The 5th annual Deatrich Wise Block Party took place last Saturday (Oct. 5) with Hazelton Street blocked off and the Josh Kraft Mattapan Teen Center (MTC) playing host to what has become a popular fall event in the neighborhood.

Patriots defensive lineman Deatrich Wise has taken on the MTC as one of his favorite organizations since arriving in New England in 2017 after playing his college ball at the University of Arkansas.

“Since the first time I stepped foot into the Josh Kraft Mattapan Teen Center, I felt a deep connection to the kids and that community,” Wise said. “The visit gave me a deeper perspective of Mattapan, beyond negative headlines and reputations, and I knew I wanted to highlight what I saw to a greater audience.

“I know that however long I’m in New England, and even if I’m not, I want this event to be a staple in the community. People are products of their environment, and I believe this event can be that spark in the community to inspire people to want to do great things.”

Great food was served from Newport Vineyards, Gourmet Kreyol and Fresh Food Generation, and there was also a popular free farmer’s market donated by Baldour Foods and lots of health and wellness information. Meanwhile, local barbers and braiders gave haircuts and braided hair for the kids in the neighborhood all afternoon.

A highlight of the afternoon were performances by teen center members, including KNG-DVD, with Dorchester DJ and radio host Jeff 2Timez also keeping the party moving. A new documentary called ‘We Out Here’ produced by MTC member Moses Sibley and other teens in the film program laid out how the current teen center was once the Mattapan Branch Library. While the movie premiered last July in Atlanta to a national audience at the Boys & Girls Clubs Keystone Club conference, it was shown for the first time locally at the block party on a giant movie screen.

The Reporter was a media sponsor of the event.

Lisa Beasley, Carol Davis, Josh Kraft of the Patriots Foundation (and namesake of the MTC), Faith Jackson, and Barbara Crichlow.

Atisha ‘Tea’ Leatch, Council President Ruthzee Louijeune, and Bobby Jenkins.

MTC member Moses Sibley grabbed a video of the block party.

Amaya Rosa-Garcia got her hair braided by Thalia DaSilva. A highlight of the annual event was free haircuts and free braiding all afternoon.

Mattapan’s Jei Christie, right, with her niece Mila Nwaford and Heidi.

The ‘Ethereal Visions’ (EV) crew – many of whom are MTC alums – came back to take in the performances and see friends. From left, Stanley Devis, McKinley Theodat, Ajary Alexandre, Maceo Wright, and, front, Atisha ‘Tea’ Leatch. Seth Daniel photos

Community leaders Azan Reid and Mitchell ‘Herc’ Hercule enjoyed a beautiful Saturday.

Representing the Boston Fire Department and the Society of Vulcans at the party were Darrell Higginbottom and Dana Robinson.

From the Mattapan Patriots football team – Jovan Francis, Ja’Suan Stuckey, and Braylon Green.