MICHAEL E. HAYNES BLVD.
ROXBURY, MA.
ABOUT THE CAMPAIGN
It is in recognition of Reverend Dr. Michael E. Haynes as “the conscience of Boston,” and his tireless work for 75 years, beginning as a camp counselor, youth worker, religious education teacher in the Boston Public Schools, elected representative and as a reformer of the parole system of Massachusetts, and retiring after 40 years as 12th Senior Minister of the historic Twelfth Baptist Church, that the Michael E. Haynes Legacy Board launches a major public campaign in honor of his faithful service to the residents of Roxbury.
Prayerfully and humbly we ask you to join us in recognizing Rev. Haynes’ godly and unparalleled contribution to countless individuals and families through his redemptive ministry in the naming of the Michael E. Haynes Boulevard. Roxbury is where both Twelfth Baptist Church, the Martin Luther King House, the Second African Meeting House and the Center for Urban Ministerial Education are located prominently today. Michael E. Haynes Boulevard in Roxbury honors this devoted and conscientious servant of God.
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Since the late 1940’s, Reverend Michael E. Haynes was regarded as one of the pioneering workers on behalf of children, youth and families in the Boston community. Born May 9, 1927 on Thorndike Street
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in lower Roxbury, he proudly lived his entire life in the “‘Bury.” A product of the Boston Public Schools, he graduated from the Boston English High School in 1944. While pursuing a theological and social service education, he worked at two historic Roxbury community centers, the Robert Gould Shaw House and the Norfolk House. He also directed Breezy Meadows, a residential summer camp for underprivileged children.
Beginning in 1951, Reverend Haynes served together with Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr. on the staff of the Twelfth Baptist Church. They remained close associates until King’s death. It was Reverend Haynes who made it possible for Dr. King to address a special joint session of the Massachusetts Legislature in 1965.
Elected for three terms as a state representative from Roxbury and South End, Reverend Haynes would then serve 16 years as senior member of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Parole Board. He received appointments by four governors, four mayors and one president. He also served on over 40 social work, healthcare, educational, religious and governmental boards, including the Urban League, NAACP, the Boys and Girls Club, and the Museum of African American History.
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He was awarded seven honorary doctoral degrees from Gordon College, Barrington College, Northeastern University, Salem State College, University of Massachusetts at Boston, Boston University and Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary, receiving the Seminary's highest service award, the Order of Barnabas.
Reverend Haynes, if he were alive, would quickly name four or six unsung heroes who he would deem as deserving of such an honor, and during his lifetime he championed the renaming of streets for civil rights leaders, Melnea Cass, Martin Luther King, Jr. and Malcolm X.
In naming the Michael E. Haynes Boulevard, we once and for all acknowledge this son of Roxbury, this minister to the afflicted and the redeemed of a vibrant city that he loved and served. We ask you to support this campaign, and invite neighbors and friends of every language and creed to join us as we honor the Reverend Dr. Michael E. Haynes.
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