Jamaica Plain is like a rich garden, with fertile soil and many layers of mulch from years of community activism and bridge building across race and class. Into this garden, many of us have moved adding our flowers and other plants.

When we asked folks at the State of Our Neighborhood Forum this past February what themes were most interesting to them, hearing about the history of community building in Jamacia Plain from those who were active in these stories over the years came out on top. So we hope you will come out to meet your neighbors and learn together about how to improve our neighborhood!

We will hear personal stories from:

Will Morales – Director of YMCA in Egleston Square, and long-time resident who helped defeat the highway and is creating peace in the neighborhood among youth.

Liz Malia – State House Representative from Jamaica Plain, and long-time community activist, will share stories about Jamaica Plain and her work with neighbors over the years including the Egleston Square Peace Garden.

Carol Thompson – President of Forest Hills Housing Cooperative in Jamaica Plain. Next year will be the Cooperative’s 30th anniversary. The residents purchased the property from HUD in 1983 which is a story in itself. There is a 7 member Board of Directors who constantly work to keep the property affordable.

After sharing their stories, we will then open up to discussion and questions, share our own stories and discuss the challenges of community building in JP.

The event is Monday, June 11 at 6:30 p.m at Nate Smith House, 155 Lamartine St.

RSVP by Email. RSVP on Facebook.

(Enter through the courtyard of the Nate Smith House, and bring your own plates and utensils - there is a sink to wash them - this is a potluck)