Boston honored hometown heroes New Edition with an official “New Edition Day” celebration on Saturday, August 30, marking the group’s 42 years of cultural impact and community legacy. The day began with all six members — Ralph Tresvant, Bobby Brown, Ricky Bell, Michael Bivins, Ronnie DeVoe, and Johnny Gill — arriving to cheers from fans as DJ Jeff 2 Times set the tone with a medley of New Edition’s classic hits. NBC10 Boston’s Latoyia Edwards emceed the program, which included remarks from community leaders such as Orchard Gardens Resident Association President Lisa Hall and Frank Farrow of the Office of Black Male Advancement.

Mayor Michelle Wu delivered the official proclamation declaring August 30 “New Edition Day” and unveiled the newly dedicated “New Edition Way” on Dearborn Street, honoring the group’s roots in Roxbury. Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley, a lifelong fan, presented the group with a Congressional citation and spoke of their enduring influence, calling them “the blueprint for the modern-day boy band.”

Each member of New Edition reflected on the group’s journey and their connection to Boston. Ricky Bell announced a $25,000 donation to the Orchard Gardens Resident Association, Michael Bivins presented a citation honoring the late Bill Marshall, and Johnny Gill announced a $25,000 donation to the Boston Arts Academy Foundation. Following the ceremony, the group joined Mayor Wu for the street unveiling before kicking off a block party and backpack giveaway that brought together multiple generations of fans.

NBC10 Boston highlighted the emotional significance of the day, noting New Edition’s 42 years of multiplatinum success that began in Roxbury and their lasting ability to unite fans across four generations. As Johnny Gill reflected, “It’s a lot of hard work and dedication that’s been put in for the fans,” while Ricky Bell added, “Generations to come will be able to visit this street and see exactly where it all started for us.”