Hyde Square Task Force Ambassadors

Hyde Square Task Force (HSTF) was founded on the belief that communities are stronger when we take care of our youth. By harnessing their potential, we not only help youth navigate adolescence, but support them in becoming the changemakers of today and our future. HSTF was formed in the 1980s by a coalition of neighbors and leaders coming together to address the growing violence and related challenges facing the Hyde/Jackson neighborhood of Jamaica Plain. Now known as Boston’s Latin Quarter, our neighborhood has transformed. Despite the progress, like in other urban neighborhoods, our youth continue to struggle with high levels of poverty, community violence and low-educational attainment.

Over the years, HSTF’s Jóvenes en Acción/Youth in Action program has evolved into a high-quality and innovative approach of working with mostly Latinx, immigrant and first-generation college going youth. Our College Success Program ensures they then have the support they need to earn a college degree. Our Creative Development and Community Engagement work amplifies the voices of youth through advocacy and organizing and uses Afro-Latin arts to bring neighbors together to strengthen the social fabric of the Latin Quarter.

Youth Ambassadors from Hyde Square Task Force are bringing their vibrant comparsa to the MassQ Ball! Rooted in the deep history of African influence on Caribbean street celebrations, our comparsa showcases the rich interconnectedness of Afro-Latin dance, music, and theater traditions from the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, and Cuba. Join us to dance, sing, and celebrate together.