I recently attended an event in Boston’s South End neighborhood called “Sharing our Stories: The Power of Place,” a sensational evening sponsored by the Tenants Development Corporation, Inc. and the Center for Art and Community Partnerships at the Massachusetts College of Art and Design.  Nationally renowned jazz/blues singer, historian, actress, and lifetime resident of the South End Valerie Stephens directed the event. The program brought community members, activists, and historians together to chronicle and celebrate the South End’s history through theater and spoken word.  The speakers captivated the audience as they told tales of growing up in a neighborhood plagued by urban renewal and subsequent gentrification.  But more inspiring, the cast of locals shared their stories of overcoming obstacles and working together to address community needs.  Continue reading →