Boston Names Roxbury Street After New Edition, Honors R&B Legacy

Boston celebrated the legendary R&B group New Edition with the proclamation of August 30 as "New Edition Day" and the renaming of Dearborn Street in Roxbury to "New Edition Way," honoring the group’s origins and impact on the community and music industry. The celebrations included a street naming ceremony, a community block party featuring giveaways and entertainment, and speeches by members of the band and city officials, including Mayor Michelle Wu and US Representative Ayanna Pressley. Founded in Roxbury in 1978, New Edition's members—Ronnie DeVoe, Bobby Brown, Ricky Bell, Michael Bivins, Ralph Tresvant, and Johnny Gill—have had a profound influence on R&B and pop music globally, as well as on their local community. The group reflected on their roots, with members sharing memories of growing up in the Orchard Gardens housing projects, where they first met and started their musical journey. New Edition also donated funds to local organizations, reinforcing their commitment to giving back to their neighborhood. The event marked a full-circle moment recognizing New Edition's legacy, from their early days in Roxbury to their enduring success and cultural impact worldwide.