Youth Initiative Virtual Program
Featuring the Nubian Square Youth Ball & Social Skills for Success Recap
Join us to celebrate our journey of empowering teens with confidence, grace, and skills for a bright future. Enjoy our performances, revisit moments from our etiquette class, and witness the results of community teamwork.
A Night to Remember
The Nubian Square Youth Ball will be a night of elegance, great food, music, and dancing. The crowning ceremony, with stunning crowns, will be a magical highlight. Scroll below for the evening’s lineup and a look back at the Social Skills for Success class, where teens prepared to shine.
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Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted by our event staff and guided to your seat.
Light music will set the tone for the evening as you settle in and connect with others.
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Our host for the evening, James Lambert III, will introduce the program and share the purpose behind the Youth Ball.
We’ll take a moment to recognize the incredible sponsors who made tonight possible:
Patriots Foundation
Boston Public Health Commission
Madison Park CDC
Chik-Fi-La
ZNZ Slushies
Deco Bites
You’ll also hear about the amazing programs and organizations joining us tonight, such as
Beantown Slam
One Love Sports Academy
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Enjoy an exciting and empowering performance by Origination, kicking off the evening with energy and inspiration.
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Savor a delicious meal prepared by some of Boston’s favorite caterers:
Southern Twist
Chick-fil-A
JP Licks
ZNZ Slushes
Fort Hill Grill
Take this time to relax, enjoy your meal, and connect with others around you.Item description
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Be amazed by the talents of The Green Dragon Circus, blending acrobatics and artistry into a captivating performance.Description text goes here
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The highlight of the evening—the Crowning Ceremony—will honor the outstanding youth nominated for King and Queen.
Our special presenters, City Councilors Julia Mejia and Enrique Peppen, will crown the King and Queen with beautiful ceremonial crowns.
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Let loose and celebrate! Join us on the dance floor as we enjoy music, laughter, and unforgettable moments together.
Don’t forget to take photos with our performers, city officials, and fellow attendees to capture the magic of the evening
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As the evening winds down, our host James Lambert III will thank everyone for joining us and share a few words of gratitude for our sponsors, volunteers, and attendees.
Origination: Dancing Through Decades to Light Up the Ball
We are thrilled to feature Origination Cultural Arts Center, a renowned Boston-based dance group, at the Nubian Square Youth Ball. With over 30 years of excellence, Origination has inspired audiences through their dynamic performances celebrating African, Caribbean, and African-American heritage. Their commitment to empowering youth and promoting cultural awareness aligns beautifully with the spirit of tonight’s event. Prepare to be captivated by their vibrant and inspiring performance as they bring their signature energy and artistry to the stage!
Fort Hill Grill: Serving Up Excellence at the Nubian Square Youth Ball! 🍽️✨
We are thrilled to announce that Fort Hill Grill will be providing the main menu for the Nubian Square Youth Ball! 🎉✨
Fort Hill Grill is a beloved staple in our community, always showing up to support Meaningful Occasions and our initiatives. We are incredibly grateful for their continued partnership and generosity in making this event unforgettable for our youth.
Thank you, Fort Hill Grill, for your unwavering support! 🙌💙
The Green Dragon Circus: Soaring Into the Spotlight at the Youth Ball
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The Green Dragon Circus: Soaring Into the Spotlight at the Youth Ball *
We are thrilled to feature the Green Dragon Circus, a distinguished aerial and circus arts group from Watertown, MA, at the Nubian Square Youth Ball. Known for their inclusive and encouraging community, they offer classes, special events, and performances that inspire audiences of all ages. Their captivating acts, blending acrobatics and artistry, promise to add excitement and wonder to our evening. Prepare to be amazed by their dynamic performance as they bring their unique talents to our celebration.
Chick-fil-A: Serving Smiles and Sandwiches
Chick-fil-A has been a steadfast supporter of the Nubian Square Youth Ball, and we are incredibly grateful for their continued generosity. Their delicious sandwiches and delightful treats have brought joy to our youth on many occasions. Their commitment to our community ensures every event is a flavorful success, and we couldn’t do it without them!
This year, ZNZ Slushies proudly became our first sponsor for the Nubian Square Youth Ball, and we couldn’t be more excited to welcome them! When they asked to serve their signature slushies at the event, we immediately said yes. Known for their mission to deliver not just the best slushies but also smiles, ZNZ Slushies has been a cornerstone of community joy. We’re thrilled to have them join us this year and look forward to collaborating with them on future events!
ZNZ Slushies: Sweet Treats and Community Spirit
JP Licks: Adding Sweetness to the Youth Ball
We are delighted to have JP Licks as part of the Nubian Square Youth Ball! This year, they generously donated their delicious ice cream to create a special milkshake bar for our guests. Their commitment to crafting high-quality, locally-made treats has brought sweetness and joy to our community for years. We’re grateful for their support and excited to share their delectable creations with our attendees!
Sweet Support from Konditormeister! 🍰✨
Konditormeister is generously donating a delicious assortment of sweets for the Nubian Square Youth Ball, and we can't wait to indulge! Thank you for believing in our mission and supporting our efforts to create a memorable night for our youth. Your generosity is truly appreciated! 🎉💙 #SweetSupport #CommunityPartners #NubianSquareYouthBall
Nubian Square Youth Ball
Special Partners
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Josh Kraft
President of the New England Patriots Foundation
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Tania Anderson
Boston City Council for the 7th district
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Julia Mejia
Boston City Councilor At-large
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Enrique J. Pepén
Boston City Councilor for District 5
Our Partners
We are incredibly grateful for the support of our dedicated partners, who have played a pivotal role in making the Youth Initiative a reality. From community organizations to local businesses, our partners share our commitment to empowering youth and fostering a sense of belonging, confidence, and celebration..
Our Guests
We are truly honored to have you join us at the Nubian Square Youth Ball. Your presence is what makes this event so special, as it represents the love, support, and unity that uplift our youth and community
Culinary Delights for the Evening
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Dinner Rolls
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Chick-fil-A® Chicken Sandwich
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Rice
Chicken
Salad
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Slushies
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Vanilla Milkshake
On January 25, 2025, Meaningful Occasions hosted the Social Skills for Success Etiquette Class at the Roxbury Tenants of Harvard. This impactful event provided 72 young individuals (ages 13-17) with valuable tools to navigate social and professional settings with confidence.
🌟 What They Experienced:
✔️ Dining Etiquette Mastery – Hands-on training in table manners, conversation skills, and formal dining etiquette.
✔️ Breakout Sessions – Engaging workshops focused on communication, self-presentation, and navigating social interactions.
✔️ Free Store Access – Participants received formal attire to prepare for the Nubian Square Youth Ball.
✔️ Expert Guidance – Inspiring discussions led by accomplished speakers and mentors.
Our Speakers
We extend our deepest gratitude to our breakout room speakers, our instructor, moderator, and all the incredible volunteers who have dedicated their time and energy to this event. Your commitment to guiding and inspiring our youth sets a powerful example of leadership and community support. Through your efforts, you’ve shown what it means to uplift and empower the next generation, and we are truly grateful for the impact you’ve made on this special evening. Thank you for being the driving force behind this celebration of growth and unity.
Poise, Confidence, Elegance.
