Thirty-four years ago, in July of 1990, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law, enshrining and protecting the rights of people with disabilities throughout the country. The ADA has improved the lives of people with disabilities immensely, and that is worth celebrating!

You are enthusiastically invited to join us for The Mayor's Commission for Persons with Disabilities annual ADA Day Celebration on Boston City Hall Plaza! Come to celebrate and honor the rights of people with disabilities. There will be a speaking program with City officials, a disability resource fair with local organizations and programs, food, music, and free t-shirts (while supplies last — so get there early)

In our society, there is often no space for marginalized people to tell their stories. Reclaiming Folk seeks to make space for musicians of color to tell their stories and tell the stories of our past, so that our future can be a more inclusive place for all. 

We are Reclaiming Folk because history has forgotten that people of color have always been at the root of American folk music. From field calls to blues to gospel, the origin of American folk music is connected to people of color.

This 90 minute program includes a 60 minute performance by three Massachusetts based folk artists of color—Naomi Westwater, Pamela Means, and Kim Moberg—singing songs in the round. Each musician will play original songs and one traditional folk song by a musician of color. Following the performance will be a 30 minute talk back—moderated by Boston Poet Laureate Porsha Olayiwola, who will also read a poem—where the musicians will talk about their songs and their experience as folk musicians. There will be time for audience Q&A.

WBUR and WERS are media partners for the Mayor's Office of Arts & Culture's 2024 event season. 

We will focus on picking up trash and improving growing conditions for beautiful wildflowers. There will be opportunities to learn more about Willowwood Rock and how we can work together to help this special place remain healthy for all.

No experience necessary! Urban Wilds staff will provide all necessary tools and instruction.

Rain date Saturday May 18, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Please register here.