City Council Supports Dedicating Road in Fenway to John Bookston

The City’s Public Improvement Commission Policy for Name Changes and Square Dedication for Public Way and Private Way in the City of Boston states that a square dedication “can be used to honor any person, living or deceased, who has had a great impact on the surrounding community."

John Bookston was an active member of the Fenway neighborhood, dedicated to caring for every community he was a part of, including being a strong advocate for our schools, affordable housing, and food justice.

Bookston served on the board of the Fenway Civic Association between 2016 and 2023, serving as a powerful voice for affordable housing and childcare in the neighborhood. His background as a lawyer demonstrated his commitment to social justice and uplifting the voices of the vulnerable through his years of work with the Environmental Protection Agency.

As a math teacher, Bookston taught his students with compassion and an innovative approach to mathematics as problem solving, which served to uplift students’ confidence and abilities.

He participated in his community with an intense and earnest optimism that he demonstrated in countless volunteer efforts across a variety of initiatives, which at the very least brought a smile to those he helped and at the most created meaningful and significant positive change in his community.

Bookston’s passing on October 8, 2023, was a loss felt by so many in the community. The Council honors John Bookston's legacy for his years of service and dedication to his community by supporting the dedication of New Edgerly Road in honor of him.