New Novel, ‘Redlined,’ Set in Disinvested Jamaica Plain in 1974

The new novel, Redlined, by Richard Wise, tells the story of a very different Jamaica Plain, circa 1974. Visualize Jamaica Plain in its disinvestment years, with banks “redlining” the neighborhood by refusing loans to first time homebuyers as well as long-term residents seeking to improve their houses. Imagine Jamaica Plain with dozens of abandoned buildings. Newcomers to the neighborhood alongside old-timers will enjoy this page-turning thriller about several intrepid community organizers responding to arson and corruption. Using street savvy and property research, these organizers learn of a secret plan to turn over Southwest Corridor lands to a casino development.

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JP Forum on Apr. 4: It’s Time to Change the State’s Racist Flag & Seal

The next Jamaica Plain Forum will be discussing how to change Massachusetts' official flag and seal, which is regarded as a symbol of white supremacy. "The current flag and seal, which features a Colonial broadsword held in a white hand over the head of a composite 'Ideal Native American,' is one of two state flags in the United States that remains controversial due to its representation of white supremacy," says the Jamaica Plain Forum website. (The other state is Mississippi, which still uses the Confederate Stars and Bars.)

For more than 30 years there has been proposed legislation to establish a special commission to review the state flag and seal, while working with Native American leaders of the Commonwealth to create a new flag and seal. This year state Rep. Nika Elugardo, D-15th Suffolk District, co-filed a bill to establish the commission. Elugardo is one of the scheduled speakers for the April 4th forum.

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Next Jamaica Plain Forum: ‘We Are All Fast-Food Workers Now’ on March 15th

Join the Jamaica Plain Forum to welcome author Annelise Orleck and photographer Liz Cook for "We Are All Fast Workers Now" on March 15th. The result of over 140 interviews, “We Are All Fast Food Workers Now,” traces the evolution of a new global labor movement sparked and sustained by low-wage workers from Manila to Manhattan, from Baja California to Bangladesh, from Capetown to Cambodia. This is an up close and personal look at globalization and its costs, as seen through the eyes and told whenever possible through the words of low-wage workers themselves: the berry pickers and small farmers, fast food servers, retail cashiers, garment workers, hotel housekeepers, home health care aides, airport workers and adjunct professors who are fighting for respect, safety and a living wage. This is a powerful look at neo-liberalism and its damages, a story of resistance and rebellion, a reflection on hope and change as it rises from the bottom up. Liz Cooke's compelling photos will be displayed at the event.

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Jamaica Plain Forum: ‘Poetry & Social Justice’ Reading and Talk on Feb. 15th

Poetry has always played a crucial role in movements for social justice, animating our language, finding words for our outrage, and restoring our souls for the struggle. At a time when our risk of burnout is enormous, when we are told every day that the truth is the untruth, we need the transformative power of poetry in our movements for social justice. Come hear two poet-activists, Sarah Browning and Simone John, discuss this tradition and poetry’s living work, and read from their recent collections at a reading and talk. "Don't You Hear This Hammer Ring? Poetry & Social Justice" is being co-hosted by the Jamaica Plain Forum and Split This Rock on Feb. 15th from 7 to 9 pm at the Jamaica Plain Unitarian Universalist Church (6 Eliot St.)

Sarah Browning is co-founder and Executive Director of Split This Rock, the preeminent national organization of socially engaged poets, now celebrating its 10th anniversary.

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City Councilor Matt O'Malley, District Six, speaks at a JP Forum teach-in about the West Roxbury Lateral Pipeline, Monday, May 11, 2015.

O’Malley on Pipeline: ‘This is the Biggest Issue in Southwest Boston’

A crowd of more than 100 — including a strong JP contingent — gathered Monday to learn more about a proposed gas pipeline that would run beside an active quarry in West Roxbury. JP Forum and Theodore Parker Church hosted a "teach-in" about the project, called the West Roxbury Lateral Pipeline. Despite the name, some residents of JP and Roslindale are also wary of the proposal. "This is the biggest issue in southwest Boston," City Councilor Matt O'Malley told the crowd. The project has clearance from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission but Boston-area politicians, prodded by grassroots efforts, are starting to turn against it.

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T Service, Including Orange Line, Reduced Monday

Neighbors, here's your Morning Memo for all things Jamaica Plain for Monday, Feb. 9. T Service Reduced: The MBTA will run on Monday, but less often. There will be a midday schedule all day, meaning they're promising fewer trains. For instance, the Orange Line, which on paper has a new car every six minutes during rush hour, is scheduled to have just one car every 10 minutes for Monday's rush hours.

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Mayor Challenges You to Buy Five Local Holiday Gifts

#5onMain Tweets
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Good morning, JP. I hope your basement isn't under a foot of water, as some are after Tuesday's drenching. Here's your Morning Memo for all things JP. #5onMain: Here's a challenge that's right up JP's alley. Mayor Marty Walsh wants all residents to buy at least five holiday gifts in the city's 20 Main Street business districts.

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Rendering of interior for Caffè Nero's 733 Centre St. location showing window onto Blanchards.

Caffè Nero Could Get Final City Approvals as Early as Wednesday Morning

Hi neighbors. Here's your Morning Memo for all things JP for Wednesday, Oct. 29. UPDATE: As expected, the Licensing Board put off action until after they hear from the JP Neighborhood Council. UPDATE: The Licensing Board could vote Thursday up or down on Caffè Nero's license to serve food, though it is more likely action will be delayed until after a Tuesday, Nov.

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Flyer for a Celebration of Service Party for Laura Foner

Celebrate Retirement of Children’s Librarian Laura Foner

Hi neighborhood. I've let it get into the afternoon, but here's your better-late-than-never Morning Memo for all things JP for Monday, June 9. Celebrate Librarian Laura Foner: Monday evening from 6-8 p.m., stop by the Connolly Branch Library to pay tribute to Laura Foner, the well-known children's librarian who is retiring after 18 years of service to the neighborhood. There will be refreshments, music and the presentation of a book of stories, photos and drawings for Foner. 433 Centre St.

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