Embrace Boston

One year ago today, Embrace Boston, Hank Willis Thomas, MASS Design Group, and Art Processors, along with other partners, unveiled The Embrace Memorial and the 1965 Freedom Plaza on the Boston Common, the first public park in our nation.

"I'm hoping people will realize just the awesome power of propaganda—particularly ideas—and the effects of those ideas on what we do and see and believe on a daily basis." Read our interview with Ibram X. Kendi at the link in the bio.

In an age when fewer Americans trust the government than 70 years ago, Ta-Nehisi Coates reminds us that the road to reestablishing that trust over the next 250 years must be bold, consistent, and inclusive. Read his conversation with us on our website (link in bio).

"It is the origins of so much of what we do." June marks Black Music Month, and Boston-born artist Zakiyyah says Black music holds a special place in our culture both because of its massive influence on all American music and its power as a truth-telling platform.

The celebration of Juneteenth isn’t just Black history. It’s American history. And yet, state legislatures throughout the country are moving to limit what students can be taught about slavery, systemic racism, and how the struggle for civil rights has shaped America.

The Loving v. Virginia decision of 1967, which struck down bans on interracial marriage and relationships, has changed the face of the American family. This Pride Month, we celebrate the legacy of Loving and the right to love and marry whomever we choose.

This week marks 50 issues and one full year of our research and policy newsletter, The Fine Print! For everyone who’s been with us since Day 1 or joined us along the way, thank you SO much. We couldn’t have done it without you. Keep reading The Fine Print.

A major milestone for Embrace: we’ve acquired 33–41 West Street in Downtown Crossing, creating a future year-round civic and cultural gathering space in the heart of Boston. Learn more here: bostonglobe.com/2026/06/03/art…

“Haiti is more than a country. It’s a symbolism.” As Greater Boston’s Haitian community celebrates Haitian Heritage Month this weekend, Marie St. Fleur says Haiti's diaspora is celebrating more than a flag or a country of origin. It honors a history of Black liberation.

On this African American Military Heritage Day at Edward O. Gourdin Memorial Park in Roxbury, thanks to the Commonwealth for recognizing Embrace President and CEO Dr. Imari Paris Jeffries, a U.S. Army veteran himself, for his and Embrace’s work.

Troubles on their home island and possible cuts to Temporary Protected Status for its migrants won't stop Greater Boston’s Haitian community from making room for joy and celebration this Haitian Heritage Month, says Boston City Councilor Ruthzee Louijeune.

This Jewish American Heritage Month, get to know Kivie Kaplan, the Jewish businessman from Boston and former NAACP President whose fierce advocacy for civil rights earned him a place in the 1965 Freedom Plaza.

This Jewish Heritage Month, get to know Kivie Kaplan, the Jewish businessman from Boston and former NAACP President whose fierce advocacy for civil rights earned him a place in the 1965 Freedom Plaza.

"I feel a lot of sadness and pain. But what helps me reflect or hold that sadness or manage it is art and poetry." Iranian-born filmmaker Homa Sarabi spoke with Embrace about how artistic expression and creativity are the keys to keeping us human in times of conflict.

"When we learn from each other's communities, that's when we grow." This AANPHI Month, we'll honor both Harry and Fred Hom Dow, along with several other AANPHI community leaders, for using their gifts to fight for freedom and justice. #embraceharryhomdow #aapimonth #aanhpimonth

The Supreme Court just decided who belongs in this democracy and who doesn't. Our President & CEO Imari Paris Jeffries on Louisiana v. Callais, the death of Section 2, and what we do next. embraceboston.org/blog/how-scotu…

When systems excluded, Harry Hom Dow used the law to open doors. Now a new generation carries it forward. Join us May 21 to celebrate #AANHPI leaders shaping Boston’s civic life. Come through at 5 PM at 1965 Freedom Plaza at The Embrace. RSVP: tr.ee/embracehonorsh…

Today would've been the 99th birthday of Coretta Scott King, one of the foremost civil rights activists of her generation. But the woman born Coretta Scott was more than Dr. Martin Luther King Jr's wife, says Dr. Johnnie Hamilton-Mason.

30 years ago on Thursday, Rage Against The Machine dropped “Evil Empire”, a blistering critique of American capitalism, colonialism, and militarism. Today’s moment proves that protest music like theirs always stays relevant as long as systems of oppression exist.

Even as we watch what happens in the Iran war, there’s an ideological war brewing between the current administration and the American people. And we already know what the right side is.

A few strategists and lawmakers are saying the quiet part out loud about ICE's presence in our airports: it's a dry run for election intimidation in the fall.