*Mayor Michelle Wu has announced a series of events in Boston next month to honor the R&B group New Edition, founded in Roxbury in 1978.
On September 6, the city will unveil a mural by local artist Lee “Square” Beard and dedicate Ambrose Street as New Edition Way, while also declaring September 9 as New Edition Day, the Boston Herald reports.
The following day, New Edition will participate in community events, including a senior breakfast and a backpack giveaway at the Orchard Garden Boys & Girls Club. The celebrations will culminate with HOMEMADE, a free concert on City Hall Plaza featuring local artists, and a performance by New Edition.
“Music brings communities together,” Wu said in a statement. “I am thrilled to honor New Edition and celebrate local talent with HOMEMADE.”
Wu added, “I look forward to recognizing these legendary Boston artists for their contributions to our community’s arts and culture.”
Scroll to continue reading
“I think Boston has always been a city that embraced its own,” said John Borders IV, director of tourism, sports, and entertainment for the city, The Boston Globe reports. “Kim Janey wanted to do something like this but wasn’t necessarily able to pull it off.”
“I’m humbled and honored that I have [the] opportunity to help give New Edition their flowers,” said Borders. “I think, to be honest, this is just the beginning.”
Roxbury native Lee Beard said that his inspiration for the New Edition mural comes from a photo of the group and various album covers.
“With anything I do, especially in the public setting, it’s going to take on a life of its own,” Beard said. “I just want to be there so people can relate and feel connected.”
READ MORE FROM EURWEB.COM: New Edition to Kick Off Las Vegas Residency in 2024
