Reclaim Roxbury

We had the opportunity to present and join a panel at the 2026 BARI Conference at Northeastern, where we spoke about using data practices to build movements and channel community power.

Over the past two years, alongside the Roxbury Collective for Housing Affordability, we’ve worked to understand how the housing crisis is impacting the lives of Roxbury residents, not by extracting stories and disappearing, but by building relationships, deep listening, and organizing with the community at the center.

Through this work, we engaged over 1,000 residents around housing affordability and rent control. What we found was clear: our communities want policies that protect residents from displacement and keep people rooted in the neighborhoods they call home.

Many of the residents we spoke with went on to become volunteers, advocates, and organizers for the campaign, proving that community engagement is most powerful when it creates pathways for collective action.

Spaces like BARI matter because they allow organizers, researchers, and advocates to share practices that strengthen trust, deepen collaboration, and move communities toward housing justice.
This work continues because of the people committed to it every day.

Did you know you can check out books from our office library? Read all about Roxbury's organizing history in some great books like "Chain of Change" or "People Before Highways".

And while you're here, you might as well book a *free* energy bill consultation with our Energy Navigator, Jawayne Caesar!

Office hours: 10am-4pm Wednesday & Friday, or by appointment.

Remember our last post about the Trump Administration targeting Boston for it's programs that look to close the racial wealth gap? The Administration recently renewed its attacks on Boston. The threats from the Trump Administration are, unfortunately, nothing new. We'll keep doing what we've always done in the face of discrimination: advocate for fair housing in Boston, fight for more affordable housing units, and keep building programs for the people who most need them. Become a member and join the movement!

The last listening session will be on May 19th at 6pm! It's not too late to show up and support housing, recovery services, and mental health care.

We need you to join the Housing & Health on Morton Street (HHOMS) Coalition in calling for:
-Supportive housing
-Substance use recovery services
-Mental health services
A redevelopment plan that builds on the community-driven 2019 Vision Plan

RSVP + take action:
bit.ly/MortonVirtualListening
bit.ly/WeSupportMorton

Over 100 Roxbury residents came together for an important conversation about the future of our community.
Alongside our community partners:
- Madison Park Development Corporation
- GreatestMINDS Boston, and
- Urban Edge

Reclaim Roxbury hosted the “Turn Your House Into A Home” Town Hall to discuss the issues impacting residents most:
Housing
Public Safety
Food Access
Immigration Justice

Community members engaged directly with elected officials, shared lived experiences, and voiced ideas for a stronger, more equitable Roxbury.
This is what community power looks like. Thank you to everyone who showed up, spoke up, and continues to advocate for the future of Roxbury.

Our Celebration of Roxbury Legends was a powerful reflection of what community-rooted leadership looks like in action.

This year, we were proud to honor Gregory B. Janey of Janey Construction recognizing his role in breaking barriers in development and his commitment to building projects that create opportunity, access, and long-term impact in our communities.

As Greg shared, “Once upon a time, the people of Roxbury could only look at the skyline, but not build it.” Through his work, he’s helping change that reality.

The room brought together a diverse mix of leaders, from developers and builders to bankers, advocates, and community partners, all connected by a shared investment in Roxbury’s future. It was a true meeting of the minds: a space to connect, reflect, and begin shaping what comes next for our neighborhood and our city.

Seeds were planted in that room. And over time, those connections will grow into stronger relationships, deeper collaboration, and real impact.

A special thank you to our co-chairs, Greg Minott, last year’s Roxbury Legend, and Tom O’Brien, for their leadership and for helping guide this year’s celebration.

Thank you to our speakers, including Senator Liz Miranda , President René Jones of M&T Bank , Kenn Turner architect of the Massport Model.

And thank you to everyone who showed up, alongside our Host Committee, Co-chairs, sponsors, staff, vendors, and volunteers who made this evening possible.

More photos and videos to come.

It’s happening tomorrow!

The Celebration of Roxbury Legends is officially SOLD OUT, and we’re looking forward to a powerful night celebrating community, leadership, and legacy.

If you really want to be in the room, send us a message—we’ll add you to the waitlist.

See you tomorrow. Let’s celebrate!