Pull Up Poetry: Game Night at Heal the Hood Recap

This past Saturday night, January 18, 2025, Heal the Hood was the place to be as we hosted the unforgettable Pull Up Poetry: Game Night at 484B Centre Street in Jamaica Plain. From 7:00 PM to midnight, the event brought together community members for a night filled with fun, games, and artistic expression.

An Evening of Games and Laughter The night kicked off with a variety of games that sparked friendly competition and plenty of laughs. Attendees enjoyed classic favorites like Spades and Connect 4, while the highlight of the evening was a thrilling three-round Uno tournament that had everyone on the edge of their seats. Whether you were strategizing over a game of Spades or lining up that winning Uno card, the energy in the room was electric.

Open Mic Magic and Live Performances As expected from Pull Up Poetry, the night wouldn’t have been complete without an open mic session. Performers from the community took the stage, sharing their voices, stories, and talents in a warm and supportive atmosphere. Poets and musicians alike poured their hearts into their performances, leaving the audience inspired and energized.

The evening culminated in a jam session featuring live music and collaboration among some of the community’s favorite artists.

Spotlight on Our Hosts and Features The dynamic duo Yah-Yah The Wordstress and Messi Amaru’Khan brought their unmatched energy as hosts for the night. Not only did they keep the event flowing smoothly, but their featured performances were nothing short of phenomenal, leaving everyone in awe of their artistry and charisma.

Collaborative Letter Writing Event Recap

On Saturday, January 11, 2025, Heal the Hood hosted its first Collaborative Letter Writing Event in partnership with @officialjerichoboston. From 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM, community members gathered at 484B Centre Street in Jamaica Plain to engage in an impactful and reflective experience centered on connection, advocacy, and healing.

A Purposeful Gathering The event focused on writing letters to two important figures: Larry Hoover, listed on the Jericho list, and Rickey Fu-Quan McGee, a respected local mentor and organizer in Boston. Both men have been directly impacted by mass incarceration, a consequence of systemic inequities that have long targeted marginalized communities. Their journeys reflect the harsh realities of a society designed to surveil and criminalize, often pushing people into unsustainable conditions.

Highlighting Resilience and Leadership Despite these adversities, both Hoover and McGee have become politicized voices advocating for change. Their work is rooted in healing, education, and empowering the community to foster self-reliance and resilience. During the event, participants not only wrote letters of encouragement and solidarity but also engaged in thoughtful discussions about the broader implications of mass incarceration and its impact on families and neighborhoods.

Community Conversations and Connections The letter-writing session created a space for attendees to reflect, share stories, and explore ways to support those who are actively working toward systemic change. The dialogue highlighted the importance of collective action and mutual aid in building stronger, more self-sufficient communities.

A Call to Action This event marked the beginning of a series of initiatives aimed at raising awareness about the effects of mass incarceration and amplifying the voices of those advocating for justice. It was a reminder of the power of small, meaningful actions in fostering hope and creating change.

Thank You to Our Supporters We are deeply grateful to everyone who participated in this inaugural event. Your presence and contributions help Heal the Hood continue its mission of addressing systemic inequities and creating opportunities for community-led growth and empowerment.

Stay connected with Heal the Hood to learn more about upcoming events and initiatives. Visit healthehood.org and follow us on social media to see how you can get involved. Together, we can build a stronger, more self-reliant community.

On November 15th, Heal the Hood had the honor of co-hosting a heartwarming charity skating night at Chez Vous Skating, in collaboration with @myterpbaeofficial and @healthehoodhth. The event was held in support of our Annual Holiday Food and Toy Drive, where our goal was simple: to spread joy and give back to those in need this holiday season.

We were thrilled to see the community come together for such a meaningful cause. Proceeds from the event went directly toward providing food and toys to local families, ensuring that they could experience a brighter, more joyful holiday. This event was a great example of the power of unity and collective effort, and it’s inspiring to see how much we can accomplish when we work together.

A huge shoutout to our sponsors for their continued support! Your generosity helped make this event a success, and we are so grateful for your partnership.

Thank you to everyone who attended and supported this important cause. You’ve helped make a significant difference in the lives of families in our community. We look forward to more events like this as we continue to uplift and support those in need.

Happy holidays from all of us at Heal the Hood!

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