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April 2024 @ MPDC
Don't miss
ARTS ON THE ROX
this Friday!
You are invited to attend
ARTS ON THE ROX
on Friday, May 17th, 2024 at 6:30 pm
at Hibernian Hall
184 Dudley Street
Roxbury, MA 02119

General Admission — $35; VIP Admission — $75


On Friday, May 17th, 2024, from 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM, Hibernian Hall will come alive with vibrant colors, tropical rhythms, and transformative art at our most eagerly anticipated event of the year, "Arts on the Rox."

This year's theme, "A Night of Rhythm," invites you to express your style in your favorite cocktail attire. Enjoy an evening filled with curated performances that showcase Hibernian Hall's rich artistic legacy, featuring artist Cornell Coley, speaker Kurt Faustin, and more. The night will include an electrifying Samba performance by the renowned Brazilian dance ensemble SambaViva! Enjoy a hosted bar and taste refreshments inspired by Brazil's rich flavors throughout the event.

Support the Arts and Our Community
Your participation in "Arts on the Rox" supports Hibernian Hall's mission to foster artistic growth and encourage creative engagement within our community. All proceeds will contribute to the pioneering Hibernian Hall Institute, which aims to transform Roxbury into a vibrant hub for creativity and cultural exchange.

Special Limited-Time Offer: Buy One, Get One Free!
For a limited time, take advantage of our "Buy One, Get One Free" ticket offer and bring someone special to share this unforgettable evening. This exclusive deal is a perfect opportunity to double the fun and impact. Act quickly—this offer won't last long!

Exclusive VIP Experience
Before the main event, join us from 5:45 PM to 6:30 PM for a VIP event that includes an intimate drum circle session and special drink tastings featuring the unique flavors of Brazil.

Get Your Tickets Today!
Take advantage of this magical night. Get your tickets now to ensure your spot at "Arts on the Rox 2024." We can't wait to share this spectacular evening with you.

If you have questions about this event, please get in touch with Haris Lefteri at hlefteri@madison-park.org.

Become a sponsor of Art on the Rox and help support our
year-round programming reflecting Roxbury's cultural heritage.
Register now for
Fifteen Cents on the Dollar
A Conversation about the Racial Wealth Gaps
in Boston and Beyond
Join us for a deep dive into the complexities of racial wealth disparities and strategies for change.

An evening of networking, snacks from local food businesses, a compelling presentation on data regarding racial wealth gaps in Boston and beyond, and an engaging panel with local change makers followed by audience Q & A.

Limited space capacity - register today!

About the book
Fifteen Cents on the Dollar
How Americans Made the Black-White Wealth Gap
A sweeping, deeply researched narrative history of Black wealth and the economic discrimination embedded in America’s financial system through public and private actions that created today’s Black-white wealth gap.
The early 2020s will long be known as a period of racial reflection, and in the wake of the police killing of George Floyd, Americans of all backgrounds joined together in historic demonstrations in the streets, discussions in the workplace, and conversations at home about the financial gaps that remain between white and Black Americans. This deeply investigated book follows the lives of seven Black Americans of different economic levels, ages, and professions during the three years following this period of racial reckoning.

Drawing on intimate interviews with these individuals—three of whom are well-known and four of whom most readers will learn about for the first time in the book—the authors bring data, research, and history to life. Fifteen Cents on the Dollar shows the scores of set-backs that have held the Black-white wealth gap in place—from enslavement to redlining to banking discrimination—and ultimately, the set-backs that occurred in the mid-2020s as the push for racial equity became a polarized political debate.

Fifteen Cents on the Dollar is a comprehensive, deeply human look at Black-white wealth-gap history, told through the lives Black Americans as well as through the development of a new bank intended to help close the Black-white wealth gap. Seasoned journalist-academics Louise Story and Ebony Reed provide crucial insights on American economic equity, Black business ownership, and political and business practices that leave Black Americans behind. In chronicling how these staggering injustices came to be, they show how and why so little progress on the wealth gap has been made and provide insights Americans should consider if they want lasting change.

Visit www.15cents.info for more information on the book. Louise and Ebony jointly teach an MBA class on racial wealth gaps at The Yale School of Management.
MPDC's 2024 Scholarship Program and Summer Youth Employment Program Applications
Apply to MPDC’s Scholarship Program today!

This year, MPDC is offering young folks the opportunity to apply for The Ralph D. Smith Community Scholarship, The Danette Jones Scholarship, and The Haynes Family Scholarship. A total of $50,000 will be awarded in scholarships in 2024.

To be considered for the MPDC Scholarship Program, applicants should satisfy the following requirements: 
  1. Be a resident of the greater Madison Park community as defined by the boundaries of Lower Roxbury – which include and are limited to residences in the 02119, 02120, and 02121 zip code areas;
  2. Enrolled full-time as a high school senior, graduating in Spring/Summer 2024 with plans to enter college after graduation; 
  3. Applicant has a strong commitment to pursuing a Bachelors or Associates degree;   
  4. Applicant has involvement in community service and a strong commitment to continue community service throughout college.

Applications are due June 21st, 2024, at 5:00 pm.

For more information, please get in touch with Yhinny Matos, Youth Workforce Manager, at ymatos@madison-park.org.
Join MPDC’s Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) today!
SYEP provides underserved in-school youth, ages 14-19, with career internships, job readiness skills, and educational enrichment. SYEP is intended to provide early workforce experience for young people who might not otherwise have this opportunity while supporting them with completing academics and college readiness.

Application deadline: June 7th, 2024 by 5 pm

For more information about MPDC’s SYEP, please email Yhinny Matos, Youth Workforce Manager.
The Dewitt Center had an awesome April!
Delta GEMS (Growing and Empowering Myself Successfully) offers a supportive environment for girls aged 11-14, focusing on personal growth, academic enrichment, and positive character development. In April, activities centered on self-affirmation and empowerment. Participants engaged in an icebreaker activity to create affirmations, fostering self-reflection and confidence. Additionally, they participated in an "Empowering Me" session, using a Sprocket camera to capture moments of empowerment. These activities align with Delta GEMS' mission of nurturing self-worth and resilience while providing a safe space for girls to explore their potential and pursue academic and personal goals.
Over the April school break, Winn Residential organized engaging activities for MPDC residents, fostering community spirit and creativity. The Dewitt Center buzzed with energy during Intergenerational Paint Night, where residents of all ages came together for a unique artistic experience filled with music, dance, and painting. Families bonded during Popcorn and Movie Night, enjoying a screening of "The Little Mermaid" alongside pizza and snacks while exploring youth employment and summer camp opportunities. "BA BA Beta" brought Madison Park Village youth together to learn about caring for their new pet Beta fish, followed by a hands-on session creating mini aquariums. Lastly, residents tapped into their artistic flair during "Puff Puff Pillow," crafting personalized pillows adorned with digital pictures and decorative embellishments, allowing their imaginations to run wild.
OEP launches Boston Children's Hospital Healthcare Support Services Training
In April, the Opportunity Employment Program (OEP) Team launched the Boston Children's Hospital (BCH) Healthcare Support Services Training Program!

The BCH Healthcare Support Services Training Program is a partnership program with Boston Children's Hospital. It provides young adults interested in working in the hospital with the essential skills needed to succeed. Participants learn interviewing skills, digital literacy, job readiness, and networking with the BCH team.
Empowering MPDC Residents on
Their Paths to Homeownership
The Madison Park Next Door (MPND) program is thrilled to announce its upcoming Kickoff to Homebuying Month event at The Dewitt Center on Thursday, June 6th, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM.

This event marks the beginning of a month-long initiative aimed at helping MPDC residents navigate the homebuying process. A series of informative events leading up to the kickoff will provide participants valuable insights and resources to make informed decisions about their homeownership journey. 
 
MPND offers funding rounds from July 2023 to June 2024, repeating the same cycle yearly. If you are considering applying for funding in 2024, the application process will begin on June 1st. This opportunity can provide the financial support needed to make your dream of homeownership a reality. 

For more information or to sign up, contact Laquisa Burke at Nextdoor@madison-park.org.
Thank you to MPDC's April
Newsletter Contributors
Allison Anderson
Alondra Delgafo
Erica Davis
Haris Lefter
Justina Thompson
Kelly Lydon
Laquisa Burke
Meghan Higgins
MPDC x IMSO
Food Pantry @ The Dewitt Center
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 get in touch with IMSO at
myimso@yahoo.com or call 617.442.2805.
Now accepting applications for
MPDC's Hope Community Garden
DEADLINE TO APPLY:
Saturday, June 1st
The Garden opens in April 2024
All ages are welcome!
Kids' Garden Club (2-18)
Hope Garden Plots for kids and older adults
We offer garden education and training, social connectivity, special events, home gardening, and other opportunities!
No Trauma, No Drama 2024
WHEN: Monday, May 20
4:00 pm to 7:00 pm

WHERE: The Dewitt Center
(122 Dewitt Drive, Roxbury, MA)

This forum empowers youth to become agents of change, fosters leadership skills and cultivates a sense of civic engagement. Join MPDC for a day filled with inspiration, empowerment, and opportunities to connect with fellow young changemakers!
MPDC's Kick-Off for National
Homebuying Month
as part of NeighborWorks Week
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WHEN: Thursday, June 6
6:00 pm to 8:00 pm

WHERE: The Dewitt Center
(122 Dewitt Drive, Roxbury, MA)

Madison Park Development provides numerous homebuying workshops and financial resources to support residents who want to purchase their homes. The training program aims to educate MPDC residents about the home buying process, give them an economical pathway to building wealth, and create an affordable rental opportunity for another deserving family. Come to The Dewitt Center to learn more about Madison Park Next Door!
MPDC's Annual Garden Tea Party
WHEN: Saturday, June 4th
11:00 am

WHERE: Hope Community Garden
(55 A. Malcolm X. Blvd, Roxbury, 02119)

Join us for a fun-filled afternoon of activities, surprises, music, and more! We’ll be hosting a ‘Create Your Own Smoothie’ contest, giving out a prize for ‘Best Hat,’ and there will even be a Pocketbook Scavenger Hunt!
Madison Park Next Door First-Time
Homebuyers Class
WHEN: Saturday, June 8 and Sunday, June 9
10:00 am to 2:00 pm

WHERE: MPDC Offices
(184 Dudley Street, Roxbury, MA)

Are you ready to leap into homeownership? MPDC's comprehensive classes will guide you through the entire process, from understanding mortgage options to confidently navigating the homebuying journey. Register now and take the first step toward realizing your homeownership goals!
MPDC's Unity Day 2024
WHEN: Saturday, June 15th

WHERE: MPDC Offices
(184 Dudley Street, Roxbury, MA)

Unity Day, MPDC's most anticipated summer event, is set for June. Enjoy music, food, arts and crafts, community resources, and more. We invite you to join us, have fun, and make memories!