Roxbury Royalty: Boston Honors New Edition with Street Naming

Boston celebrated “New Edition Day” on Saturday, August 30, officially recognizing the iconic R&B group with a heartfelt tribute that transformed their hometown streets into a living legacy.

New Edition Way Meets “New Edition Day”

Mayor Michelle Wu declared August 30 as “New Edition Day”, marking the 42nd anniversary of the group’s founding in Roxbury. To further cement their legacy, Dearborn Street was renamed “New Edition Way”—celebrating the path where musical history was born.

A Celebration Rooted in Roxbury

The renaming ceremony took place at the corner of Ambrose and Albany Streets, near Orchard Gardens—formerly Orchard Park—where the original members first formed the group in 1978

Community, Culture & Homecoming

In conjunction with the street naming, the city hosted a lively community block party at the Orchard Gardens Boys & Girls Club, featuring music, youth giveaways, and a visit from the legendary group themselves

New Edition’s Legacy, Celebrated

All six members—Ralph Tresvant, Bobby Brown, Ricky Bell, Michael Bivins, Ronnie DeVoe, and Johnny Gill—stood proudly among fans and local dignitaries. Bobby Brown reflected on what the honor meant:

“Boston is where it all began for us. This honor means the world to me.”
Ricky Bell added:
“It brings me immense joy to think that future generations… will be able to walk and drive down New Edition Way.”

Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley also spoke, saying:

“These are six extraordinarily talented Black men, five sons of Roxbury and one of the DMV, whom we happily embrace.”

A Cultural Homecoming

This celebration concluded Boston’s “For the Culture Week,” a city-wide initiative dedicated to honoring Black history and HBCU pride. The day’s events provided a powerful reminder of New Edition’s global impact and the deep cultural roots they share with their Roxbury community

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Why It Matters

This moment isn’t just about renaming a street. It’s a powerful statement of heritage, pride, and recognition—cementing New Edition’s place in both musical history and Boston’s cultural narrative.

Let me know if you’d like a sidebar feature on the group’s early days at Orchard Park, or archival reflections from fans who grew up with their music!