https://summer2025report.necessary.systems/starter-overlay 2025-08-21T14:42:24+00:00 always 0.5 https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/I2422101243165627196682731803769/IR-summer-25-header.png https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/E2512802146055871830391422473337/cover4.svg https://summer2025report.necessary.systems/investor-report-runner 2025-06-26T05:47:18+00:00 always 0.5 https://summer2025report.necessary.systems/investor-report-runner-copy 2025-06-30T20:58:42+00:00 always 0.5 https://summer2025report.necessary.systems/menu-button 2025-06-30T20:55:40+00:00 always 0.5 https://summer2025report.necessary.systems/menu-button-copy 2025-06-30T20:55:40+00:00 always 0.5 https://summer2025report.necessary.systems 2025-08-26T17:55:10+00:00 always 0.5 https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/G869893239669391294007305120348/horizontal.svg https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/J2267448650803068908715007300729/Live-Like-A-Local-Tours-Boston-New-Website-Mockup-2.jpg <a href="https://www.livelikealocaltoursboston.com/"> Live Like A Local Tours</a> was featured in the Bay State Banner for its <a href="https://baystatebanner.com/2024/09/11/tour-company-highlights-the-black-businesses-of-marthas-vineyard/">unique approach to showcasing Boston's Black and brown neighborhoods</a>. They’re now accepting fall reservations for tours; <a href="https://ujimaboston.app.neoncrm.com/track//servlet/DisplayLink?orgId=ujimaboston&%7B%7BemailTrackingId%7D%7D&%7B%7BsecureId%7D%7D&linkId=2042455&targetUrl=https://www.livelikealocaltoursboston.com/">book yours here</a>. https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/K2267449807413922330303893623929/240966448_1934732019998718_4680916801094611104_n.jpeg Eastie Farm has launched a <a href="https://eastiefarm.com/csa/">Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program</a> for 2025: a subscription program to access fresh, local produce from May 28 to November 14, 2025. Flexible payment options, including SNAP and tiered pricing, ensure accessibility for all. Subscriptions are now open—sign up to bring nutritious, locally grown food to your table! Also, <a href="https://ujimaboston.app.neoncrm.com/track//servlet/DisplayLink?orgId=ujimaboston&{{emailTrackingId}}&{{secureId}}&linkId=2139409&targetUrl=https://eastiefarm.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Eastie Farm</a>, in partnership with <a href="https://ujimaboston.app.neoncrm.com/track//servlet/DisplayLink?orgId=ujimaboston&{{emailTrackingId}}&{{secureId}}&linkId=2139383&targetUrl=https://piersparksailing.org/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Piers Park Sailing Center</a>, <a href="https://ujimaboston.app.neoncrm.com/track//servlet/DisplayLink?orgId=ujimaboston&{{emailTrackingId}}&{{secureId}}&linkId=2139405&targetUrl=https://veronicaroblesculturalcenter.org/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Veronica Robles Cultural Center</a>, and <a href="https://ujimaboston.app.neoncrm.com/track//servlet/DisplayLink?orgId=ujimaboston&{{emailTrackingId}}&{{secureId}}&linkId=2139385&targetUrl=https://mlcsboston.org/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Maverick Landing Community Services</a>, is offering paid mentorship sessions to support East Boston youth with career planning <a href="https://ujimaboston.app.neoncrm.com/track//servlet/DisplayLink?orgId=ujimaboston&%7B%7BemailTrackingId%7D%7D&%7B%7BsecureId%7D%7D&linkId=1922419&targetUrl=https://eastiefarm.com/">Eastie Farm</a> invites volunteers to come to their weekly openhouse! Stop by their greenhouse in East Boston every Wednesday from 5:30-7:30 pm. Check their <a href="https://ujimaboston.app.neoncrm.com/track//servlet/DisplayLink?orgId=ujimaboston&%7B%7BemailTrackingId%7D%7D&%7B%7BsecureId%7D%7D&linkId=1922415&targetUrl=https://eastiefarm.com/calendar-of-events/">calendar</a> for additional dates. https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/H2267459970352421835402003633273/6HUZ77Y5UJGU3GKWIPX3RZGCGM.jpg <a href="https://hillsidesauce.com/">Hillside Harvest</a> released a second episode of its new podcast, <a href="https://ujimaboston.app.neoncrm.com/track//servlet/DisplayLink?orgId=ujimaboston&{{emailTrackingId}}&{{secureId}}&linkId=2139384&targetUrl=https://www.youtube.com/@hillsideharvest7825/podcasts" rel="noopener" target="_blank">CHOP IT UP</a>, with founder and owner Kamaal Jarrett and his mother, Lillethe Jarrett as they prepare a meal. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uTU4jm0YIas" target="_blank">Watch the episode here</a>. Hillside Harvest also held a tent at the Black Owned Bos. event in Seaport on August 17th, welcoming passersby and community members to sample and buy their products. Visit their website <a href="https://hillsidesauce.com/?mc_cid=2304faa93c&mc_eid=0a59e267a1">here</a>. https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/M2267461255795335867778398442617/TCPJXFED6SWJWDOPK37DYVWOJA.jpg <a href="https://www.comfortkitchenbos.com/">Comfort Kitchen</a> has opened new service hours on Sundays at their location on Columbia Road in Uphams Corner, and is producing a slew of incredible events highlighting local artists and chefs. They’re hosting a Nepali Thali night on Tuesday, August 26th—experience the essence of Nepal and <a href="https://l.instagram.com/?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.opentable.com%2Fr%2Fcomfort-kitchen-boston%3Ffbclid%3DPAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAadsMNwzaA7q2ctirJxrvpl2F8x24isxPsa2L8AXY9GaJmAuzfy6fSggZZaZbA_aem_1fBr6DkFVp-ik9dYOfX91g&e=AT2tJYjOu5wEkHyBGh6oC3fQX0mc9bGfwu7FQUomsK_iL4ERsMCPBpfyn7icUSIcxRMQVE542iZp03CFc0IurTAhqV__L7SHez6CKnKqaSuGFdQ-R_cm_w">make your reservation today</a>! They continue to receive well-deserved critical acclaim, and were recently named to the <a href="https://ujimaboston.app.neoncrm.com/track//servlet/DisplayLink?orgId=ujimaboston&%7B%7BemailTrackingId%7D%7D&%7B%7BsecureId%7D%7D&linkId=2309206&targetUrl=https://www.bostonglobe.com/2025/07/09/magazine/food-places-to-eat-best-boston/">Boston Globe's 17 neighborhood restaurants we can’t live without</a> and were named one of the <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/article/best-restaurants-boston.html" target="_blank">25 Best Restaurants in Boston Right Now</a> by the New York Times for the second time. Stay up-to-date on their happenings via <a href="https://www.instagram.com/comfortkitchenbos/?hl=en">their Instagram page</a> and <a href="https://www.comfortkitchenbos.com/newsletter">newsletter</a>! https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/K2267463336458940173699853866105/2fce3d_292b595d4ee44de2b687aeffdfacbadfmv2.jpg <a href="https://ujimaboston.app.neoncrm.com/track//servlet/DisplayLink?orgId=ujimaboston&%7B%7BemailTrackingId%7D%7D&%7B%7BsecureId%7D%7D&linkId=1776341&targetUrl=https://www.kidogoproductions.com/">Kidogo Productions</a> is continuing to activate physical spaces with childhood learning opportunities and Afro-centered arts & craft. In June, they held a wonderful activation at BAMSFest, and in August brought Kidogoville to the <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DNEpYZzMmf3/">15th Annual African Festival of Boston</a>, bringing their Kidogoville programming into the world and supporting youth education and joy in-person. Follow their work via <a href="https://www.kidogoproductions.com/blog">their blog page.</a> https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/Q2267464772261265150882803897465/8776E1F7-CC90-4A9D-B96A-38DF10F5017D-2.jpg The Pearl was recently featured on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DKnt-BDzZi4/?hl=en">Diaspora Mass</a>, highlighting their wonderful selection of flavors and quality service; make your reservation at their new location in <a href="https://www.thepearl-boston.com/boston-landing">Boston Landing</a>. This summer, the restaurant was named as one of the city’s <a href="https://www.bostonglobe.com/2025/07/09/magazine/seafood-places-9-restaurants/?p1=BGSearch_Overlay_Results" target="_blank">9 best spots for seafood by the Boston Globe</a>. https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/Q2267465854900674836896388240505/YGGURHE53YWJ4KVIPFZUCYJOX4.jpg <a href="https://ujimaboston.app.neoncrm.com/track//servlet/DisplayLink?orgId=ujimaboston&%7B%7BemailTrackingId%7D%7D&%7B%7BsecureId%7D%7D&linkId=1713494&targetUrl=https://www.dorchesterfoodcoop.com/">Dorchester Food Co-op</a> was <a href="https://baystatebanner.com/2025/08/06/citys-live-long-and-well-agenda-awards-5m-in-grants-with-goal-of-closing-health-equity-gaps/#:~:text=Boston%20will%20soon%20channel%20%245,coalitions%20of%20three%20organizations%20each.">recently awarded a grant</a>! They joined a coalition of community organizations and businesses including Upham’s Community Care and the Jamaica Plain Neighborhood Development Corporation that has been awarded $200,000 by the city’s Live Long and Well Agenda, to specifically fund programming and access to healthy foods. Despite this great news, <a href="https://ujimaboston.app.neoncrm.com/track//servlet/DisplayLink?orgId=ujimaboston&%7B%7BemailTrackingId%7D%7D&%7B%7BsecureId%7D%7D&linkId=1713504&targetUrl=https://www.dorchesterfoodcoop.com/join-the-coop" target="_blank">the Co-Op</a> is still struggling with sales and operational funding, and <a href="https://www.dorchesterfoodcoop.com/news/thank-you-sales-increased-and-fundraising-is-off-to-a-good-start" target="_blank">announced on Friday, August 15th</a>, that they need an increase in sales or their cash reserves for operational costs will run out in two months. The Co-Op is aiming to raise $500,000 to supplement sales over the next year—<a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/dorchester-food-coop">donate here</a>, and make sure to <a href="https://ujimaboston.app.neoncrm.com/track//servlet/DisplayLink?orgId=ujimaboston&%7B%7BemailTrackingId%7D%7D&%7B%7BsecureId%7D%7D&linkId=1713500&targetUrl=https://dorchesterfoodcoop.us6.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=9329b353c913b2073fc02eb3c&id=eee085d5a2" target="_blank">spread the word</a> and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DNHNQrxuYfU/?hl=en" target="_blank">shop your values</a> with the Co-Op. https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/Q2267667671135278374771652056185/cropped-DAP-Seal-Logo.png Dorchester Art Project has had a busy year. They recently celebrated Dorchester Day on June 1st, and hosted community Office Hours <a href="https://www.instagram.com/dorchesterartproject/p/DJb3ZU_OR3Z/?hl=en">on May 27th</a>, opening their doors to community voices and visions for the future of their work. On June 26th, DAP presented their work at the Boston Creator Accelerator and Jrue and Lauren Holiday Foundation’s Demo Day Preview, as one of 10 founding members of the first accelerator cohort. Drochester Art Project recently sponsored this month’s annual SparkFM <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DNMdrcbOqyb" target="_blank">“Spark The Block” Block Party</a> on August 11th! They also co-hosted last month’s Ujima Cafe at the Dorchester Food Co-Op, holding a conversation and creative mapping session on the future of art in Boston’s communities. Follow them <a href="https://www.instagram.com/dorchesterartproject/?hl=en">here</a>. https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/J2267669018946634120360040879225/birthingheirs-logo.png This summer, <a href="https://thebirthingheirsproject.com" target="_blank">the Birthingheirs Project</a> was nominated and selected as one of six inaugural Kraft Center Community Health Champions awardees, recognized for advancing community health strategies. https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/E2267673682172855489692432094329/pixworx.jpeg PixWorx founder Jaypix recently <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DJzpeQKPErQ/?hl=en&img_index=1">held a showing of their photography work</a> at First Parish Church in Lexington, MA, alongside three others including legendary local visual artist L’Merchie Frazier; they also hosted a <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DKp4g5hveSW/?hl=en">community talk on June 8th</a>, holding tenderness for community love and care for sustainability in partnership with Prema G. Bangera. Follow them <a href="https://www.instagram.com/jaypixmof/?hl=en">here</a>. https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/X2267676984324512124439266874489/2birdsnostones.jpeg 2 Birds No Stones founder Maria McKnight was a vending partner for Ujima’s <a href="https://www.ujimaboston.com/post/scenes-from-ujima-s-2025-we-create-the-world-a-juneteenth-celebration" target="_blank">2025 We Create the World Juneteenth Celebration at the Institute of Contemporary Art</a>, and recently led an Indigenous Immersive Healing Art Event at the Boston Nature Center in Mattapan. https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/V2285503449268492306972067779705/Social-21-1062-WHITE-074.jpg <a href="https://cupcaketherapyboston.com/">Cupcake Therapy</a> is well on its way to opening its first storefront location at 117 Atlantic Avenue! They were recently covered in the <a href="https://baystatebanner.com/2025/06/04/cupcake-therapy-its-what-the-world-needs-now/">Bay State Banner</a>, and thanked many investors and supporters—including the Ujima Fund—for our support. https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/C2285508409948461864870978802809/Use-for-Web-and-Presentation-The-Bay-State-Banner_Logo.jpg <a href="https://baystatebanner.com" target="_blank">Bay State Banner</a> recently announced the creation of the The Banner Institute for Community News, a not-for-profit organization with the goal of encouraging the sustainability of Black and Brown multi-media community news outlets through funding, partnering, and educational support. <a href="https://baystatebanner.com/banner-institute-for-community-news/" target="_blank">Learn more and donate here</a>. https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/N2287020766722513544302955353209/SparkFM_Transparent_OnlineLogo_Blk-2.png <a href="https://www.sparkfmonline.com/" target="_blank">SparkFM</a> hosted this year’s SparkFM Block Party on August 10th. Check their <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DKzxhEBsEHm/?hl=en">Instagram page</a> for more updates this summer. https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/V2287063958353362841542428742777/Boston_-_buildings_.jpg https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/N2287079539229724003651815232633/11807287_10153097349946588_8658534701967324012_o.jpg <a href="https://www.dsni.org" target="_blank">Dudley Street Neighborhood Initiative</a> (DSNI) was highlighted in a recent <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fixing-the-housing-crisis-goes-beyond-building-more-units/id1589481246?i=1000697820394" target="_blank">NextCity podcast</a> covering the housing crisis in the US. Alongside the Center for Community Investment and Boston Children’s Hospital, DSNI recently co-hosted a Cross-City Exchange on community ownership and land trusts. They also hosted their annual Multicultural Festival on August 9th at Mary Hannon Park. They added their voice to the community wealth-building conversation with co-authorship of a <a href="https://nextcity.org/urbanist-news/its-time-for-funders-to-put-their-money-behind-community-ownership" target="_blank">Next City article</a>, calling on funders to resource community ownership initiatives. https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/A2287091209008959913788358546553/Screenshot-2025-04-01-at-7.50.58PM.png <a href="https://www.freshfoodgeneration.com" target="_blank">Fresh Food Generation</a> <a href="https://www.boston.gov/news/city-boston-licensing-board-approved-37-new-liquor-licenses" target="_blank">recently secured a liquor license</a> for their Dorchester location. In addition, the company has extended their operating hours to 11 am to 8 pm, Tuesday through Friday. This summer, Ujima’s Community Engagement team held two <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DLTSlhWucha/" target="_blank">Ujima Cafe pop-up dinners</a> at the Carribean eatery in May. They recently hosted a family-friendly weekend brunch, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DNYwkXLupVW/?hl=en">Neighbors and Mimosas</a>, and will be hosting our fall Ujima Cafes in September. https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/M2422038357919932015641920033913/IMG_1161-1024x1024.png <div style="text-align: left">Founded in 2021 by Nieisha Deed, <a href="https://yourpurespark.com/">PureSpark</a> provides mental health support and resources for Black folks in our communities, and compiles a provider directory, mental wellness strategies, and educational materials for people seeking help. </div> https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/N2429910480035712143232128013433/Untitled-design-29.png https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/A2430323043680529946199166047353/Screenshot-2025-06-30-at-4.41.09PM.png One of our latest UGBA-inductees, <a href="https://www.sidepresents.com" target="_blank"> SIDEPresents</a>, collaborated with the Boston Ujima Project on producing our latest and greatest Juneteenth activation, We Create The World! Follow <a href="https://www.instagram.com/sidepresents/">SIDEPresents online here</a>. https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/O2430515520789777566771185472633/newsprint_2.png https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/N2474480176192307939918659474553/Full-image-over-masthead-7-1024x576.png <a href="https://commonwealthkitchen.org/">Commonwealth Kitchen</a> recently closed applications for another cycle of their Ready To Launch incubator program—stay up-to-date on their many offerings and business supports <a href="https://www.instagram.com/commonwealthkitchenboston/?hl=en">here</a>. CommonWealth Kitchen has been awarded a Design Grant from the Hideo Sasaki Foundation to support a bold new vision: A Food Truck Park in Roxbury! This grant includes a $17,500 stipend and 10 months of design expertise from volunteer Sasaki professionals; their goal is to transform underutilized public space along Malcolm X Boulevard into a vibrant hub for healthy, culturally inclusive food, local entrepreneurship, and community gathering. <a href="https://www.sasakifoundation.org/hideo-sasaki-foundation-announces-2025-design-grants-finalists/" target="_blank">Learn more here</a>! https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/X2474482589007986037054301295737/480600396_645644597992452_3426683739936038351_n-2.jpg <div style="text-align: left"><a href="https://park54restaurant.com" target="_blank">Park54 Restaurant & Bar</a> is a Hyde Park-based New American contemporary cuisine in an elevated yet welcoming setting. Welcome them warmly and visit their location in Hyde Park at 81 Fairmount Avenue; and keep up to date with them via their <a href="https://www.instagram.com/park54restaurant/?hl=en">Instagram page</a>. </div> https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/H2474538599262845410987483092089/cero-update.png With a grant from Mass DEP, CERO purchased its first new electric vehicle to its fleet. As a result, CERO was selected to participate in Massachusetts Clean Energy Center’s (MassCEC) <a href="https://www.masscec.com/press/masscec-selects-36-municipalities-and-2-commercial-fleets-expand-ev-charging-solutions-across" target="_blank">Medium- and Heavy-Duty mobile charging program</a>. “Through the MHD Mobile Charging Program, [CERO] will receive mobile charging equipment and up to $50,000 per vehicle to support the purchase of as many as four electric vehicles.” CERO’s partnership with BU—now in its fourth year—was recognized with a <a href="https://www.sustainablepurchasing.org/news/splc-announces-2024-leadership-award-winners" target="_blank">2024 Sustainable Purchasing Leadership Council (SPLC) award</a>. https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/G2474564103196246143675970376825/jazzurbanecafergblogo3-1.png This summer, the Jazz Urbane Cafe was awarded its liquor license. They also onboarded a CEO and an Operations General Manager. The company has also secured additional investment from The Boston Foundation, MassDevelopment, and M&T Bank. https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/M2512885269261383766328731260025/images-4.png <div style="text-align: left">Established in 2017, Fabwright Origins is a millwork and fabrication shop, building custom furniture, cabinetry and more. <a href="https://www.fabwrightorigins.com" target="_blank">Learn more here!</a></div> https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/X2512886979864855209562871714937/Large-Nubian-Market-1.jpg <div style="text-align: left">Founded in 2023 in the heart of Roxbury, <a href="https://www.nubianmarkets.com/">Nubian Markets</a> is more than just a market; Ismail Samad and Yusuf Yassin created Nubian Markets to serve as a hub for Roxbury communities, and hope to honor African history and legacy in our communities. Visit their location at 2565 Washington Street! </div> https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/M2512921093668478393594899354745/August-2025-Banner.png https://summer2025report.necessary.systems/nav-—-colophon-|-desktop 2026-04-02T14:08:38+00:00 always 0.5 https://summer2025report.necessary.systems/nav---mobile 2025-08-26T17:51:13+00:00 always 0.5 https://summer2025report.necessary.systems/biplaw 2025-06-30T22:46:58+00:00 always 0.5 https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/A2267483771061048754340171109497/sadie-IR.png https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/L2429911273928236843470100911225/Untitled-design-29.png https://summer2025report.necessary.systems/financial-dashboard-1 2025-08-26T17:34:55+00:00 always 0.5 https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/A2267483771061048754340171109497/sadie-IR.png https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/L2429911273928236843470100911225/Untitled-design-29.png