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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.
VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH
CINDY SOULE FROM FIRST PARISH IN CONCORD
Cindy has been an incredible presence in our work to transform the Peace Garden into a thriving native garden, a space that honors healing, beauty, and community connection. From early spring into the summer months, she has been right there with us, sharing her time, her energy, and her deep knowledge of native plants.
Her support has helped shape not just the garden itself, but the spirit of care and collaboration that surrounds it. She has been a steady presence, not only planting and tending, but also encouraging others and helping us think through what the space can become.
You're Invited!
UPCOMING EVENTS & ENGAGEMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Multiple DatesAug 30, 2025, 10:00 AM – 11:30 AMUU Urban Ministry , 10 Putnam St, Boston, MA 02119, USA*CANCELED* Join local historian, Thomas Plant to visit the newly renovated First Church Roxbury Meetinghouse and hear about the untold history behind it.
Multiple DatesSep 08, 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.
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.
Multiple DatesSep 13, 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 DatesSep 17, 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 DatesOct 11, 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.
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