Embrace Boston

Malcolm X emphasized the transformative power of education. Now more than ever, equip yourself with the knowledge to shape a better future. Invest in your education today for a brighter tomorrow.

President Biden’s historic announcement that he will not seek the Democratic nomination for the 2024 election marks a significant moment in American politics. Reminiscent of when President Lyndon B. Johnson stepped aside during the civil rights era, it is not lost on Embrace Boston what was happening then, and what is ominously familiar today. President Biden’s decision is rooted in recognizing the evolving political landscape.
Biden’s tenure has seen notable achievements, from navigating the country through a pandemic to enacting substantial economic recovery measures and advancing an agenda to prepare our infrastructure for climate change.

As we look to the future, we encourage any candidate for the country’s highest office to embody a strong commitment to social justice. We need a leader who understands the systemic inequalities that plague our society and advocates for marginalized communities. This moment calls for bold, visionary leadership that can build on the foundations laid while pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the fight for equity and justice.

As we move forward, we deserve a leader who will inspire the nation and commit to a more inclusive and equitable future

In How to Be an Antiracist, Ibram X. Kendi combines memoir and social commentary to redefine what it means to combat racism.

Kendi argues that neutrality is not enough; one must actively choose to be antiracist. He provides a framework for understanding and dismantling racist ideas and policies in all aspects of society.

This transformative book challenges readers to rethink their own beliefs and actions, offering a path toward a more equitable and just world.

John Lewis taught us the importance of standing up for what is right, even if it means getting into "good trouble."

Make your voice heard and fight for justice.

36 Hours in Boston Soak up history, relax in beer gardens that pop open like tulips in summer, and make a pilgrimage to Fenway Park.

Happy Fourth of July from your friends at Embrace Boston 🤍

On this , we're featuring "From Intention to Impact: A Practical Guide to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion" by Embrace Ideas Festival panelist, strategist and author Malia Lazu.

In From Intention to Impact, Malia Lazu draws on her background as a community organizer, her corporate career as a bank president, and now her experience as a leading DEI consultant to explain what has been holding organizations back and what they need to do better. First and foremost, she recognizes that truly moving from intention to impact means targeting and changing the traditions and culture that normalize whiteness.

From Intention to Impact shows what organizations, leaders, and people at all levels must do to create more inclusive environments that honor and value diversity. Lazu shares a seven-stage guide through this process as well as a 3L model of listening, learning, and loving that readers can use from the initial excitement of doing “something” to the frustration when the inevitable pushback comes, and finally to the determination to do the hard work despite the challenges—on corporate and political fronts. Most compelling, From Intention to Impact shows that, while commitment from the top is paramount, for DEI to be most effective, it needs to be decentralized—among managers, within teams, and across the organization.

Have you read From Intention to Impact? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!

On July 2, 2024, we commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, a pivotal moment in American history.

Signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson, this landmark legislation represented the culmination of decades of relentless advocacy by civil rights leaders, addressing deep-seated racial inequality and segregation across the United States.

We are reminded of the ongoing struggle for equality and the imperative of sustained advocacy and vigilance. The parallels between past and present underscore the urgent need for collective voice and action to realize a more just and equitable society for all.

Read more from Dr. Imari Paris Jeffries on why the 60th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 serves as critical moments to reaffirm commitments to justice and equality below.

https://buff.ly/3LdJLfD

We’re excited to announce Embrace Boston’s 2025 Signature Event Series, which will include five events touching on the areas of arts and culture, community, research, and policy with the aim to dismantle structural racism.

The activations season will begin with our Inaugural Embrace Massó ¡Con Salsa! International Music Festival in September 2024 on the Boston Common. This festival, curated by our 1965 Freedom Plaza Honoree José C. Massó III, is more than just a music festival; it represents the dynamic embrace of our diversifying town with the goal of creating "third spaces" and overcoming cultural divides through the language of music.

Visit the link below to read up on our five events which include Embrace Massó ¡Con Salsa! International Music Festival, Embrace Boston Arts & Culture Summit, Embrace Honors MLK: Friends and Family Sneaker Affair, 1965 Freedom Rally 60th Anniversary, and the Embrace Ideas Festival.

Secure your tickets early for our 2025 Signature Event Series!

https://buff.ly/45QwVhe

Ready to celebrate?

Join us for the 2024 Embrace Ideas Festival Juneteenth Block Party – the perfect post-Celtics Championship Parade party! Get ready for an evening filled with music, dancing, community spirit, and delicious food from Boston's finest Black-owned food trucks!

Our DJs and artists are ready to turn up! Join us from 3 PM to 8 PM at (Parking Lot 1, corner of Columbus Ave & Cedar Street).

Free and open to the public! We'll have hydration stations, but dress for the weather! ☀️

The day has finally arrived! Today, we cap off our two-day Embrace Ideas Festival conference with a keynote conversation featuring world-renowned chef Marcus Samuelsson and Boston Globe Culture Columnist and founder of A Beautiful Resistance, Jeneé Osterheldt.

Plus, a powerful panel discussion with Seneca Scott, DJ ReaL P, Sheena Collier, and Thaddeus Miles, moderated by Andres Holder of Boston Children's Chorus. ️

Following our panel discussions, don't miss our 2nd annual Chef vs. Chef battle – can Chef Siddiq defend his 2023 title against local star Chef Nikia Spotts!

Excited to kick off Day 1 of the Embrace Ideas Festival conference, featuring a keynote address from Isabel Wilkerson, followed by a Q&A session with conference participants.

Check-in at starts at 10:00 a.m.! For more information, visit the link below!

https://buff.ly/3KPiwbp

Juneteenth is a day to remember, a day to learn, and a day to inspire.

We encourage everyone to celebrate Black achievements, successes and freedom by attending your local Juneteenth events over this Juneteenth holiday.

Today, and every day, we recommit ourselves to working towards a city and a nation that is truly worthy of us all. Together, let's ensure that we are on the right side of history.

In honor of Juneteenth, there are many ways to celebrate right here in Boston including vibrant gatherings brimming with soulful cuisine, music, dance, and more.

Some of our top ways to celebrate include Embrace Boston Ideas Festival, Open House at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston and The Institute of Contemporary Art/Boston, walking the Black Heritage Trail with Boston African American National Historic Site, visiting the Museum of African American History and exploring the Harriet Hayden Albums at the Boston Athenæum.

Discover all the ways to commemorate Juneteenth by heading to the link below.
https://www.meetboston.com/events/holidays/juneteenth/

We cannot wait to honor Angela & Dr. Keith Motley, Charlotte & Herbert Wagner, and Deborah & Duane Jackson as our Martin Luther King, Jr. and Coretta Scott King Juneteenth Honorees at the Juneteenth Embrace Honors Awards tonight!

Stay tuned to our Instagram () for live updates from the event! Looking forward to seeing all of the all-white attire tonight at MassArt as we kick off our weeklong celebration of the Juneteenth holiday. 🤍

The week is finally here! We can’t wait to welcome everyone to our third annual Embrace Ideas Festival, starting off with our Embrace Honors Juneteenth White Party celebrating our Juneteenth MLK honorees: Deborah Jackson & Duane Jackson, Angela Motley & Dr. Keith Motley, and Charlotte Wagner & Herbert Wagner, III.

Then on Thursday, June 20th and Friday June 21st, we’ll be hosting day one and two of our Embrace Ideas Festival conference, featuring thought-provoking panels and discussions with local & national speakers like Isabel Wilkerson and Marcus Samuelsson.

To wrap up the week-long Juneteenth celebration, we’ll be hosting our Embrace Ideas Festival Block Party on Friday, June 21st from 3:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. at Roxbury Community College, which is free and open to the public!

Don't miss out! Get all the details and secure your tickets for the festival at the link below.

Can’t wait to see everyone there!

https://buff.ly/4brFWiw

8 Juneteenth events in Boston Here are eight ways to celebrate Juneteenth around the city of Boston this week, from a panel event to a community picnic.

✨CONTEST✨ We’re giving away 10 PAIRS of tickets to the Juneteenth Embrace Honors happening during next week’s Embrace Ideas Festival!

Enter to win a chance to join us on June 18th at for the Juneteenth White Party, as we celebrate changemakers and their work to build a better Boston for everyone.
 
‼️ HOW TO ENTER ‼️

1. Like this post
2. Comment “ ” on this post
3. Tag two friends

BONUS: tag more friends for additional entries

Our 10 winners will be announced Friday, June 13th, 2024 via DM from 

Celebrate Juneteenth with Embrace Boston!!

President & CEO Dr. Imari Paris Jeffries, alongside author, historian, and antiracist activist Ibram X. Kendi, joined GBH's Boston Public Radio with Jim and Margery to discuss the history of the Juneteenth holiday and how Boston can celebrate black ideas, Black joy, Black thought, and Black togetherness at the Embrace Ideas Festival.

Still don’t have tickets!? Visit the link below and get tickets TODAY before they sell out!

https://buff.ly/4brFWiw

A peak at Conference Day 2 of The Embrace Ideas Festival. Join us at MassArt's Design and Media Center for important discussions, a thrilling chef vs. chef food battle, and the exciting kick-off to the festival block party at Roxbury Community College.

Tickets are still available! Grab yours today through the link below to hear from these amazing luminaries, engage in critical dialogue, and build with us.

See you there!

https://buff.ly/4bQjJLi

A peak at Conference Day 1 of The Embrace Ideas Festival. Tickets are still available! Grab yours today through the link below to hear from these amazing luminaries, engage in critical dialogue and build with us.

See you there: https://buff.ly/4bQjJLi

This Pride Month, join us in celebrating the love, diversity, and unity of the LGBTQIA+ community.

In the fight for justice, LGBTQIA+ rights and racial equality are intertwined. We stand in solidarity with the LGBTQIA+ community, including the Black and Brown individuals who often face compounded discrimination.

Embrace Boston pledges to continue advocating for the freedom to be who you are, love who you love, and live, work, and learn without fear.

Join us for the Blackout Boston performance of "Toni Stone" at The Huntington Theatre on Tuesday June 11th and PAY WHAT YOU WISH!

Written and Directed by Lydia R. Diamond, "Toni Stone" is the story of the first woman to play professional baseball after signing with The Negro League in 1953. The play explores her tenure as a woman playing baseball in an all-men’s league and her experience as a Black woman living through Jim Crowe Era America.

Join us after the show for “Healing & Reflections” and receive complimentary Tea & Flowers courtesy of The Te Spa, a Sound Bath and Guided Meditation provided by Jess Breathe & Flow and Flow Like Aer, and a moderated discussion with The Wellness Collaborative and Embrace Boston!

Blackout Boston is a private evening of theatre for individual’s descendant of Africa’s Global Diaspora – Black folk of all ethnicities. Tickets are PAY WHAT YOU WISH starting at $6.

Click the link below and PAY WHAT YOU WISH!

https://buff.ly/45aoM6D

The Huntington
The Wellness Collaborative
The TéSpa
Flow.Like.Aer
Jess Breathe and Flow

Earlier this year, we celebrated our first cohort of Martin Luther King, Jr. and Coretta Scott King Honorees at our MLK Embrace Honors Friends and Family Sneaker Affair.

We're thrilled to honor three more couples who embody the spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Coretta Scott King at our Juneteenth Embrace Honors Awards!

Our Martin Luther King, Jr. and Coretta Scott King Juneteenth Honorees:

Angela and Dr. Keith Motley
Charlotte and Herbert Wagner
Deborah and Duane Jackson

These honorees have worked fiercely for a more equitable Boston and have demonstrated a longstanding commitment to building a Boston that works for us through their professional and philanthropic work.

Don't miss the celebration! Join us in your all-white outfit on Tuesday, June 18th, as we honor these incredible individuals during Embrace Honors Juneteenth at the MassArt Design and Media Center.

Embrace Ideas Festival will open with the Juneteenth Embrace Honors Awards on Tuesday, June 18th at the Design and Media Center 

This night will be a celebration of excellence in the spirit of freedom. ALL-WHITE attire is a must as we lift our spirits in fellowship to honor three exemplary couples who have dedicated themselves to building a more equitable Boston.

Join us as we kick off our weeklong celebration of the Juneteenth holiday with soulful performances and community as we celebrate black excellence and the legacy of the fight for freedom.

Stay tuned! We’ll be announcing the incredible 2024 Juneteenth Embrace Honorees tomorrow, who we’ll be celebrating all week long.

Visit the link in our bio for more information!

Our Dr. Imari Paris Jeffries joined Kwani Abigail Lunis on The Hub Today to talk all things sneakers, NBC10 Boston's Glenn Jones' six-part series exploring sneaker culture in Greater Boston, and Embrace Boston's upcoming 2024 signature events such as the MLK Embrace Honors: Friends & Family Sneaker Affair in January.

For more information on Embrace Boston's upcoming 2024 signature events, visit the link below!

https://www.embraceboston.org/signature-events-main

Embrace Boston is pleased to extend an invitation on behalf of the Harvard & The Legacy of Slavery (H&LS) initiative to the second Reparative Partnership Ideathon in Boston, MA.

To take meaningful, visible, and effective actions, H&LS announced its inaugural Request For Proposals, (RFP) in November 2023 to support efforts that address systematic inequities affecting descendent communities.

To this end, they are inviting community-based organizations and individuals focused on addressing systemic inequities in education, economic mobility, urban planning, criminal justice, or healthcare to join the upcoming Ideathons to brainstorm groundbreaking ideas, learn from others, and gain valuable insights about this exciting RFP and how they can apply.

Visit the link below for more information.

Reparative Partnership Ideathon [Boston] Harvard & the Legacy of Slavery Initiative Presents The Reparative Partnership Ideathon

Next Tuesday, The Joint Committee on the Judiciary will be holding a hearing on Protected Persons where Liz Miranda for State Senate’s, S1053 An Act Establishing a Commission to Study Reparations in Massachusetts and and H.3921 An Act to cure us of the liabilities that ultimately restricted equity by Brandy Fluker Oakley State Representative 12th Suffolk District’s will be heard.

Reparations in Massachusetts aim to address systemic injustices and inequalities that continue to affect African American and Indigenous communities. It's not only about acknowledging past wrongs but also about rectifying ongoing systemic issues and creating a more equitable society.

We want YOU to use YOUR voice for ALL OF US, and register to testify either in person, virtually, or in writing. The deadline to register is Sunday, December 3rd at 5:00 p.m.

Access the registration link and find more information on the representative’s pages.