BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — "For The Culture Week" has commenced in the city of Boston.

The week-long event honors the legacy of Historically Black Colleges and Universities and celebrates the impact of Roxbury natives and R&B icons, New Edition.

“For The Culture Week underscores Boston’s continued commitment to uplifting the diverse voices, traditions, and institutions that make our city a home for everyone,” Mayor Michelle Wu said in a statement.

The week kicks off with a bookbag giveaway sponsored by the AJ Dybantsa Foundation on Monday at the BCYF Mattahunt. An extensive list of events follows, including the Essence HBCU Classic, with Johnson C. Smith University facing off against Morehouse College at Harvard Stadium, WorthWealthCon, a pep rally at City Hall, HBCU Day at Fenway Park, where the Red Sox will take on the Pittsburgh Pirates, a gospel fest featuring John P. Kee and a free block party and street naming ceremony honoring New Edition.

Read More: Mayor Michelle Wu To Declare August 30 "New Edition Day"

"The City is proud to celebrate the historic impact of New Edition while bringing the spirit of HBCUs to the region," Wu stated. "We look forward to welcoming residents, families, and visitors from across the country for a week of celebration, pride, and community.

The week is billed as a way to honor Boston's Black communities through music, sports, food, and fellowship. For The Culture Week is a collaboration between the Office of Black Male Advancement, Economic Opportunity and Inclusion, Operations and Tourism, Sports and Entertainment. The celebration ends Aug. 31.

Friday, August 29, 2025

WorthWealthCon

Friday, August 29, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

A series of panel and fireside chat discussions focused on wealth-building with a focus on providing strategies for young people and families to build a better future.

Location: Reggie Lewis Track and Athletic Center, 1350 Tremont St, Roxbury

City Hall Pep Rally

Friday, August 29, 4:00 p.m.

Mayor Michelle Wu, representatives from Johnson C. Smith University, Morehouse College, and the City of Boston Marching Band will come together to spark city and school pride ahead of the HBCU Classic at Harvard Stadium.

Location: Boston City Hall Plaza,1 City Hall Square, Downtown

Harvard Black Graduate Alliance X HBCU Classic Social

Friday, August 29, 5:00 p.m.

Join Harvard’s Black Graduate Alliance and local professionals for an evening of food, music, games, and networking.

Location: The Mix, 555 Talbot Avenue, Dorchester

Old Skool Party

Friday, August 29, 9:00 p.m.

Join a New Edition-themed celebration to honor the group’s legacy and impact in Boston.

Location: Savvor, 180 Lincoln St, Downtown

Southern Comfort

Friday, August 29, 10:00 p.m.

LiteWork Events, with the Greater Boston Morehouse College Alumni Association, hosts the 8th #SoCoBoston.

Location: Big Night Live, 110 Causeway St, West End

Saturday, August 30, 2025

New Edition Street Naming Ceremony

Saturday, August 30, 10:00 a.m.

The City will host a street naming ceremony honoring the members of New Edition. Mayor Wu will designate Dearborn Street as New Edition Way and declare August 30 as “New Edition Day” in the City of Boston. The street naming ceremony will take place at the corner of Ambrose Street and Albany Street in Roxbury, honoring the group at Orchard Gardens, formerly known as Orchard Park, where the founding members of New Edition grew up.

Location: Corner of Ambrose & Albany Streets, Roxbury

New Edition Day: Community Block Party

Saturday, August 30, 11:00 a.m.

The City will host a community block party in front of the Orchard Gardens Boys & Girls Club, featuring music, a backpack giveaway for youth, free food, fun activities and a special appearance by New Edition.

Location: Orchard Gardens Boys & Girls Club, 2 Dearborn St, Roxbury

HBCU Classic Watch Party

Saturday, August 30, 12:00 p.m.

Join a game day watch party and community celebration

Location: The Mix, 555 Talbot Ave, Dorchester

Fan Fest & the Greater Boston National Pan-Hellenic Council Stroll Off

Saturday, August 30, 1:00 p.m.

Join a community celebration at Harvard Stadium and explore food trucks serving up local favorites, shop from Black-owned businesses, and enjoy activities for all ages, featuring a Stroll Off, organized by the Greater Boston National Pan-Hellenic Council.

Location: Harvard Stadium, 79 N Harvard St, Allston

Black Outside Block Party

Saturday, August 30, 2:00 p.m.

Celebrate the culture with good music and food in an outdoor setting.

Location: 10 Summer Street, Downtown

The Essence HBCU Classic

Saturday, August 30, 4:00 p.m.

Johnson C. Smith University and Morehouse College go head-to-head for the first game to take place in Boston in more than 50 years. The game is sponsored by Cash App, VISA, and Meet Boston.

Location: Harvard Stadium, 79 N Harvard St, Allston

The Yard at Savvor

Saturday, August 30, 9:00 p.m.

Join an HBCU-themed party to celebrate culture, style and the vibrancy of Boston’s Black communities.

Location: Savvor, 180 Lincoln St, Downtown

Sunday, August 31, 2025

Sunday Brunch: “Homecoming” Edition

Sunday, August 31, 12:00 p.m.

There will be a “Homecoming” themed event where residents are encouraged to wear college or university gear.

Location: The Mix, 555 Talbot Ave, Dorchester

HBCU Day at Fenway Park

Sunday, August 31, 1:35 p.m.

At the Boston Red Sox vs. Pittsburgh Pirates game, there will be a special recognition of HBCU alumni.

Location: Fenway Park, 4 Jersey St, Fenway

25th Annual Gospel Fest

Sunday, August 31, 5:00 p.m.

A free, soul-stirring evening of music and inspiration at Leader Bank Pavilion featuring local artists and headline performer John P. Kee, "The Prince of Gospel Music.”

Location: Leader Bank Pavilion, 290 Northern Avenue,

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