After a one-year delay, the city of Boston is hosting a block party celebrating New Edition and the R&B group’s formation in Roxbury more than 40 years ago.
The festivities, which include a street naming ceremony, are scheduled for Aug. 30, in Roxbury, where the group was founded in 1978. At the ceremony, Dearborn Street will be renamed “New Edition Way,” and that day will also be declared as “New Edition Day” in Boston, Mayor Michelle Wu announced Monday morning.
“Boston is where it all began for us. This honor means the world to me,” said Bobby Brown, vocalist of New Edition, in a press release.
New Edition received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2017, and in 2022 and 2023, the group was inducted into the Black Music Hall of Fame and the National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame.
The celebrations were originally scheduled for last September, but were postponed due to “unforeseen scheduling conflicts,” according to the city’s website.
“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,” Wu said in a press release.
The street naming ceremony will kick off the celebrations, followed by a block party at Orchard Gardens Boys & Girls Club with music, food, and activities for attendees. The event will also feature a backpack giveaway for local youth.
The location of the celebrations, Orchard Gardens formerly known as Orchard Park, is in honor of where the band members grew up.
The group dedicates its success to the support from their fans, affectionately known as the #NE4LIFERS.
“I am truly grateful for the privilege of being made a permanent fixture in our city that has played such a significant role in shaping our lives and career,” Ricky Bell, one of the members of New Edition, said in a press release. “It brings me immense joy to think that future generations of my family, friends, and #NE4Lifers from all over the world will be able to walk and drive down New Edition Way. This honor is mind-blowing in the most awesome way. 02119 IS and WILL always be my home.”
The street naming is scheduled for 10 a.m. Aug. 30 at the corner of Ambrose and Albany streets in Roxbury; the community block party follows at 11 a.m. at the Orchard Gardens Boys & Girls Club, 2 Dearborn St. New Edition will also make a special appearance.
Katarina Schmeiszer can be reached at katarina.schmeiszer@globe.com. Follow her on X at @katschmeiszer.