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UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST
URBAN MINISTRY
Our work begins in Roxbury. It doesn't end there.
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OUR MISSION: WE WORK ACROSS RACE & PLACE TO DISMANTLE
RACISM & WHITE SUPREMACY CULTURE & TO ADVANCE RACIAL, ECONOMIC, & SOCIAL JUSTICE
Our Vision: We envision a Greater Boston where all people live with freedom and dignity, and have equitable access to resources and opportunity to shape the present and the future.
DELEGATE OF THE MONTH
DAVALENE COOPER FROM OLD SHIP CHURCH
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Davalene is the consummate ambassador for the UU Urban Ministry. As a delegate from Old Ship Church, she does far more than represent her congregation. She actively builds bridges between Old Ship and the work of UUUM. Thanks to her, our presence is felt and seen in meaningful ways. Every year, she invites Rev. Mary Margaret Earl or Vinnie Myles to speak at Old Ship, making sure our mission and stories are shared widely and often.
What stands out most about Davalene is not just her commitment, but her openness. She listens with curiosity, shows up with intention, and engages with a willingness to learn, stretch, and grow. She is someone who leads not with flash, but with deep, steady care.
You're Invited!
UPCOMING EVENTS & ENGAGEMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Multiple DatesJul 21, 2025, 3:00 PM – 4:15 PMUU Urban Ministry , 10 Putnam St, Boston, MA 02119, USAA 2-Part Somatic Awareness and Self-Care Workshop for People of Color
Multiple DatesJul 26, 2025, 10:00 AM – 11:30 AMUU Urban Ministry , 10 Putnam St, Boston, MA 02119, USAJoin historian Thomas Plant to enjoy a stroll around the neighborhood focused on Roxbury's agriculture and horticulture and how these shaped the neighborhood over the years.
Jul 27, 2025, 10:00 AM – 11:30 AMBoston, 10 Putnam St, Boston, MA 02119, USAJoin us for "Local Legacies," a first-of-its-kind tour designed and led by the students of Roxbury Youth Programs (RYP). This tour will be offered on only two dates this summer, with the first on Saturday, June 28th, from 10:00 to 11:30 am. Reserve your spot now for this unique, youth-led experience
Multiple DatesAug 11, 2025, 8:30 AM – 10:00 AMPeace Garden, UU Urban Ministry , 10 Putnam St, Boston, MA 02119, USAAn open-format retreat for recharging your writer’s spirit.
Multiple DatesAug 13, 2025, 11:00 AM – 1:00 PMBoston, 10 Putnam St, Boston, MA 02119, USAA hands-on exploration of African Rhythms, From Africa to America
Multiple DatesAug 16, 2025, 10:00 AM – 1:00 PMUU Urban Ministry , 10 Putnam St, Boston, MA 02119, USAJoin local artist Dayenne Walters to visit the murals in our neighborhood and appreciate the artists who address important topics to all who witness these large works of art in public spaces.
Multiple DatesAug 16, 2025, 1:00 PM – 4:00 PMUU Urban Ministry , 10 Putnam St, Boston, MA 02119, USAThe Makanda Project is back for Summer 2025! Join us for world-class jazz music on the beautiful UUUM greenspace.
Multiple DatesAug 20, 2025, 7:00 PM – 8:00 PMhttps://us02web.zoom.us/j/88958176185?Our Congregational Engagement and Volunteer Coordinator, Robert Jones will be hosting the next monthly volunteer networking session.
Multiple DatesAug 30, 2025, 10:00 AM – 11:30 AMUU Urban Ministry , 10 Putnam St, Boston, MA 02119, USAJoin local historian, Thomas Plant to visit the newly renovated First Church Roxbury Meetinghouse and hear about the untold history behind it.
Sep 09, 2025, 5:30 PM – 7:30 PMUU Urban Ministry , 10 Putnam St, Boston, MA 02119, USAOn Tuesday September 9, the UU Urban Ministry in partnership with the Roxbury HIstorical Society, will offer a public presentation on our new report into the history of enslavement at First Church Roxbury.
Race & Enslavement at the First Church in Roxbury
The Colonial Period (1631 - 1775)
Last year, the UU Urban Ministry and the Roxbury Historical Society invited Aabid Allibhad, a PhD candidate in the Department of African and African American Studies at Harvard University, to write a report focused on the history of racism and enslavement at First Church in Roxbury.
In February, the report entitled, "Race & Slavery at the First Church in Roxbury (The Colonial Period 1631-1775)", was published. It is available by clicking on the image, or by visiting the History of First Church in Roxbury page of our website.
EXAMINING OUR HISTORY
IMPACTING THE COMMUNITY FOR NEARLY 200 YEARS
750+
The average amount of hours each month that our youth participate in programming through Roxbury Youth Programs (RYP). This includes students who utilize our after school drop in programming, as well as our RYP Interns.
150+
Audience members logged-in to our first-ever virtual Community Conversation, featuring historian and former State Representative Byron Rushing.
We recently finished our forth season of the series that discusses issues facing communities of color, and look forward to Season 5.
45
Years providing safe housing and healing counseling to families fleeing from domestic violence through our emergency shelter, Renewal House.
FOLLOW THE URBAN MINISTRY ON SOCIAL MEDIA