Announcing the 2019 Barkley Holiday Party & Fundraiser.

The Activist Lab has once again partnered with SPH Students of Color for Public Health to put on the seventh annual Barkley Holiday Party for the children of the Ruth Lillian Barkley Housing Development, just a few blocks from campus. We have a rich relationship with the Barkley residents as many of them utilize the services and programs administered by the Blackstone Community Center.

Previously called the Cathedral public housing development, on June 3, 2013, Mayor Thomas Menino joined Boston Housing Authority (BHA) Administrator Bill McGonagle in renaming the complex after former resident leader Ruth Lillian Barkley. A tireless community activist, Ruth volunteered much of her time towards furthering rights for tenants and advocating for those “who didn’t have a big enough voice to make a difference on their own.” She became chairperson of the BHA’s Tenants Policy Council and advocated for a grievance or hearing panel to which residents could bring their complaints to be mediated by the housing authority. In fall 2010, SPH featured Ruth in its Dean’s Report, Health Disparities: Narrowing the Gap through Community Partnerships, for her leadership in health education and health promotion at Cathedral development. 

It is in that spirit of community and activism that we continue to support the work Ruth championed during her time in the development. We are proud to continue her legacy.

By the time the Barkley Holiday Party takes place on December 11, we will have engaged more than 350 residents; BU staff, faculty, and students; as well as community partners such as Domino’s restaurant, BU Catering, the Public Health & Housing Community Committee, the Boston Housing Authority and more. It’s a perfect example of community engagement in action at SPH and is an event that we greatly anticipate and enjoy every year.

That being said, the Barkley Holiday Party and the cheer it creates for its residents isn’t possible without the support and generosity of our School community. There are several ways for you to get involved this year:

1. Donate to the Barkley Holiday Party Campaign: We need resources to purchase gifts, decorations, food, and all the good things that go into making a holiday party merry and bright! Any contribution is appreciated.
2. Donate a toy or gift card: Toys for Tots graciously provides many gifts for children up to the age of 10. But to make our Holiday Party as inclusive as possible, we ask that you donate an unwrapped toy appropriate for a child under 10, and/or a $25 gift card for an older child. Drop off your donation anytime between now and December 6th at the Activist Lab.
   Suggested stores for the gift cards are Target, Primark, Old Navy, H&M, AMC Theaters, Marshalls, and Dunkin’ Donuts.
3. Volunteer to wrap gifts: Stop by during our Wrapping Party for holiday music, good cheer, and lots of wrapping paper! We are also in need of holiday decorations so feel free to get creative with the craft paper, too! 
4. Volunteer at the party: On Wednesday, December 11, we will need help setting up, running activities, and cleaning up at Barkley. Please only sign up if you are sure you are able to attend.

For more information about supporting the Barkley Party, contact Tara O’Connor, Activist Lab Event Coordinator or Ben Ubani from Students of Color for Public Health.