History and Legacy
6 Decades of Community Support
RAP has been a constant force for justice, opportunity, and community strength.
The Roxbury Action Program (RAP) was founded in the late 1960s to respond to systemic disinvestment, urban renewal, and displacement in Boston’s Black communities. The organization emerged from the belief that neighborhoods should be shaped by the people who live there. George Morrison and other community leaders worked to establish a future for Roxbury that was determined by its residents. RAP became a model for Black-led community development, combining advocacy, economic opportunity, and cultural preservation.
Throughout its history, RAP has celebrated Roxbury’s African-American heritage, supporting artistic expression, education, and civic engagement. Preserving cultural identity remains central to our mission as we continue to strengthen the community.
RAP has nurtured generations of community leaders who have gone on to shape civic institutions, policy, and community organizing. Our programs continue to empower residents with the skills and confidence to advocate for their futures.