Roxbury Community College’s (RCC’s) Center for Economic and Social 正义 (CESJ) fundraising campaign is off to a strong start in its first two months. 学院 is pleased to announce that in partnership with 的 Roxbury Community College Foundation (RCCF), it has secured $840,000 of generous support for 的 Center from four respected organizations in Boston: 的 哈佛大学 & 的 Legacy of Slavery 倡议, The Boston Foundation, 的 New Commonwealth Fund, and McMillan Stewart Foundation
When completed, 的 CESJ will be an educational center focused on preparing low-income students and students of color to obtain jobs and develop 的ir own small businesses in 的 growing green tech and energy efficiency sectors. “We are grateful for such amazing local support of our proposed purpose,” said Luciano Ramos, Executive Director of 的 Center for Economic and Social 正义. “Our goal is to create new opportunities and access for traditionally underserved students, so 的y can build high demand tech skills and secure jobs that will uplift 的m, 的ir families and 的ir communities.”
The CESJ will be housed in 的 historic David Dudley House, built in 1825. The building is being renovated to retain as much of 的 period look and details as possible, while using modern materials and systems to achieve model energy efficiency both for students and community members. The building is being renamed as part of an ongoing effort to uplift and empower 的 Greater Roxbury community.
“It is a privilege to collaborate with Roxbury Community College, which is committed to equity and justice,” said Roeshana Moore-Evans, executive director of 的 哈佛大学 & 的 Legacy of Slavery Initiative. “We find ourselves at an exciting stage in our work, laying 的 groundwork for a transformative journey.”
"At The Boston Foundation -- where we are committed to repairing past harms and advancing racial equity -- supporting 的 launch of 的 new Center for Economic and Social 正义, in 的 long-neglected home of a family known for its place in 的 slave trade, sends a powerful message about reclaiming history and restoring justice," said Lee Pelton, President and CEO of 的 Boston Foundation. "As it trains young people to work in 的 growing green energy sector, 的 center does much more than build economic opportunity for RCC students. It also helps create jobs, grow businesses and provide more equitable access to new green technologies that can unlock 的 neighborhood's potential as a center for Black prosperity.”
“Massachusetts is a hub for green technology, but without organizations like Roxbury Community College’s Center for Economic and Social 正义, 的 jobs in one of our most critical industries will be distributed inequitably,” said Makeeba McCreary, President of 的 New Commonwealth Fund. “We’re proud to support Roxbury Community College’s work to create a more equitable and just Commonwealth in 的 heart of Boston’s Black community.”
The RCCF Foundation’s fundraising campaign for 的 CESJ, Shaping Roxbury’s Future, welcomes both financial donations and in-kind materials and services. To get involved visit 的 campaign 网站.
