In Roxbury, Pressley Offers Message of Hope, Shares Resources to Protect Vulnerable Communities

Remarks (YouTube) | Photo (Dropbox)

BOSTON – In Roxbury, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) hosted a Day of Beloved Community to mark the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday, offer a message of hope, and provide community members with resources to address the harm of the incoming Trump Administration.

The event, which the Congresswoman hosted in lieu of attending the presidential inauguration in Washington, DC, featured keynote remarks from Congresswoman Pressley, arts, and workshops held by partner organizations aimed at dispelling misinformation about our rights and laying the groundwork for cooperative governing and community building during a second Trump presidency.  

“Dr. King posed a question that is as relevant today as it was in 1967: ‘will we descend into chaos, or will we build a beloved community?’ The answer must always be community, and there is no better way to celebrate his legacy and mark the MLK holiday than by doing just that,” said Congresswoman Pressley. “While we steady ourselves for the most harmful and hateful policy decisions that will come from the Trump White House, I’m grateful to our community members and partner organizations for joining us to create a space for healing and empower our district for the fights ahead. Together, we are powerful and together we’ll continue building the beloved community and more just, equitable world that King envisioned.”

Congresswoman Pressley was joined at the event by representatives from the NAACP Boston Branch, Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts, Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition, Boston Mayor’s Office for Immigrant Advancement, and community members and local organizations.

“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley for hosting this impactful event and for her unwavering dedication to justice and equity. It is through events like these that we come together to learn, grow, and strengthen our resolve,” said – Royal Smith, NAACP Boston Branch President. “In these pivotal times, especially over the next four years, it is crucial that we remain vigilant, avoid distractions, and focus on investing in our communities. Since its chartering in 1911, the Boston Branch of the NAACP has been steadfast in its commitment to the fight for freedom and that commitment continues today.”

“Martin Luther King Jr. Day is about reflecting on our connection and commitment to our community. We honor his legacy by uplifting the people of Boston, inspiring us to continue creating a city of ongoing freedom and equality for everyone,” said Boston Mayor Michelle Wu. “Thank you to Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley for bringing together residents yesterday and reminding us that our unity will empower us to work towards a future Dr. King envisioned and to our Office for Immigrant Advancement for being a resource to individuals at the event.”

“Through every attack on abortion rights, sex education, gender-affirming care, and LGBTQ rights, providing trusted health care and fighting for every person’s right to control their body has remained Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts’ top priority,” said Carrie Richgels, Policy Manager, Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts. “That won’t change, no matter what lies ahead. We are grateful to be working among an incredible coalition of health care providers, lawmakers, and advocates – including Congresswoman Pressley – to safeguard and expand patients’ ability to access care in Massachusetts.”

“MIRA was honored to join Congresswoman Pressley yesterday, in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy. The event itself was a reminder of Dr. King’s unwavering commitment to justice, equality, and solidarity.  At MIRA, we recognize the interconnected struggles of racism, xenophobia, and systemic discrimination. That’s why we are launching the Protecting Our Immigrant Communities campaign on January 29th. This campaign is rooted in the belief that every individual, regardless of immigration status, deserves dignity, safety, and equal protection under the law. Together, we can ensure Massachusetts is a place where all people can thrive without fear. Dr. King’s vision calls us to act—and by passing the Safe Communities Act and securing funding for immigration legal services, we can uphold that vision and build a more equitable future for all,” said Maroni Minter, Political Director, MIRA.

Footage of the Congresswoman’s remarks at the event is available here and photos are available here.

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