Conversations on Roxbury

A drive through Roxbury is often said to be both a history lesson as well as a discovery of urban life. As one of the oldest Boston neighborhoods Roxbury has thrived on its nearness to downtown while still retaining homey neighborhood qualities. Roxbury’s rich history is something that residents seem to wear on their sleeves. When asked Roxbury citizens say that there are many historical sites within the neighborhood and Roxbury’s history is far more diverse than most Bostonians imagine; something that can be seen clearly from the multitude of options of ethnic shops and neighborhood restaurants.

Home to a great number of parks, schools, and churches in which the historical architecture of Roxbury comes alive. More than one resident mentioned the Dudley Street Baptist Church, one of Boston’s oldest and largest churches. And still others, mentioned Malcolm X’s childhood home.

Today, after undergoing both an annexation and a massive landfill Roxbury lies in the cities geographic center. But, what the residents of Roxbury may not know is that it was once an independent community that was only connected to Boston by a small strip of land along what is now Washington Street.

Once a farming town Roxbury is home to the Shirley Eustis House the only remaining country house in America built by a British Royal Colonial Governor. The homes importance appears lost on most residents of Roxbury, however. While residents of the neighborhood do view the Shirley-Eustis House as an essential part of Roxbury’s vibrant history the importance of the building seems lost on much of the community. Like most neighborhoods across the country Roxbury residents’ knowledge of the history around them seems at times superficial.

The lack of attachment residents have of the Shirley-Eustis House could be because the demographics of the neighborhood have changed dramatically since the home was built. While at the time of its construction Roxbury was both predominately Caucasian and economically solvent it no longer is. Today the neighborhood is ethnically diverse with a large number of residents living below the poverty line.

While most residents seem to know where to take out-of-town guests they do not often venture to the historic sites around them. Instead residents of Roxbury enjoy other features of residential life. Trips to the Franklin Park Zoo or walks around, what is sometimes called "The Heart of Roxbury" , Dudley Square seem to be simpler things that Roxbury residents take enjoyment from.

Roxbury’s ties to popular music and political history also seem to be on the forefront of residents minds. The neighborhood ties to Bobby Brown, New Edition, Henry Hampton, Robert Patton-Spruill, Jon Sullivan, Donna Summer, and Sarah Ann Shaw show just a little of Roxbury’s culture. The previous homes of these famous residents surround Roxbury creating a sense of inspiration.

Roxbury has been covered by various Boston news affiliates such as the Boston Globe, the Boston Metro, and WCVB.

If you’d like to learn more about this Boston neighborhood please visit DiscoverRoxbury a site dedicated to educating the public about this Boston neighboorhood.