The 2022 Fierce Urgency of Now Festival Recap
Our City Convened, Connected, and Celebrated!
Sherline Heriveaux, Senior Marketing Manager, Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce
The 2022 Fierce Urgency of Now Festival took place in September and spanned over four impactful days full of engaging events and meaningful connections. In its 5th year, the festival expanded its reach and lasting impact with dozens of events, 28 company hosts, over 2,000 attendees, and 1.4 million people engaged on social media.
Thank you to all who joined City Awake and the Boston Chamber as we gathered diverse, young professionals and created a space for connections that will ignite positive change. For those who may have missed it, read on for highlights from each day’s events.
September 14
Opening Ceremony with Brandon P. Fleming
The festival’s Opening Ceremony featured Brandon P. Fleming, a nationally acclaimed educator, award-winning author, former debate coach at Harvard University, and Founder & CEO of The Veritas School. Fleming spoke to attendees on the importance of changing the narrative through transformative programs that amplify access and equity to minoritized individuals. As an at-risk youth and college dropout turned award-winning educator, Fleming’s story of struggle, success, and service encouraged empathy and created inspiration, emphasizing that “our successes or failures mean nothing unless we make use of them to make someone else’s life better.”
Day one continued with other memorable events like Procter & Gamble’s metaverse experience that explored racial bias, discrimination, and misrepresentation of people of color in America. Attendees also learned networking tips with Columbia Threadneedle Investments; tips for finding and maintaining a mentor relationship with The Capital Network; how to leverage credit with Chase Bank; and much more.
September 15
Day Two and Lots to Do
On Day two, attendees had the opportunity to explore and learn about Chinatown’s legacy during a tour, hosted by the Asian Community Development Corporation. The ACDC showcased Chinatown’s public art projects and spoke on the neighborhood’s advocacy and long-term goals. Chinatown and its residents have a history of grit, determination, resilience, and pride. While the tour reminded attendees of the neighborhood’s cultural significance, the ACDC also emphasized the struggles that they wish to ameliorate through affordable housing, advocacy and policy, and community engagement. Some important facts that were shared are:
- Chinatown is still the only Boston neighborhood that does not have its own branch of the Boston Public Library.
- Chinatown has the most air pollution in the city since it is located right along 90 and 93.
- Chinatown is also the hottest neighborhood in the city due to its lack of green space, sometimes clocking in at 10 degrees warmer than other neighborhoods.
- The average income for Boston families is $90K, while the average income for Chinatown residents is $30K.
Other events that took place throughout the day included “Creating Your Personal Brand: From Core Values to Cover Letter,” hosted by Emerson College, which gave attendees great tips on the best ways to present themselves professionally. “Building Community Wealth and Ownership Through the Solidarity Economy,” hosted by Boston Impact Initiative, explored the correlation between community, autonomy, and success. “The Switch Up: Transforming Obstacles into Opportunity,” hosted by Big Sister Boston, held a panel discussion that gave insight into women of color’s unique journeys in corporate America.
View more of day two’s events and highlights!
September 16
On Day Three, We Better Our City
Day three of the festival began with a powerful conversation on health inequity and how to combat it, led by the Boston Medical Center. The theme of addressing inequity continued with the Boston Chamber’s very own virtual “The Racial Wealth Gap: Housing and Wealth Building” event. During this panel discussion, housing and financial experts explored the varying obstacles that Boston’s BIPOC residents face when it comes to purchasing and maintaining homes. Panelist AJ Barkley, Head of Neighborhood and Community Lending at Bank of America shared: “Home ownership is about shelter. Home ownership is about more than building generational wealth, it is really about health, shelter, and family.” He also emphasized the importance of having financial wellness and exploring solutions available at financial institutions that can assist with saving money.
Other highlights of day three included a behind-the-scenes tour of the State House and an interactive and informative session with Leadership Brainery for those interested in pursuing grad school.
View more of day three’s events and highlights!
September 17
Day Four, We Want More
Day four closed out the 5th annual Fierce Urgency of Now Festival and included many celebratory events such as “Soulful Bliss: Arts and Music Festival,” hosted by Boston Harbor Now and AfroDesiaCity; “One Day Only Fest,” hosted by KickBack Boston and “Fit Fete,” hosted by Soca Fusion. “Fit Fete” by Soca Fusion was a workout class powered by Caribbean music and culture. The merger of music and culture gave attendees a fun way to pause intentionally for joy and prioritize their overall well-being. The events that took place on day four perfectly encapsulated the overall goal of the festival: more community, more culture, and more impact.
F.U.N. Lives On continues the mission of the Fierce Urgency of Now Festival throughout the year, with a series of events focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion for Boston’s young professionals. The events are held in various locations throughout the city and are curated by different cultural institutions. Participants include artists, performers, activists, and scholars who present their work from a broad range of disciplines. Be the first to register for the upcoming event, “F.U.N. Lives On Bingo: Adulting & Networking” happening on November 7 !
Related Blogs
Fierce Urgency of Now Festival
10 Reasons to Attend the 2022 Fierce Urgency of Now Festival
10 Reasons to attend the Fierce urgency of now festival.
Thought Leadership
Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month
This Hispanic Heritage Month, we celebrate Latinx leaders and entrepreneurs who make up a critical pillar of the Massachusetts business community. Latinx-owned businesses are the fastest growing segment of our country’s small business ecosystem. Join us in celebrating their resilience and impactful leadership.
