In our society, there is often no space for marginalized people to tell their stories. Reclaiming Folk seeks to make space for musicians of color to tell their stories and tell the stories of our past, so that our future can be a more inclusive place for all. 

We are Reclaiming Folk because history has forgotten that people of color have always been at the root of American folk music. From field calls to blues to gospel, the origin of American folk music is connected to people of color.

This 90 minute program includes a 60 minute performance by three Massachusetts based folk artists of color—Naomi Westwater, Pamela Means, and Kim Moberg—singing songs in the round. Each musician will play original songs and one traditional folk song by a musician of color. Following the performance will be a 30 minute talk back—moderated by Boston Poet Laureate Porsha Olayiwola, who will also read a poem—where the musicians will talk about their songs and their experience as folk musicians. There will be time for audience Q&A.

WBUR and WERS are media partners for the Mayor's Office of Arts & Culture's 2024 event season. 

We will focus on picking up trash and improving growing conditions for beautiful wildflowers. There will be opportunities to learn more about Willowwood Rock and how we can work together to help this special place remain healthy for all.

No experience necessary! Urban Wilds staff will provide all necessary tools and instruction.

Rain date Saturday May 18, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Please register here.   

The event includes on-bike skill-building for children and adults, free bike checks, and a family-friendly bike ride. The event will take place at Franklin Park's Shattuck Picnic Grove. The rain date is Sunday, April 28, 2024.

Here is the plan for the day:

10 a.m. - 12 p.m. | On-bike educational programs for adults and for children and bike tune-up station 

We are hosting a Learn-to-Ride workshop for adults and on-bike activities for children (ages 5-12). Registration required. Parallel to the educational programs, Bikes Not Bombs, a local non-profit, will host a bike tune-up station.

12 - 1 p.m. | Family-friendly Bike Ride 

Join us for a 3.5-mile family-friendly bike ride around Franklin Park!  Limited number of bicycles are available. You must register for the ride, and request a free bike rental. Leading up to the ride, stop by our bike decoration station or get your bike checked so you’re ready for a great ride! Anyone joining the ride should check in by 12:20 p.m.

1 p.m. | Lunch by Maggie's Grill

Free lunch provided to participants who register and attend any part of the day’s events. Registration will be limited to 100 participants.

The rain date for the event is Sunday, April 28, 2024.