BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — It was a joyful afternoon in Roxbury as hundreds, including Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley and several candidates for mayor attended the Roxbury unity parade.
Toy Burton founded the Roxbury Unity Parade four years ago to help uplift the neighborhood. Burton was asked how she feels seeing so many people taking pride in being from Roxbury:
"That makes me feel awesome, that makes me feel overwhelmed, that makes me feel elated, all these people here just to celebrate Roxbury is an awesome thing, and I am happy," Burton said.
Mayoral candidates and City Councilors Michelle Wu, Andrea Campbell, and Anissa Essaibi George walked in the parade, alongside Acting Mayor Kim Janey. Music and dancing played a big part in the festivities.
The parade's mission is to "pay homage to and celebrate Roxbury for its beauty, culture, and resiliency," and the organization has weathered its fair share of challenges in its four-year history, including putting on an event last year at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
WBZ's Suzanne Sausville (@wbzSauzville) reports: