New Edition’s legacy will be immortalized in their hometown of Boston, Massachusetts. The R&B group will be honored with a street renaming and block party on August 30th.
Mayor Michelle Wu, the Mayor of Boston, said in a statement, “It is an honor to welcome home Roxbury natives New Edition to celebrate their global impact, from our communities here in Boston to the music industry worldwide.” She continued, “This is a unique opportunity to bring Boston’s neighborhoods together in a celebration of culture, pride and community and I encourage every community member to join us.”
New Edition was founded in Roxbury in 1978 and was made up of members; Ralph Tresvant, Ricky Bell, Michael Bivins, Ronnie DeVoe, and Bobby Brown. Johnny Gill would join the group later on, replacing Brown.
Throughout their career, the group has seen major success and received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2017, they were inducted into the Black Music Hall of Fame in 2022, and the National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame in 2023.
Ricky Bell spoke on receiving the honor. “I am truly grateful for the privilege of being made a permanent fixture in our city,” he said. Bobby Brown added, “This honor is mind-blowing in the most awesome way. 02119 IS and WILL always be my home. Boston is where it all began for us. This honor means the world to me.”
The celebration will start with the renaming of Dearborn Street to New Edition Way at the corner of Ambrose and Albany Streets. Following the renaming, a block party will take place.
The group was also praised by city leaders. “New Edition are reminders of the greatness that the youth of Boston are capable of,” said Dion Irish, Chief of Operations. Brianna Millor, Chief of Community Engagement, added, “The world knows New Edition as international superstars, but for Boston natives, we consider them family.”