Roxbury Unity parade celebrates ‘Black Heartbeat' of community
The event continued with a block party gathering at the high school featuring face painting, music, and an awards presentation, according to the
Attendees and organizers wore body paint on their faces, arms, and legs, donning different Roxbury-positive messages, such as 'Roxbury 4 life' and 'Roxbury unity.'
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Dozens of people, including Mayor Michelle Wu, Representative Ayanna Pressley, Senator Liz Miranda, and Boston City Council President Ruthzee Louijeune, took seats and stood near the awards table as the ceremony began.
This year's awards included the Michael L. Bivins community hero award, presented to Anthony Richards Sr. of the No Books No Ball basketball program, and the Mary Morris lifetime achievement award, presented to Jumaada Smith, the group said on
The Roxbury-based No Books No Balls nonprofit aims to teach 'the game of basketball along with important life-lessons regarding sportsmanship and academic achievement,' according to the
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'That was something that I felt I needed to do because basketball is my world,' Bivins said at the ceremony, 'basketball is my life.'
Bivins then introduced former New Edition bandmate Ronnie DeVoe as the next speaker.
'I'm here as a reflection of what the youth in this community are able to do,' DeVoe said, 'Success is at the grasp of everybody in this community and we are an example of that.'
As the ceremony concluded, Mayor Wu spoke to the Roxbury community.
'We have a lot of work to do,' she said, 'a lot of days that looks like digging deep, fighting, and speaking truth to power.'
The parade set off at 1 p.m. and proceeded along Malcolm X Boulevard in Roxbury. Despite concerns over incoming storms and potential bad weather, Burton remained in good spirits due to the parade's rain-or-shine nature.
'I love this weather. I hope the rain holds off but this is really good weather,' Burton said on her
As the procession marched into the street, a sea of purple shirts followed Mayor Wu and Representative Pressley, as they waved to people lining the street and held signs in support of Wu's re-election campaign.
Holding banners, singing, and alternating chants of 'Roxbury love,' the parade returned to the high school to conclude the event with more music and live performances.
As the event ended, spirits remained high as organizers and attendees alike danced and sang to 70s and 80s era music.
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'Roxbury stand up,' Burton said on Facebook, 'It is our day, it is our weekend.'
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