon Tito Puente, this series celebrates 15 years of bringing live Latin music with a strong salsa influence to Boston parks.  The series is sponsored in part by:

July 11, 2024
2024-07-11T19:00:00
Last updated:

114th NAACP National Convention

The City of Boston is proud to host the upcoming 114th National Convention in Boston from July 26, 2023 to August 1, 2023 at the Boston Convention Center.

The NAACP National Convention is an empowering and immersive experience held each year to celebrate our community's collective power. The 114th National Convention will focus on the theme of Thriving Together by inviting change-makers from across the country to celebrate the Black community’s collective power.

July 26 - August 1, 2023
2023-07-26T09:00:00 - 2023-08-01T01:00:00

As part of the NAACP National Convention’s programming, the City is partnering with the NAACP, Governor Healey’s office, AIR Boston, other organizations and local artists to host a series of free, family friendly events and programming open to residents and visitors throughout the week of the convention in the City of Boston throughout the week of the convention between July 26 and July 30, 2023. These events will complement the National Convention and provide opportunities for residents, families and visitors to build community, support local Black-led businesses and engage with the City of Boston.

Learn more and register

July 26 - August 1, 2023
2023-07-26T09:00:00 - 2023-08-01T01:00:00

Message from Mayor Wu

Michelle Wu

“Boston is thrilled to be hosting the 2023 NAACP National Convention led by the nation’s historic 1st chartered branch. As we continue to work towards this historic event, these free, family friendly events and programming are for residents, families and visitors to enjoy throughout the week of the convention. We look forward to seeing residents and visitors gather together and I encourage everyone to engage with these amazing opportunities.”

Mayor Michelle Wu

Events

Volunteer for the 114th National NAACP Convention

The NAACP is recruiting volunteers for the 114th National NAACP Convention, taking place in Boston July 26 - August 1, 2023. There are a number of volunteer roles, shifts and activities.

Seaport x Black Owned Bos. Market

Select Sundays | 12 - 6 p.m.

Celebrating local entrepreneurship, craftsmanship and art, the Seaport x Black Owned Bos. Market features 30+ vendors from a rotating collection of over 60 vendors throughout the season. Free and open to the public!

Pre-convention Prayer Service

Thursday, July 20 | 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.

Join us at the St. John’s Missionary Baptist Church as we pray for the NAACP, our City, and our Commonwealth.

Day of Action and Service

Saturday, July 22 | 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Join us as we kick-off our convention volunteerism with a Day of Action & Service in Dorchester, Roxbury, Mattapan and Hyde Park! Assignments provide upon registration.

Boston While Black Family Reunion

Saturday, July 22 | 12 - 8 p.m.

Boston While Black (BWB) is taking over the Lawn on D for a day-long celebration of Black experiences, community and culture. BWB will feature live music, BWB member exclusives, and innovative showcases of local vendors and artists from the community.

Get Konnected! A Taste of Ethnic Boston 2023

Tuesday, July 25 | 5:30 - 8 p.m.

Enjoy Boston's premier multicultural food festival highlighting local restaurants and chefs in Boston.

Opening Reception

Friday, July 28 | 5 - 9 p.m.

This event hosted by the City of Boston and NAACP National serves as a kickoff event for the NAACP’s 114th National Convention. This event will feature music by DJ Jazzy Jeff and is free and open to the public with registration.

Culture Nights Music Fest: Seaport

Friday, July 28 | 6 - 9 p.m.

This event organized by the Artist Initiative for Revolution (AIR Boston) & City of Boston will feature performances celebrating Boston’s historic legacy and communities by various local artists and creatives. This event will be held at 88 Seaport Blvd.

Delegates Reception

Saturday, July 29 | 8 p.m. - 12 a.m.

This reception at the Westin Boston Seaport District hosted by Mayor Wu will create space for convention delegates and City community members to gather for a night of celebration. This event is free and open to the public with registration.

23rd Annual Gospel Fest

Sunday, July 30 | 5 - 9 p.m.

New England’s largest Gospel music celebration hosted by MAJOR, including performances by Fred Hammond, Kierra “Kiki” Sheard, and the Mayor’s Gospel Choir. Gospel Fest celebrates Boston’s communities and gospel artists.

Explore The Hub

In addition to the above programming, the NAACP National Convention is encouraging residents and visitors to explore The Hub, the Convention’s premier gathering space featuring music, food, and family-friendly activities. The Hub’s programming will also include a Block Party and Career Summit for visitors. From Friday, July 28 through Sunday July 30 at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center – Hall A, The Hub will be free and open to the public at the following times. For more information, please visit naacp.org/TheHub.

  • Friday, July 28 (Hub Opening Block Party): 2 - 9 p.m.
  • Saturday, July 29 (Career Summit): 11 - 6 p.m.
  • Sunday, July 30 (General Programming): 12 - 6 p.m.

A Message from NAACP President & CEO Derrick Johnson

“Each year, NAACP members, friends, and elected leaders gather at the Convention in a shared space that has proven vital for our collective growth and advocacy,” said NAACP President & CEO Derrick Johnson. “This space, intently curated each year by the Association’s local branch, state conference, and national leaders, provides us with the ability to harness the power of Black America. We use this sacred time to inspire each other and align on what we need to do to continue pushing this country forward. Now more than ever, this sacred convening is crucial to our continued fight for the preservation of democracy. We are excited to bring vitality and vibrance to our roots in Boston, home of the Association’s first chartered branch.”

More Information

For more information about this year’s NAACP National Convention, please visit naacp.org/convention

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