Photo: Mike Macklin/WBZ NewsRadio
BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — August 30 was 'New Edition Day' in the city of Boston.
Hundreds of people gathered outside the Orchard Gardens Boys and Girls Club, where the group started to watch Mayor Michelle Wu present the official Proclamation to the group.
"Congratulations to New Edition, and now I have the honor of officially declaring today New Edition Day in the city of Boston," Wu exclaimed.
Hailing from Roxbury's Orchard Park Project, New Edition has become a legendary staple in the entertainment industry. Founded by Bobby Brown in 1978, the group features Ricky Bell, Michael Bivins, Ronnie DeVoe, Johnny Gill, and Ralph Tresvant. Their music catapulted them from the Orchard Park projects where they grew up to the top of the charts.
"I'm just going to say thank you from the bottom of my heart. I really appreciate everybody that's out there. Thank you for coming out today," Bobby Brown said.
Read More: Mayor Michelle Wu Presents 'For The Culture Week' In Boston
Photo: Mike Macklin/WBZ NewsRadio
The group returned home to participate in the ceremony and the unveiling of New Edition Way, followed by a community block party. They also presented the Boston Arts Academy Foundation and the Orchard Gardens Resident Association, each with a $25,000 check, during the celebration.
The spirited occasion was a part of Wu's "For The Culture Week." The week-long event honored the legacy of Historically Black Colleges and Universities and celebrated the global impact of the Roxbury natives on the music industry.
For nearly five decades, New Edition has paved the way for pop and R&B artists with their style, sound, and choreography by their longtime manager, Brooke Payne. They have amassed several awards, including a Grammy and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. But according to their manager's son, their most coveted accomplishment is the support they continue to receive from their fans, also known as #NE4LIFERS.
"This is why NE does what they do. So it's just amazing to be here," Randy Payne said. "Everyone is blessed. It's blessed to have this opportunity and blessed to have been able to provide for so many years something that people can connect to."
WBZ NewsRadio’s Mike Macklin (@mikemacklinwbz) reports.