Boston is rolling out the red carpet for its own R&B legends. Mayor Michelle Wu has officially declared August 30 “New Edition Day” in honor of the iconic group—Ronnie DeVoe, Bobby Brown, Ricky Bell, Michael Bivins, Ralph Tresvant, and Johnny Gill—who first came together in Roxbury in 1978.
The celebration will include a street renaming ceremony, with the corner of Ambrose and Albany Streets in Roxbury becoming “New Edition Way.” A community block party will follow at the Orchard Gardens Boys & Girls Club, offering fans the opportunity to join in the festivities.
“When my family and I made Roxbury our home in 1982, I was introduced to the music of New Edition. Whenever I hear the hit song ‘Candy Girl,’ it still evokes happy childhood memories,” said Dion Irish, Boston’s Chief of Operations. “New Edition has provided this city with decades of fond memories and immense pride.”
Mayor Wu praised the group’s worldwide influence: “It is an honor to welcome home Roxbury natives New Edition to celebrate their global impact, from our communities here in Boston to the music industry worldwide.”
Group members shared their gratitude for the recognition.
“We are so humbled and equally excited to receive this incredible honor from our home city,” said Ricky Bell. “So come celebrate with us—catch a flight, take the train, drive, or walk—this event would not be complete without the amazing energy of the #NE4Lifers.”
Bobby Brown added, “Thank you to the City of Boston for this amazing recognition. We are grateful and proud to be part of this community and to see New Edition’s legacy continue to live on in our hometown.”
Event Schedule – Saturday, August 30
• Street Naming Ceremony: 10:00 a.m., Corner of Ambrose & Albany Streets, Roxbury, MA 02119
• New Edition Day Community Block Party: 11:00 a.m., Orchard Gardens Boys & Girls Club, 2 Dearborn St, Roxbury, MA 02119
Fans can expect a day filled with music, memories, and hometown pride as Boston celebrates the group that helped put the city on the R&B map!
