When New Edition steps in, the entire city of Boston feels it. The legendary R&B group announced that it is buying 3,000 tickets to the Essence HBCU Classic at Harvard Stadium. The tickets will go to residents of Roxbury—Boston’s historically Black neighborhood—so they can have a front-row seat to history.
The move was shared on Ralph Tresvant’s Facebook page and echoed by Ronnie DeVoe, who added context in a heartfelt post: “Man, it feels great to be back home in #BOSTON! It’s such an honor to be celebrated and recognized by your city! … Me, Bobby, Ricky, Mike, Ralph, and Johnny purchased 3,000 tickets to the Essence HBCU Classic for everyone to come rock with us ‘FOR FREE!’” DeVoe wrote.
He explained that fans could pick up tickets during New Edition’s “New Edition Way” street renaming celebration and block party on Saturday, August 30, in Roxbury. It shows more than generosity. It builds a cultural bridge that connects Boston’s Black community with the tradition and pageantry of HBCU football. For the first time in over five decades, that tradition was showcased at Harvard Stadium.