INSIDE THIS ISSUE

THE BUZZ ............... 1

HAPPENINGS .......... 2

CURRENT

EVENTS .................. 7

THE ARTS ............. 11

Films ......................... 11

Music and Dance ...... 11

HEALTH AND

FITNESS ................ 12

THE WORD

P.O. Box 170847

Boston, MA 02117

(617) 775-4273

pat@thewordboston.com

www.thewordboston.com

THE BUZZ

“Knowledge makes a man unfit to be a slave.”

~ Frederick Douglass

THE HISTORY OF JUNETEENTH

(Taken from www.juneteenth.com)

Juneteenth is the oldest known celebration commemorating the ending of slavery in the United States. Dating back to 1865, it was on June 19th that the Union soldiers, led by Major General Gordon Granger, landed at Galveston, Texas with news that

the war had ended and that the enslaved were now free. Note that this was two and a half years after President Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation – which had become official on January 1, 1863. The Emancipation Proclamation had little impact on the Texans due to the minimal number of Union troops to enforce the new Executive Order. However, with the surrender of General Robert E. Lee in April of 1865, and the arrival of General Granger’s regiment, the forces were finally strong enough to influence and overcome the resistance.

Later attempts to explain this two and a half year delay in the receipt of this important news have yielded several versions that have been handed down through the years. Often told is the story of a messenger who was murdered on his way to Texas with the news of freedom. Another, is that the news was deliberately withheld by the enslavers to maintain the labor force on the plantations. And still another, is that federal troops actually waited for the slave owners to reap the benefits of one last cotton harvest before going to Texas to enforce the Emancipation Proclamation. All of which, or neither of these versions could be true. Certainly, for some, President Lincoln's authority over the rebellious states was in question. For whatever the reasons, conditions in Texas remained status quo well beyond what was statutory.

The reactions to this profound news ranged from pure shock to immediate jubilation. While many lingered to learn of this new employer to employee relationship, many left before these offers were completely off the lips of their former “masters” – attesting to the varying conditions on the plantations and the realization of freedom. Even with nowhere to go, many felt that leaving the plantation would be their first grasp of freedom. North was a logical destination and for many it represented true freedom, while the desire to reach family members in neighboring states drove some into Louisiana, Arkansas and Oklahoma. Settling into these new areas as free men and women brought on new realities and the challenges of establishing a heretofore non-existent status for black people in America. The celebration of June 19th was coined “Juneteenth” and grew with more participation from descendants. The Juneteenth celebration was a time for reassuring each other, for praying and for gathering remaining family members. Juneteenth continued to be highly revered in Texas decades later, with many former slaves and descendants making an annual pilgrimage back to Galveston on this date.

Friday, May 20, 2016 Volume 12, Number 10

-2- THE WORD – May 20, 2016

HAPPENINGS

CREATE YOUR OWN JOB

Create Your Own Job will be held from Monday, June 6 through Monday, August 1, 2016 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Northeastern University (Dockser Room 44), 65 Forsyth St., Boston, MA (no meeting on July 4). This 8-week seminar will guide new and existing entrepreneurs through the business planning process and will include classes on business planning, marketing and social media, public speaking and more. For more information or to register, call Priya Lane at (617) 988-0610 or email ejp@lawyerscom.org. This is a FREE event.

HISET PREPARATION CLASS

A HiSet Preparation Class (formerly GED) will be held Mondays and Wednesdays through Wednesday, July 27, 2016 from 10:15 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. at the Grove Hall Branch Library, 41 Geneva Ave., Dorchester, MA. This is rolling enrollment, drop-ins are welcome. Take the test to prove that you have the skills necessary to get a better job or promotion, go to college and open doors to new opportunities. For more information, call Kate Gray at (617) 427-3337 or email kgray@bpl.org. This is a FREE event.

BCYF SNAP SHOT PHOTOGRAPHER PROGRAM

BCYF invites youth between the ages of 16 and 18 to become a Snap Shot Photographer. The program runs from Tuesday, July 5 through Friday, August 19, 2016. Participants will have the opportunity to gain a hands-on photography experience through lessons with professional photographers and community excursions. Participants will work up to 25 hours each week and will receive a bi-weekly paycheck for their work during the program. Youth up to age 21 are eligible if enrolled in GED or alternative high school programs. For more information or to apply, call Donna Reeves-Jackson at (617) 635-4920 x2209 or email donna.reeves@boston.gov. This is a FREE event.

BCYF SUPERTEEN LEADERSHIP WORKSHOP

BCYF challenges 13 and 14 year olds to become a SUPERTeen from Tuesday, July 5 through Friday, August 19, 2016 (Tuesday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.). Participants will have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience working at a BCYF Community Center while also participating in weekly workshops and excursions. For more information or to apply, call Donna Reeves-Jackson at (617) 635-4920 x2209 or email donna.reeves@boston.gov. This is a FREE event.

SOWA OPEN MARKET

The award-winning SoWa Open Market is back. Every Sunday (and Saturday starting in June) from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., visitors can sample the region’s best collection of local artisans, farmers and specialty vendors. Also explore 90 artists’ studios, 60 shops and galleries and the SoWa Vintage Market located adjacent to SoWa Open Market. The SoWa Open Market is located at 530 Harrison Ave., Boston, MA. For more information, visit www.sowaboston.com.

MAYOR WALSH’S NEIGHBORHOOD COFFEE HOURS

Join Mayor Martin J. Walsh and the Boston Parks and Recreation Department for the 18th Annual Neighborhood Coffee Hour Series in local parks citywide through Wednesday, June 22, 2016. The Coffee Hours give residents a unique opportunity to speak directly with Mayor Walsh about open space and other needs in their neighborhoods. Through these one-on-one events, Mayor Walsh looks forward to hearing how the City of Boston can improve upon local parks, public areas and city services. The Coffee Hour Series will be held from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Dates and times are subject to change. All participants will enjoy coffee and breakfast provided by Dunkin’ Donuts and fresh fruit from Whole Foods Market. Each family in attendance will receive a flowering plant grown in the city’s greenhouses and residents will be eligible to win a raffle prize from Dunkin’ Donuts. For more information, call (617) 635-4461. This is a FREE event.

Friday, May 20 – American Legion Playground, 35 American Legion Highway, Dorchester

Friday, May 27 – Commonwealth Avenue Mall, 1 Commonwealth Ave., Back Bay

Wednesday, June 1 – Joyce Playground, 80 Union St., Brighton

Continued on Page 2

-3- THE WORD – May 20, 2016

HAPPENINGS (cont’d)

MAYOR WALSH’S NEIGHBORHOOD COFFEE HOURS (Continued from Page )

Thursday, June 2 – LoPresti Park, 33 Sumner St., East Boston

Wednesday, June 8 – Christopher Columbus Park, 110 Atlantic Ave., North End

Thursday, June 9 – Arnold Arboretum, 125 The Arborway, Jamaica Plain

Tuesday, June 14 – Ramler Park, 130 Peterborough St., Fenway

Wednesday, June 15 – Walsh/Kennedy Tot Lot, 369 LaGrange St., West Roxbury

Thursday, June 16 – Myrtle Street Playground, 50 Myrtle St., Beacon Hill

Tuesday, June 21 – Hemenway Playground, 540 Adams St., Dorchester

Wednesday, June 22 – Elliot Norton Park, 295 Tremont St., Bay Village/Chinatown

2016 OPENING DAY CELEBRATION AT THE LAWN ON D

The Opening Day Celebration at the Lawn on D will be held Saturday, May 21, 2016 from 12:00 Noon to 10:00 p.m. at 420 D St., Boston, MA. There will be live music, kid’s activities and lawn games. For more information, visit www.lawnond.com. This is a FREE event.

AFRICAN AMERICAN VETERANS’ MILITARY HERITAGE DAY

African American Veterans’ Military Heritage Day will be held Saturday, May 21, 2016 at 1:00 p.m. at the General Edward O. Gourdin Veterans Memorial Park, Malcolm X Blvd. and Washington St., Roxbury, MA. The Organization of Afro-American Veterans invites you to honor Medal of Honor Afro-American recipients. Parade starts from John Eliot Square. For more information, call Bob at (617) 696-0024. This is a FREE event.

NEW ENGLAND’S LARGEST BIKE PARADE

New England’s Largest Bike Parade will be held Sunday, May 22, 2016. Registration and bike safety checks begin at 11:00 a.m. and the event begins at 12:30 p.m. at Amory Park, 45 Amory St., Brookline, MA. Popsicles and ice cream sandwiches will be served at 1:00 p.m. To register, visit www.brooklinebikes.org. This is a FREE event.

STUDENTS PERFORM “STOP: STORIES TO OPEN PERSPECTIVE”

Students from Huntington Theatre Company’s anti-bullying program “Not Waiting for the World to Change” will perform STOP: Stories to Open Perspective on Tuesday, May 24, 2016 at 7:30 p.m. at the Calderwood Pavilion at the Boston Center for the Arts, 527 Tremont St., Boston, MA. Seating is limited. To RSVP, visit www.huntingtontheatre.org/notwaiting. This is a FREE event.

SMALL BUSINESS CLINIC

A Small Business Clinic will be held Wednesday, May 25, 2016 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Wilmer Hale, 60 State St., Boston, MA. Anyone can share with attorneys from The Lawyers’ Committee and Wilmer Hale, the legal concerns surrounding their small business. For more information or to register, call (617) 988-0610 or email ejp@lawyerscom.org. This is a FREE event.

BOSTON SCREENWRITERS WORKSHOP

A Boston Screenwriters Workshop will be held Saturday, May 28, 2016 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 Noon at the Grove Hall Branch Library, 41 Geneva Ave., Dorchester, MA. Find your voice and follow your passion. Learn to write screenplays or improve your screenwriting skills. For more information, call (617) 427-3337. This is a FREE event.

-4- THE WORD – May 20, 2016

HAPPENINGS (cont’d)

BOOK DISCUSSION: FROM #BLACKLIVESMATTER TO BLACK LIBERATION

A Book Discussion: From #Blacklivesmatter to Black Liberation will be held Saturday, May 28, 2016 from 12:00 Noon to 2:00 p.m. at the Dudley Branch Library, 65 Warren St., Roxbury, MA. In her in-depth look at the political landscape that gave birth to Black Lives Matter, author Keeanga-Yamahtta Taylor offers profound insights into questions of why racism persists and how the predominant strategies for fighting inequality have failed. For more information, email contact@bostonsocialism.org. This is a FREE event.

MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS MEMORIAL DAY OPEN HOUSE

The Museum of Fine Arts, Boston (MFA) will host a Memorial Day Open House on Monday, May 30, 2016 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Visitors can make art, tour the galleries and more. The MFA is located at 465 Huntington Ave., Boston, MA. For more information, call (617) 267-9300 or visit www.mfa.org. This is a FREE event.

MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS HOSTS THE CITY TALKS

The Museum of Fine Arts, Boston (MFA) will host The City Talks, a series of public forums with leading Boston-area thinkers, activists, city officials and artists who will engage in focused discussions about Boston in relation to themes in Megacities Asia, including migration, consumption, sustainability and cultural heritage. The MFA is located at 465 Huntington Ave., Boston, MA and the events will be held from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. in the Edward H. Linde Gallery. For more information, call (617) 267-9300 or visit www.mfa.org. This is a FREE event.

Wednesday, June 1 – Change delves into the consequences of change for a community—specifically, the neighborhood around the MFA.

Friday, June 10 – Educate invites students to share their thoughts on the local education system.

Wednesday, June 15 – Activate highlights the ways artists use protest as a means for survival and inspiration.

Wednesday, June 22 – Preserve inquires whether we should protect buildings, neighborhoods and even lifestyles for the future.

Wednesday, June 29 – Sustain assesses how consumption and discarding impact the Greater Boston region.

HUBBUB FEST: CREATIVE COMMOTION FOR KIDS

The Hubbub Fest: Creative Commotion for Kids will be held Saturday, June 4, 2016 in Copley Square, Boston MA. Hubbub is a new festival celebrating creativity, inventiveness and exploration for children ages 1 to 12 and their families. The goal is to inspire and encourage creativity with a combination of authors and artistic acts as well as hands-on activities and experiences where kids will experiment, design and create. For more information, visit www.hubbubfest.org. This is a FREE event.

MAHA HOMEBUYER CLASSES

MAHA HomeBuyer Classes are held monthly at a variety of locations. Graduates from the MAHA classes will receive a certificate which will allow the participant access to a number of programs that assist first–time homebuyers. The certificate is also a requirement for acquiring lottery property and certain mortgage products in Boston and other cities and towns. Graduates are eligible for free one–on–one credit and homebuying counseling. The classes are 12 hours by either attending four evenings or two Saturdays and the cost is $50 per person and $75 per couple. For more information, email Hilda Fernandez at hfernandez@mahahome.org or visit www.mahahome.org. The class schedule is as follows:

Saturday, June 4 and 11 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at MAHA, 1803 Dorchester Ave., Dorchester, MA

Tuesday and Thursday, June 21, 23, 28 and 30 from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. at MAHA, 1803 Dorchester Ave., Dorchester, MA

Wednesday, July 13, 20, 27 and August 3 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Boston Medical Center (East Newton Campus), 88 E. Newton St., Boston, MA

-5- THE WORD – May 20, 2016

HAPPENINGS (cont’d)

BABY DIAPER BANK

A Baby Diaper Bank will be held Saturday, June 4, 2016 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at the Grove Hall Branch Library, 41 Geneva Ave., Dorchester, MA. If you are a parent of a baby and cannot afford diapers, the Baby Diaper Bank may be for you. The Baby Diaper Bank seeks to meet the needs of income-challenged parents to make sure that they have clean diapers for their babies. For more information, call (617) 427-3337 or visit www.lanniesneighborhood.org. This is a FREE event.

ENCORE ENTREPRENEURS: STARTING A BUSINESS AFTER 50

Encore Entrepreneurs: Starting a Business After 50 will be held Tuesday, June 7, 2016 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Central Library in Copley Square (Commonwealth Salon), 700 Boylston St., Boston MA. This workshop is especially tailored for over-50 entrepreneurs considering starting a business for the first time and will provide the basics of starting a business and resources available to help along the way. Bring your business idea and questions for a stimulating discussion. The evening will especially emphasize issues and advantages common to 50+ entrepreneurs. To register, visit http://events.constantcontact.com/register/event?llr=pwjaircab&oeidk=a07ecmw25fk8e53204c. This is a FREE event.

GROWING HERBS AT HOME

Growing Herbs at Home will be held Saturday, June 11, 2016 from 11:00 to 12:30 p.m. at the Egleston Square Branch Library, 2044 Columbus Ave., Roxbury, MA. Herbs are an easy way to add freshness, flavor and health to your cooking and are simple to grow indoors or out. Learn how you can grow and cook basil, cilantro, parsley, oregano, rosemary and more. Space is limited. To register or for more information, call (617) 445-4340. This is a FREE event.

FREEDOM RIDERS

Boston Centers for Youth and Families and A Step Beyond Theater Arts Program presents Freedom Riders on Sunday, June 12, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. at the Strand Theatre, 543 Columbia Rd., Dorchester, MA. This will be a performance that promotes peace, social justice and Black History, starring youth from the City of Boston. For more information, email toyat143@gmail.com. This is a FREE event.

MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION

The Museum of Fine Arts, Boston will celebrate creativity and community at a Juneteenth Celebration on Wednesday, June 15, 2016 from 5:00 to 10:00 p.m. at the Museum, 465 Huntington Ave., Boston, MA. Celebrate the commemoration of the ending of slavery in the U.S. and see works by local artists. Visitors can join tours and talks about art by African Americans. For more information, visit www.mfa.org. This is a FREE event.

COMMUNITY MEETINGS TO DISCUSS NEW A LOW-POWER RADIO STATION

Community Meetings to Discuss a New Low-Power Radio Station will be held Wednesday, June 15, 2016 at the Joseph P. Tynan School, 650 E. 4th St., South Boston from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. and Wednesday, June 22 at the Jackson/Mann K-8 School, 40 Armington St., Allston, MA from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. This is a FREE event.

JUNETEENTH/ROXBURY PRIDE DAY CELEBRATION

The Juneteenth/Roxbury Pride Day Celebration will be held Saturday, June 18, 2016 from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Franklin Park (Shattuck Grove), Dorchester, MA. Come early to get a good spot and bring your picnic basket. For more information, visit www.roxburyhomecomingcommitteeinc.com. This is a FREE event.

-6- THE WORD – May 20, 2016

HAPPENINGS (cont’d)

TOGETHER WE STAND: A COMMUNITY SERIES

Millennium Ten Initiative and the Codman Square NDC present Together We Stand: A Community Series on Monday, June 20 and July 18, 2016 at 6:30 p.m. at the Black Box Theatre, 10 Epping St., Dorchester, MA. Let your voices be heard as we connect neighbors to join the fight and stand together. This is a FREE event.

CITY OF BOSTON HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE DISPOSAL AND PAPER SHREDDING

DAYS

Boston residents can safely dispose of household waste at the City of Boston Household Hazardous Waste Disposal and Paper Shredding Days on Saturday, June 25, 2016 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the West Roxbury Public Works Yard, 315 Gardner St., West Roxbury, MA and Saturday, July 23 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at 400 Frontage Rd., South Boston, MA. Proof of residency is required, no commercial waste will be accepted, foot traffic is prohibited and the City reserves the right to reject materials. For more information, call (617) 635-4500 or visit www.cityofboston.gov/recycle. This is a FREE event.

-7- THE WORD – May 20, 2016

FRIDAY, MAY 20

-8- THE WORD – May 20, 2016

FRIDAY, MAY 20 (cont’d)

FRIDAY, MAY 27

8:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. Suede appears at Scullers Jazz Club in the DoubleTree Guest Suites Hotel, 400 Soldiers Field Rd., Boston, MA. For more information, call (617) 562-4111 or visit www.scullersjazz.com.

FRIDAY, JUNE 3

8:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. The Christian McBride Trio at Scullers Jazz Club in the DoubleTree Guest Suites Hotel, 400 Soldiers Field Rd., Boston, MA. For more information, call (617) 562-4111 or visit www.scullersjazz.com. The Christian McBride Trio also appears on Saturday, June 4 at the times listed.

-9- THE WORD – May 20, 2016

FRIDAY, JUNE 10

7:30 p.m. The New Black Eagle Jazz Band at the Regattabar Jazz Club in the Charles Hotel, One Bennett St., Cambridge, MA. For tickets, call (617) 395-7757 or visit www.regattabarjazz.com.

8:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. The Rippingtons at Scullers Jazz Club in the DoubleTree Guest Suites Hotel, 400 Soldiers Field Rd., Boston, MA. For more information, call (617) 562-4111 or visit www.scullersjazz.com. The Rippingtons also appear on Saturday, June 11 at the times listed.

SATURDAY, JUNE 18

TUESDAY, JULY 5

-10- THE WORD – May 20, 2016

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 7

-11- THE WORD – May 20, 2016

THE ARTS

FILMS (In Theaters)

PUERTO RICANS IN PARIS

Detectives Luis Lopez (Luis Guzman) and Eddie Garcia (Edgar Garcia) are childhood best friends, brother-in-laws, and partners in the New York Police Department Luxury Goods Recovery Unit tasked with hunting down Canal Street's infamous bootleggers. With Luis as the slick, self-styled “brains” of the operation and Eddie as the shy, quiet “muscle,” they've been running through the streets of the Lower East side in search of fake Louis Vuitton for 20 years – long enough for them to be the best in the business. While their work mostly keeps them below 14th Street, a random visit from a celebrated French designer and her business partner set in motion a sequence of events that take them on a wild goose chase through the streets of Paris – from fashion parties to hipster nightclubs – in search of a

stolen handbag (and delicious French macaroons). As the investigation deepens with no sign of the bag, our two best friends start to grow suspicious of everyone around them – including each other. Puerto Ricans in Paris also stars Rosie Perez and Rosario Dawson and opens in theaters on Friday, June 10.

MUSIC AND DANCE

SUMMER IN THE CITY ENTERTAINMENT SERIES

The Summer in the City Entertainment Series will take place every Tuesday and Thursday through September 8, 2016 from 6:00 to 10:00 p.m. at the Boston Harbor Hotel, 70 Rowes Wharf, Boston, MA. For a complete list of all Summer in the City events or for more information, call (617) 439-7000 or visit www.bhh.com. This is a FREE event.

Tuesday SUMMER SOUL Thursday BLUES BARGE

June 9 James Montgomery

June 14 Sweet Tooth and the Sugarbabies June 16 Louis Bello

June 21 American All Star Band June 23 Bruce Marshall

June 28 Ray Greene June 30 Jeff Pitchell

July 5 Nate Bash Band July 7 Fat City Band

July 12 World Premier Band July 14 Toni Lynn Washington

July 19 Soul City July 21 Louis Bello

July 26 Pulse of Boston July 28 Jeff Pitchell

August 2 Soul Sound Revue August 4 Greg Burroughs

August 9 Sweet Tooth & The Sugar Babies August 11 Bruce Marshall

August 16 Ray Greene August 18 James Montgomery

August 23 World Premier Band August 25 Fat City Band

August 30 Soul City September 1 Greg Burroughs

September 6 Soul Sound Revue September 8 Louis Bello

-12- THE WORD – May 20, 2016

HEALTH AND FITNESS

ADULT YOGA AT THE MATTAPAN BRANCH LIBRARY

Join the Mattapan Branch Library for Adult Yoga every Thursday (through June 2, 2016) from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at 1350 Blue Hill Ave., Mattapan, MA. Instructor Tara Jackson will teach proper breathing, basic poses and help participants explore this ancient physical fitness tradition. This class is for older teens, adults and seniors. Comfortable clothes, sneakers, water, a towel and a yoga mat are recommended. For more information, call (617) 298-9218. This is a FREE event.

EARTHSEED YOGA’S ADULT YOGA CLASSES

Earthseed Yoga presents Adult Yoga Classes every Saturday from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. at the Parker Hill Branch Library, 1497 Tremont St., Roxbury, MA. This class is for adults ages 55 and older. Wear clothes that you can move in comfortably. Yoga mats and props will be provided. All experience levels are welcome. To RSVP, call (857) 312-9941 or (617) 427-3820. This is a FREE event.

COPING WITH EARLY MEMORY LOSS

Coping with Early Memory Loss will be held Monday, May 23, 2016 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 Noon at the Fields Corner Branch Library, 1520 Dorchester Ave., Dorchester, MA. Bryant Antoine from the Alzheimer’s Association of Massachusetts will lead the discussion. If you, a family member or friend has been diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment, vascular dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, fronto-temporal dementia or other related disorders, this class can help provide a greater understanding of your diagnosis and treatment and offer effective coping strategies. For more information, call (617) 436-2155. This is a FREE event.

TRAUMA SERVICES COMMUNITY LISTENING SESSIONS

The Boston Public Health Commission will host three Trauma Services Community Listening Sessions to make sure that Boston communities have what they need to support residents in times of trauma. Trauma services can help. All sessions are from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. Dinner, childcare and translation services will be provided. For more information, call (617) 534-2382. This is a FREE event.

Tuesday, May 24 at the East Boston Social Center, 68 Central Sq., East Boston, MA

Wednesday, May 25 at the BCYF Tobin Community Center, 1483 Tremont St., Roxbury, MA

Thursday, May 26 at the Mattapan Branch Library, 1350 Blue Hill Ave., Mattapan, MA

BOSTON REACH COALITION MEETING

The mission of Boston REACH Coalition is to promote health equity and eliminate racial and ethnic health disparities in Boston. The Boston REACH Coalition is led by the Boston Public Health Commission in partnership with community residents. The Coalition partners with community groups, health care providers, health experts, businesses and faith-based leaders to improve the conditions in neighborhoods that shape the health and well-being of community residents. The Coalition meets on the first Monday of the month. In the case of a holiday, the meeting is held the following Monday. Dinner is served at 5:30 p.m. and the meeting starts at 6:00 p.m. The Coalition membership is open to all and children and youth are welcome. The next meeting will be held June 6, 2016 at the Grove Hall Community Center, 51 Geneva Ave., Dorchester, MA. Refreshments will be served. For more information, call (617) 534-2291 or visit www.bphc.org. This is a FREE event.

PROSTATE CANCER SUPPORT GROUP MEETING

Dana Farber/Brigham and Women's Cancer Center offers a Prostate Cancer Support Group Meeting every second Wednesday of the month. The next meeting will be held June 8, 2016 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Dana–Farber Cancer Institute (Smith Building, Room 308–309), 44 Binney St., Boston, MA. This support group focuses on the needs of Black men. Meet with prostate cancer survivors, talk with leading medical specialists and understand your treatment options. Everyone is invited, food will be served and parking is free. For more information, call Mark Kennedy at (617) 632–6694 or visit www.prostatehealthed.org. This is a FREE event.