On Aug. 30, a crowd gathered at the intersection of Ambrose, Albany, and Dearborn Street in Roxbury, awaiting the renaming of Dearborn Street to “New Edition Way.” Roxbury residents and fans filled the streets from midmorning to the high sun of the afternoon, dancing and singing along to the band’s hit songs, celebrating the declaration of New Edition Day. 

As New Edition spinoff group Bell Biv DeVoe’s “Poison” played, the old street sign fell. Orchard Park’s (now Orchard Gardens) Bobby Brown, Ralph Tresvant, Ricky Bell, Ronnie DeVoe, Michael Bivins, and the later inducted Johnny Gill from Washington D.C., gave their gratitude to the crowd as they anticipated the street sign switch. 

The tribute to the teen band turned iconic adult R&B singers began with ceremonial speeches from Boston officials, state representatives and event organizers. Speakers underlined the band’s deep effect on their community. 

“My girlfriends and I would listen real close to the lyrics of the ‘Kinda Girls We Like,’ just to see if we heard a description of ourselves. We studied and practiced the choreography of ‘If it isn’t love,’ and dreamed about being pulled onto a concert stage for a romantic serenade,” said State Rep. Ayanna Pressley. “I’m a congresswoman, but I still have that dream.”

Each member of the musical group took the microphone to share memories, and saluted important people involved in their success. Member “Slick” (Ricky Bell) used stage time to hold a $25,000 check to the crowd for the Orchard Garden Resident Association, followed by member Johnny Gill, who also presented $25,000 to the Boston Arts Academy Foundation. 

The celebration carried into a family block party with free food from Mig’s Dogs, along with R&B and new jack swang music passing through New Edition Way and beyond. Fans stuck around for snapshots in front of a decorative, balloon formation spelling “New Edition,” and the historic moment.

The emphasis on gratitude from the band left impressions on fans and onlookers. Veteran member and standout solo artist Bobby Brown gave his town quick words of appreciation as the rest of the legendary band gestured in agreement. 

“I’m just going to say thank you from the bottom of my heart…” said Brown.