Mandela Town - 40 Years Later

Relive Boston’s Mandela Town movement through archival images, history games, prizes & a community panel at the historic Wally’s Jazz Cafe. Forty years ago, residents of Roxbury, Dorchester, Mattapan and surrounding neighborhoods voted on a proposal to form a separate city named Mandela. What caused people to support such a bold idea? Who organized the movement? What happened after the votes—and what can Mandela Town teach us about Boston today? Join Redline Narratives at Wally’s Café Jazz Club for an interactive history and culture experience marking 40 years since Boston’s first Mandela referendum. Using original maps, photographs, campaign materials and stories from the period, we will revisit the people and issues behind the movement. We will also look at the continuing questions Mandela Town raised about land, political power, neighborhood development and the future of Roxbury. This will not be a traditional history lecture. Come ready to participate, test what you know and join the conversation. WHAT TO EXPECT • A visual journey through the history of Mandela Town • Original photographs, maps and campaign materials • History games, trivia and prizes • A moderated panel discussion • Audience questions and community conversation • A look at what the Mandela movement means for Boston today WHO SHOULD ATTEND? This event is for longtime residents, young people, educators, historians, community organizers and anyone interested in Boston’s Black history. Whether you remember the Mandela campaign or are hearing about it for the first time, you are welcome. EVENT DETAILS Saturday, November 7, 2026 4:00–6:00 PM Wally’s Café Jazz Club 427 Massachusetts Avenue Boston, Massachusetts Must be 21 and older to attend. Regular Admission: $20 Early-Bird Admission: $10 Seating is limited. Advance registration is strongly encouraged. ABOUT REDLINE NARRATIVES Redline Narratives is a cultural-history project of Afrimerican Culture Initiative Inc. and the Afrimerican Academy. Through documentary film, research, tours and public programs, Redline Narratives explores how culture, land and law have shaped Boston’s neighborhoods—and how communities can preserve their history while helping to build their future. PANEL INFORMATION Panelists and special guests will be announced as they are confirmed.