top of page
Harmony in motion.png
🎉 Successful Bighead Cleanup Festival at the National Center for Afro-American Artists!
03:52

🎉 Successful Bighead Cleanup Festival at the National Center for Afro-American Artists!

Hey everyone! 🌟 We are thrilled to share highlights from the Bighead Cleanup Festival held at the National Center for Afro-American Artists in Roxbury, MA! 🏛️ This incredible event was a massive success, thanks to the amazing collaboration between the Boston Bighead Group Team, Visit Roxbury MA, and our wonderful community volunteers. 🤝 What Went Down: Community Cleanup: Dozens of volunteers joined forces to clean up our beloved neighborhood, making the streets sparkle and shine. 🧹✨ Art and Culture Exhibits: The National Center for Afro-American Artists opened its doors for free tours, showcasing rich African-American art and history. 🎨🖼️ Live Performances: Local musicians and performers lit up the stage with music, dance, and spoken word poetry. 🎶💃 Food and Vendors: Delicious food from local vendors and a marketplace featuring handmade crafts and goods. 🍲🛍️ Kids' Corner: Fun activities for the little ones, including face painting, games, and storytelling sessions. 🎈👧🧒 A Huge Thank You To: Boston Bighead Group Team for organizing and mobilizing volunteers. 👏 Visit Roxbury MA for promoting the event and supporting local tourism. 🗺️ National Center for Afro-American Artists for hosting and enriching us with culture. 🖤 Why It Matters: This festival wasn't just about cleaning up—it's about coming together to celebrate our community's strength, diversity, and artistic heritage. It's a testament to what we can achieve when we unite for a common cause. 🌍❤️ Join Us Next Time! If you missed out, don't worry! This is just the beginning. Stay tuned for more events that make a difference in our community. 📢 Don't Forget to: LIKE this video if you enjoyed it! 👍 SUBSCRIBE to our channel for updates on future events! 🔔 SHARE this video to spread the word! 📣 Follow Our Partners for More Information: Boston Bighead Group Team Website Instagram Facebook Visit Roxbury MA Website Instagram Facebook National Center for Afro-American Artists Website Instagram Facebook #BigheadCleanupFestival #NationalCenterForAfroAmericanArtists #BostonBigheadGroup #VisitRoxburyMA #visitnubiansquare #CommunityLove
Discover the Legacy of the Boston Bighead: A Monument to Roxbury’s Eternal Presence
01:43

Discover the Legacy of the Boston Bighead: A Monument to Roxbury’s Eternal Presence

Discover the Legacy of the Boston Bighead: A Monument to Roxbury’s Eternal Presence When you walk through the heart of Roxbury, you may notice a striking piece of art that quietly commands attention—The Boston Bighead, an iconic monument created by renowned sculptor John Wilson. For those who pass it daily, it may just seem like part of the city’s backdrop, but this sculpture holds layers of meaning and history, waiting to be uncovered. That’s where the Boston Bighead Community: Eternal Presence comes in. Spearheaded by the Notable Roxburian Society, our mission is to ensure that the rich cultural and historical significance of this monument isn’t forgotten. This isn’t just a statue; it’s a reflection of the vibrant, resilient spirit of Roxbury itself. What’s Behind the Bighead? Created by Roxbury native John Wilson, The Boston Bighead is much more than a symbol of local pride—it represents generations of history, identity, and struggle. Wilson, an internationally respected artist, infused this sculpture with themes that resonate deeply with the community—freedom, empowerment, and the importance of African American contributions to the city of Boston. But here’s where things get interesting. Many people walk by, not knowing the layers of history embedded in the piece. How many stories are silently waiting to be told? That’s the question the Notable Roxburian Society seeks to answer by keeping the monument’s significance alive and visible for all. The Plaques of Memory You might have seen the elegant aluminum plaques that have been recently installed around the monument. These plaques, designed and placed by the Notable Roxburian Society, don’t just mark a location—they tell a story. Each one shares a unique piece of Roxbury’s history and its connection to the Boston Bighead. These plaques are more than just words on metal; they are gateways to understanding the cultural richness that shaped this community. Why Should You Care? The Boston Bighead isn’t just a monument for art enthusiasts or historians—it’s a symbol of Roxbury’s resilience, heritage, and the deep-rooted connection its people have to their past. By highlighting the stories behind the sculpture, the Notable Roxburian Society aims to spark curiosity and inspire dialogue. Whether you’re a longtime resident or new to the neighborhood, understanding the history of the Boston Bighead is a way of connecting to the soul of Roxbury. How You Can Be a Part of It We invite you to explore these plaques and dig into the history of this incredible monument. The Notable Roxburian Society is committed to preserving and sharing the story of the Boston Bighead, but we need your curiosity to keep it alive. Stop by, take a photo, share your thoughts, and become a part of the living history that is unfolding around this monumental work of art. By engaging with the Boston Bighead, you’re not just learning about the past—you’re helping to shape the future of Roxbury’s cultural narrative. Stay tuned for upcoming events, guided tours, and community discussions, all designed to bring the history of this monument to life! So, next time you walk by the Boston Bighead, pause. Take a moment. There’s more to discover than meets the eye. And through the work of the Notable Roxburian Society, these stories will continue to be told, keeping the spirit of Roxbury’s Eternal Presence alive for generations to come. Dr. Ali ABY Muhammed Curator/ Executive Director Boston Bighead Community Roxbury, MA #visitnubiansquare #visitroxburyma #BostonBighead #EternalPresence #JohnWilsonArt #RoxburyHistory #NotableRoxburianSociety #RoxburyPride #CommunityLegacy #PublicArtBoston #CulturalHeritage #MonumentStories #ArtInRoxbury #DiscoverRoxbury #RoxburyCulture #BostonLandmarks #HistoricRoxbury
The Rise Of King Aspelta: The Nubian King
01:26

The Rise Of King Aspelta: The Nubian King

The Nubian Geographic www.nubiangeographic.com The Imperial Kingdom Of Nubia (IPO) Indigenous Peoples Organization Ancient Nubians reached the pinnacle of glory during the 25th dynasty when Nubian kings occupied the Egyptian throne and ruled from the Mediterranean Sea to the mountains of Ethiopia. In the waning years of the dynasty, King Aspelta ascended to the throne governing from 600 to 580 BC. After his death, he was buried at Nuri near the Nile River in present day Sudan. Early in the 20th century, the Anglo-Sudanese government resolved to raise the Aswan dam higher thereby increasing the probability that the area would be permanently under water. Archaeologists from the Museum of Fine Arts (MFA), Boston, and Harvard University were hired to remove the significant historical material. For this reason, a wealth of Nubian objects and records came to rest at the MFA. Drawing upon that collection and excavation records, we created Aspelta: A Nubian King’s Burial Chamber. Our exhibition features more than fifty 2600 year old objects from Aspelta’s tomb and times, including a brick still speckled with gold, as well as the world’s only fully accurate recreation of a Nubian tomb interior. At the center of the burial chamber is a cast from Aspelta’s original sarcophagus containing a replica of his gilded coffin. The walls of the tomb are carved with text from four chapters of the Egyptian Book of the Living along with illuminations of the myth of Osiris and from cycle of kingly death and resurrection. Walking into the burial chamber will impress upon the viewer the majesty of ancient Nubia and the ambition of its rulers.
0.jpg
ABOUT US

The Boston Bighead, created by renowned Roxbury sculptor John Wilson, is more than just an art piece—it’s a symbol of the community’s rich history and resilience. Many pass by without realizing its significance, but the Boston Bighead Community: Eternal Presence, led by the Notable Roxburian Society, is dedicated to preserving this cultural legacy.

 

Through newly installed aluminum plaques, the society shares the stories behind the monument, highlighting the African American contributions that have shaped Roxbury and Boston.

​

By engaging with the Boston Bighead, you’re connecting with the heart of Roxbury’s history. These plaques, along with community events and discussions, invite both residents and visitors to explore the monument’s deeper meaning, keeping the spirit of Roxbury’s Eternal Presence alive for future generations.

PREVIOUS BOSTON BIGHEAD FESTIVALS