6 Humphreys Street—A party to celebrate the sweet taste of victory

On June 22nd, dozens of community members joined the celebration to mark a momentous victory shared by tenants, organizations, community allies, city officials, lenders and individual donors—when we work together, we can fight displacement. This was a day to celebrate the acquisition of 6 Humphreys by BNCLT to be permanently affordable, as well as a day to celebrate the years of struggle and sweat so many from the community expended to make sure the residents of 6 Humphreys Place could stay in their homes. This victory was a long time coming since the tenants have been organizing for over 4 years to stay in their homes.

The atmosphere was festive with balloons and streamers; a tuba player; and familiar faces reuniting as everyone gathered behind the building for delicious food cooked by 6 Humphreys resident Eric Boyd. BNCLT co-hosted with City Life/Vida Urbana, Harvard Legal Aid Bureau, and the residents of 6 Humphreys Place residents. We celebrated the evening with so many who played a part in this story over these years—a remarkable demonstration of community coming together to realize this outcome. This was a celebratory night to thank the numerous players:

Dorchester Not For Sale, Asian American Resource Workshop, the City of Boston, the Life Insurance Community Investment Initiative, Boston Opportunity System, and our “Last Mile Donor”! A dynamic speaker line up moved the crowd with shared stories of overcoming displacement, including: Alma Chislom (BNCLT Board President and resident, plus CLVU leader); Denise Matthews-Turner, the Co-ED of CLVU and BNCLT Board member; 6 Humphreys Place residents Jean Paul Doh and Eric Boyd; City Councilor Ruthzee Louijeune; Chief of Housing Sheila Dillon; Meridith Levy, ED of BNCLT; and Sharon Cho and Markeisha Moore of DOT NOT 4 Sale.

This was a day of excitement and gratitude for many years of hard work from so many people dedicated to the cause.