Boston Renames Roxbury Library Branch for Journalist Sarah Ann Shaw

BOSTON — July 2, 2025 — Boston's Public Facilities Commission voted unanimously to rename the Roxbury Branch of the Boston Public Library the Shaw-Roxbury Branch, over the objections of community advocates who wanted the Nubian Branch Library name. Chair Catherine Craven and Commissioners Larry O'Malley and Wright approved the petition July 2, acting on a request backed by Mayor Michelle Wu and a prior 11-0 vote, with one abstention, by the Boston Public Library's board of trustees. Dionne Irish, Chief of Operations for the Mayor's Office, and BPL President David Leonard presented the petition, citing trustee testimony, over 20 written submissions, and support from Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley. Four public commenters — including organizer Sadiki Campbell, who alleged the outcome had been "rubber-stamped" before the meeting — called on the commission to instead adopt the Nubian Branch name, arguing the community had already spoken through the 2019 Nubian Square renaming ballot question, which drew 87 percent support.