Boston Children’s Chorus (BCC) today announced that Dr. Myechia Minter-Jordan will be the first recipient of the Hubie Jones Award to be given at the 16th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Tribute Concert “She Persisted” on January 21. Named for BCC’s founder, the award seeks to honor Jones’ legacy as an advocate for social justice by recognizing an individual with outstanding qualities who has dedicated her or himself to the betterment of Boston’s communities.
“As Hubie Jones has taught us through his enormous impact on this city, individuals can and do change history,” said Anthony Tracek-King, BCC President and Artistic Director. “We can think of no better recipient of an award in his name than Dr. Myechia Minter-Jordan who has, herself, been a remarkable instrument of positive change for Boston.”
“Even taken on its own, Dr. Jordan’s record of accomplishment at the Dimock Center makes her a remarkable leader, but that’s just part of her community commitment,” said Paul S. Grogan, President and CEO of the Boston Foundation. “Her work to improve health and economic equity, address the opioid epidemic, and use her immense talents to solve problems across the community makes her a valuable part of our Board, a social justice changemaker, and a deserving recipient of the first-ever Hubie Jones Award.”
A physician administrator, Dr. Jordan is the President and CEO of The Dimock Center, an integrated clinical and behavioral health center in Roxbury that is a national model for urban-based, comprehensive health and human services delivery serving some of the city’s least-advantaged residents. Originally the Center’s Chief Medical Officer, Minter-Jordan became President in 2013 and has spearheaded the organization through a succession of changes including its groundbreaking work in addiction, medical research, academic partnerships and the establishment of patient-centered medical homes – each enhancing how the Center serves the surrounding community.
Dr. Jordan, who holds degrees from Brown University School of Medicine and Johns Hopkins University Carey School of Business, is an advocate and active participant in the areas of public health, community health, and civic engagement. Her professional and personal commitment to equity and empathy for all citizens closely matches the award’s criteria which includes: being a successful leader in your field as well as a staunch advocate on behalf of the communities in and around the Boston area; making contributions to the social fabric of the Boston area by demonstrating effort and impact in the areas of diversity and inclusion; and promoting a harmonious and inclusive environment for underserved and/or disenfranchised populations.
Hubert “Hubie” Jones started Boston Children’s Chorus in 2003 to effectively combine artistic excellence with an agenda for social change. It’s growth and success over the years adds to a long list of Jones’ accomplishments in the areas of social justice, child welfare, community development and personal empowerment. A social worker and academic, community organizer and civic leader, Jones’ work to strengthen Boston’s neighborhoods, and its African American community in particular, is legendary.
Journalist Anaridis Rodriguez, of CBS Boston, will present Dr. Jordan with the award during BCC’s 16th Annual Martin Luther King Tribute Concert. This year, the concert was named “She Persisted” in honor of the Civil Rights Movement's hidden women - from Coretta Scott King to Jo Ann Robinson of the Women's Political Council of Montgomery -- who persisted and dreamed for a more just world.
The concert, now in its second year at Symphony Hall, continues a theme that will span two seasons called “Through Her Eyes” – a celebration of the contributions of women to society, in recognition of the upcoming centennial anniversary of the 19th amendment. 70% of the repertoire will feature works by female composers. Special features of this year’s concert include:
- Performances by all 13 core choirs
- Guest conducting by Dr. Lynnel Joy Jenkins, Artistic Director of the Princeton Girlchoir in New Jersey.
- An arrangement of Aretha Franklin's Think, Glory from Selma, and the traditional spiritual Lord, how come me here?
- A performance of A Letter from a Girl to the World, by Andrea Ramsey by BCC young artists.
