This past Friday, hundreds came together to participate in the Massachusetts Organization for Addiction Recovery (MOAR) parade by the Boston Common Parkman Bandstand. The event brought together both those recovering from an addiction and their loved ones to participate in a parade and to hear various speakers share their own stories. The event was filled with support, encouragement, and gratitude from those celebrating every milestone of sobriety. Speakers included Mayor Michelle Wu, Senator John F. Keenan, MA Recovery Historian Maryanne Frangules, HARDCORE Connections CEO Gerald Randall, and more.
Attendees parade through the Boston Common holding up a banner for MOAR on Friday, Sept. 26, 2025. (Alex Cuozzo/For The Beacon)An attendee wearing a purple MOAR shirt chants into a megaphone at the parade. (Alex Cuozzo/For The Beacon)Boston Mayor Michelle Wu speaks to attendees after speaking at the event. (Alex Cuozzo/For The Beacon)Gerald Randall, the Founder and CEO of HARDCORE Connections, gives a speech to attendees in the Boston Common. (Alex Cuozzo/For The Beacon)Gerald Randall, the Founder and CEO of HARDCORE Connections, gives a speech to attendees in the Boston Common. (Alex Cuozzo/For The Beacon)Noel Sierra (middle) in a dark purple shirt, poses for a photo with other attendees at the event. (Alex Cuozzo/For The Beacon)Senator John F. Keenan, after giving a speech to the audience. (Alex Cuozzo/For The Beacon)(From left to right) Ilene, Ashley, Rachida, and Peter from BHN (Behavioral Health Network) pose for a photo. (Alex Cuozzo/For The Beacon)Andre StrongBearHeart Gaines Jr., the Founder & Cultural Director of No Loose Braids and a citizen of the Nipmuc people, plays the drums and sings on stage. (Alex Cuozzo/For The Beacon)Grace Sullivan, a staff member at MyPiR (MA Young People in Recovery), poses for a photo after giving a speech to the crowd. (Alex Cuozzo/For The Beacon)Karlie Westmoreland gives a live painting demonstration at the event. (Alex Cuozzo/For The Beacon)Theresa Drum, board secretary at NamaStay Sober, an organization dedicated to helping those in recovery through yoga, poses for a photo. (Alex Cuozzo/For The Beacon)Mike DiNatale, a singer, performs at the event. (Alex Cuozzo/For The Beacon)Attendees marching in the MOAR parade through the Boston Common on Friday afternoon. (Alex Cuozzo/For The Beacon)
