(Boston Orange編譯)波士頓市將於 2025 年 8 月 25 日至 8 月 31 日舉辦首屆「為了文化週（For The Culture Week）」，旨在慶祝歷史悠久的黑人學院與大學（HBCU）的卓越成就，並表彰波士頓本地的 R&B 傳奇樂團 New Edition。
這為期一週的活動包括許多精彩內容：
Essence HBCU 經典賽：由 Cash App、VISA 和 Meet Boston 贊助，莫爾豪斯學院（Morehouse College）將於 8 月 30 日在哈佛體育場對陣約翰遜 C. 史密斯大學（Johnson C. Smith University）。這將是波士頓五十多年來首次舉辦此類賽事。
New Edition 榮譽日：8 月 30 日，波士頓市將舉行儀式，把 Roxbury 的 Dearborn 街命名為「New Edition Way」，並宣布這一天為「New Edition 日」。隨後將舉行社區街區派對，New Edition 成員也將特別出席。
福音音樂節 25 週年：作為文化週的壓軸活動，新英格蘭地區最大的年度福音音樂盛事——第 25 屆福音音樂節將於 8 月 31 日在 Leader Bank Pavilion 舉行，由著名藝術家 John P. Kee 領銜演出。
吳弭市長表示，「為了文化週」彰顯波士頓致力提升多元聲音、傳統和機構的承諾，使波士頓成為每個人的家。她強調，波士頓很榮幸能慶祝 New Edition 的歷史影響力，並將 HBCU 的精神帶到地方，希望全國各地民眾、家庭和遊客都前來共襄盛舉。
波士頓市議會主席 Ruthzee Louijeune 指出，這次活動是透過音樂、體育、美食和聯誼來慶祝波士頓黑人社區的傳承與未來。市議員 Brian Worrell 則強調，黑人文化數世紀以來塑造了波士頓的身份和發展，投資下一代以傳承這一遺產至關重要。
「為了文化週」還將舉辦的一系列活動，包括：
WorthWealthCon (8 月 29 日)：聚焦財富建設的專題討論。
市政廳動員大會 (8 月 29 日)：為 HBCU 經典賽預熱。
哈佛黑人研究生聯盟 X HBCU 經典社交活動 (8 月 29 日)：提供交流與聯誼的機會。
Old Skool 派對 及 Southern Comfort 派對 (8 月 29 日)：New Edition 主題慶祝活動及社交聚會。
HBCU 經典觀賽派對 (8 月 30 日)：社區共同觀看比賽。
球迷慶典與泛希臘理事會遊行 (8 月 30 日)：在哈佛體育場體驗美食、黑人企業購物及精彩表演。
戶外街區派對 (8 月 30 日)：在市中心享受音樂和美食。
The Yard at Savvor 派對 (8 月 30 日)：HBCU 主題派對。
週日早午餐：「返校」特別版 (8 月 31 日)：鼓勵居民穿著大學服飾。
芬威公園 HBCU 日 (8 月 31 日)：紅襪隊比賽中表彰 HBCU 校友。
這些活動是波士頓市多個部門共同合作的成果，包括黑人男性發展辦公室、經濟機會與包容辦公室、運營部以及旅遊、體育與娛樂部。
欲了解更多「文化週」的活動詳情，請瀏覽 boston.gov/for-the-culture。
MAYOR MICHELLE WU DECLARES AUGUST 25 TO AUGUST 31, 2025 “FOR THE CULTURE WEEK”
The City of Boston is set to honor R&B legends New Edition, welcome the Essence HBCU Kickoff Classic sponsored by Cash App, VISA, and Meet Boston, and mark the 25th anniversary of Gospel Fest.
BOSTON - Wednesday, August 20, 2025 - Mayor Michelle Wu today announced that the City of Boston will be hosting “For The Culture Week,” from August 25 to August 31. For The Culture Week is a multi-day experience that will bring Boston residents and families together for a series of events to honor the legacy and excellence of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and celebrate R&B legends, and Roxbury natives, New Edition.
“For The Culture Week underscores Boston’s continued commitment to uplifting the diverse voices, traditions, and institutions that make our city a home for everyone” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “The City is proud to celebrate the historic impact of New Edition while bringing the spirit of HBCUs to the region. We look forward to welcoming residents, families and visitors from across the country for a week of celebration, pride, and community.
As part of For The Culture Week, Boston will welcome The Essence HBCU Classic–sponsored by Cash App, VISA, and Meet Boston–with Morehouse College and Johnson C. Smith University facing off at Harvard Stadium on August 30. The football game, and all of the week’s events, is an opportunity for residents, families and visitors to celebrate the rich cultural influence of Boston’s Black communities and honor HBCU tradition. Earlier in the day, the City of Boston will recognize R&B group New Edition with a street naming ceremony and a community block party. Founded in Roxbury in 1978, New Edition has had a profound impact on both Boston and the music industry, paving the way for pop and R&B stars worldwide. The week will end with the 25th anniversary of Gospel Fest, the largest annual Gospel music event in New England, with a headline performance by renowned artist John P. Kee.
"This is about joy,” said Boston City Council President Ruthzee Louijeune. “It's the joy in honoring the legacy and future of Boston's Black communities, through music, sports, food, and fellowship. From the Roxbury streets to the Harvard Stadium stands, we are showing the world what it looks like when a city comes together for culture and for one another.”
"From the American Revolution to the civil rights era to today’s thriving Black arts and business community, Black culture has shaped Boston’s identity and progress for centuries,” said City Councilor Brian Worrell (District 4). “Our city’s rich history is inseparable from the contributions of Black leaders, thinkers, and entrepreneurs and it is essential that we invest in the next generation to carry that legacy forward. The HBCU Kickoff Classic is an ideal platform to celebrate the power, pride, and impact these institutions have on our culture and our communities."
For The Culture Week events include the following. Additional events hosted by local Black restaurateurs and organizers will be added to the For The Culture Week webpage as they are confirmed.
Friday, August 29, 2025
Friday, August 29, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
A series of panel and fireside chat discussions focused on wealth-building with a focus on providing strategies for young people and families to build a better future.
Location: Reggie Lewis Track and Athletic Center, 1350 Tremont St, Roxbury
Friday, August 29, 4:00 p.m.
Mayor Michelle Wu, representatives from Johnson C. Smith University, Morehouse College, and the City of Boston Marching Band will come together to spark city and school pride ahead of the HBCU Classic at Harvard Stadium.
Location: Boston City Hall Plaza,1 City Hall Square, Downtown
Harvard Black Graduate Alliance X HBCU Classic Social
Friday, August 29, 5:00 p.m.
Join Harvard’s Black Graduate Alliance and local professionals for an evening of food, music, games, and networking.
Location: The Mix, 555 Talbot Avenue, Dorchester
Old Skool Party
Friday, August 29, 9:00 p.m.
Join a New Edition-themed celebration to honor the groups’s legacy and impact in Boston.
Location: Savvor, 180 Lincoln St, Downtown
Southern Comfort
Friday, August 29, 10:00 p.m.
LiteWork Events, with the Greater Boston Morehouse College Alumni Association, hosts the 8th #SoCoBoston.
Location: Big Night Live, 110 Causeway St, West End
Saturday, August 30, 2025
New Edition Street Naming Ceremony
Saturday, August 30, 10:00 a.m.
The City will host a street naming ceremony honoring the members of New Edition. Mayor Wu will designate Dearborn Street as New Edition Way and declare August 30 as “New Edition Day” in the City of Boston. The street naming ceremony will take place at the corner of Ambrose Street and Albany Street in Roxbury, honoring the group at Orchard Gardens, formerly known as Orchard Park, where the founding members of New Edition grew up.
Location: Corner of Ambrose & Albany Streets, Roxbury
New Edition Day: Community Block Party
Saturday, August 30, 11:00 a.m.
The City will host a community block party in front of the Orchard Gardens Boys & Girls Club, featuring music, a backpack giveaway for youth, free food, fun activities and a special appearance by New Edition.
Location: Orchard Gardens Boys & Girls Club, 2 Dearborn St, Roxbury
HBCU Classic Watch Party
Saturday, August 30, 12:00 p.m.
Join a game day watch party and community celebration
Location: The Mix, 555 Talbot Ave, Dorchester
Fan Fest & the Greater Boston National Pan-Hellenic Council Stroll Off
Saturday, August 30, 1:00 p.m.
Join a community celebration at Harvard Stadium and explore food trucks serving up local favorites, shop from Black-owned businesses, and enjoy activities for all ages, featuring a Stroll Off, organized by the Greater Boston National Pan-Hellenic Council.
Location: Harvard Stadium, 79 N Harvard St, Allston
Black Outside Block Party
Saturday, August 30, 2:00 p.m.
Join a celebration of culture with good music and food in an outdoor setting downtown.
Location: 10 Summer Street, Downtown
The Essence HBCU Classic
Saturday, August 30, 4:00 p.m.
Johnson C. Smith University and Morehouse College go head-to-head for the first game to take place in Boston in more than 50 years. The game is sponsored by Cash App, VISA, and Meet Boston.
Location: Harvard Stadium, 79 N Harvard St, Allston
The Yard at Savvor
Saturday, August 30, 9:00 p.m.
Join an HBCU-themed party to celebrate culture, style and the vibrancy of Boston’s Black communities.
Location: Savvor, 180 Lincoln St, Downtown
Sunday, August 31, 2025
Sunday Brunch: “Homecoming” Edition
Sunday, August 31, 12:00 p.m.
There will be a “Homecoming” themed event where residents are encouraged to wear college or university gear.
Location: The Mix, 555 Talbot Ave, Dorchester
HBCU Day at Fenway Park
Sunday, August 31, 1:35 p.m.
At the Boston Red Sox vs. Pittsburgh Pirates game, there will be a special recognition of HBCU alumni.
Location: Fenway Park, 4 Jersey St, Fenway
Sunday, August 31, 5:00 p.m.
A free, soul-stirring evening of music and inspiration at Leader Bank Pavilion featuring local artists and headline performer John P. Kee, "The Prince of Gospel Music.”
Location: Leader Bank Pavilion, 290 Northern Avenue, Seaport
“As a Black man who grew up in Boston, I am proud to be part of this new era in our history where we have so many more opportunities to highlight the rich culture that makes our neighborhoods and our city so vibrant,” said Segun Idowu, Chief of Economic Opportunity and Inclusion. “For The Culture Week is yet another chance to showcase the progress we have made as a city, and will allow us to increase the economic impact of the events on our communities as we grow these events every year.”
“For The Culture Week is more than a series of events — it’s a living tribute to the history, creativity, and resilience that define Boston’s Black community,” said John Borders IV, Director of Tourism, Sports, and Entertainment for the City of Boston. “From honoring our hometown heroes to welcoming the energy of HBCU traditions, this week is an invitation for residents and visitors alike to experience the pride, joy, and unity that make Boston unlike any other city.”
“As someone who has spent over a decade creating spaces for Black professionals to connect and thrive in Boston, this week is an important reminder that Boston’s diverse culture is not only to be celebrated, but also invested in,” said Farrah Belizaire, Founder of LiteWork Events. “It’s a chance to highlight the power of community, creativity, and collaboration—and we’re looking forward to the impact this week will have on the community.”
“I have been fortunate to be able to witness the progression of activations put on in the city of Boston specifically when it comes to Black Boston. There is so much to Black Boston that is nationally overlooked but we are here and we’ve been here and it’s time to show out and amplify our black experience," said Fena Fenelon, CEO of The Sofenomenal Agency Group and Co-Producer of Black Outside Block Party. “We are writing our narratives and curating experiences that cater to US, for US and by US. We set the tone and we ARE the culture.”
The events taking place during For The Culture Week are a collaboration between the City's Office of Black Male Advancement, Economic Opportunity and Inclusion, Operations, and Tourism, Sports, and Entertainment.
To learn more about the For The Culture Week programming, please visit boston.gov/for-the-culture.
