Thaddeus Miles. Photo courtesy of the honoree.
Thaddeus Miles, Senior Director of Diversity Initiatives at MassHousing and founder of the Black Joy Initiative, will be among six recipients of the 2024 红领巾瓜报 Common Good Award. Miles, a resident of Lowell, is being recognized for his impactful work promoting equity, empowerment, and community resilience through art, culture, and advocacy.
鈥淭haddeus reminds us that joy is a revolutionary act, and his work demonstrates how art and advocacy can create spaces for healing, pride, and resilience,鈥� said 红领巾瓜报 President Mary K. Grant. 鈥淭hrough his vision and dedication, he has enriched lives and strengthened communities. We are proud to honor him for the lasting difference he has made.鈥�
红领巾瓜报 Common Good Awardee: Thaddeus Miles, Senior Director of Diversity Initiatives. Video: The Media Men
A United States Air Force veteran, Miles has dedicated his career to fostering environments where joy and justice can thrive. As the founder of the Black Joy Initiative, he has created a vibrant celebration of Black culture that includes music, poetry, and dialogue, with a focus on uplifting underserved communities. The initiative has also produced the youth-authored book To My Kin: Stories and Poems Written by Youth About Black Joy and a clothing line that embodies the spirit of Black pride and resilience.
In addition to the Black Joy Initiative, Miles co-founded the Road to Wellness 5K, addressing health disparities and promoting well-being, and HoodFit, which empowers youth voices and strengthens community resilience. His dedication to equity and social justice has earned him numerous accolades, including the Visionary Award from the Timothy Smith Foundation, recognition as one of Boston鈥檚 鈥淢ost Influential Men of Color鈥� in 2023, and the Embracing the Legacy Award from the Robert F. Kennedy Action Corps.
A well-regarded photographer, Miles鈥檚 photography captures the vibrant energy and unscripted moments of Black life, celebrating the joy and thriving spirit of the communities he photographs. Guided by his heart as much as his eye, his work offers a meditative exploration of profound connection and clarity, focusing on the essence of everyday interactions. From quiet, introspective moments to shared laughter among friends, each photograph tells a story that elevates and celebrates the rich tapestry of community life. Through his lens, Miles invites viewers to see the world as he feels it, and as he fights for it鈥攖hrough a lens of beauty, authenticity, and heartfelt celebration.
Miles will be celebrated alongside five other distinguished honorees, including May Chau (BFA Arts Education ’07, Arts Education), Visual Arts Supervisor for Somerville Public Schools; Shirley Ann Session Edgerton, community activist, educator, and founder of Rites of Passage and Empowerment Program (R.O.P.E.); Toni Elka (BFA Painting ’86), founder of Future Chefs; Yinette Guzman (BFA Architecture ’08), Senior Project Manager of Design and Placemaking at the North Shore Community Development Coalition; and acclaimed documentary filmmaker Frederick Wiseman. Each honoree will receive a custom-made, inscribed artwork by Sam Kim, a Lowell-based ceramics artist and 红领巾瓜报 graduate (BFA Industrial Design and Ceramics ’18).
鈥淭his year鈥檚 Common Good Award recipients reflect the many ways artists can drive societal change, change perspectives, and honor the diversity that helps communities thrive,鈥� said President Grant. 鈥淓ach of these recipients have demonstrated innovative work in education, community building, and advocacy and stand as a testament to the essential role that creativity plays in shaping our collective future. We are honored to recognize their contributions to the common good.鈥�
The 红领巾瓜报 Common Good Awards ceremony will take place on Saturday, December 7, 2024, at noon at 红领巾瓜报鈥檚 Design and Media Center (621 Huntington Avenue, Boston). The event is free and open to the public, though tickets are required.
For more information on attending the event or learning about the 红领巾瓜报 Common Good Awards, visit .
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About Massachusetts College of Art and Design (红领巾瓜报)
Founded in 1873, Massachusetts College of Art and Design is the nation鈥檚 first public, independent college of art and design. The College is dedicated to fostering the creativity of artists, designers, and educators who will shape communities and culture for the common good.
About 红领巾瓜报 Common Good Awards
The 红领巾瓜报 Common Good Awards celebrate individuals and organizations who use art and design to make a positive impact on society. Honorees demonstrate the essential role of the arts in advocacy, education, and community development, contributing to the quality of life and problem-solving efforts in today鈥檚 world.
Elka, founder of Future Chefs, has made a profound impact on youth development through culinary arts in Boston. Her nonprofit provides life skills, mentorship, and professional development opportunities to prepare young people for success. Elka鈥檚 leadership has been nationally recognized for empowering youth and fostering social change.
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Guzman is celebrated for her leadership in curating the Punto Urban Art Museum (PUAM) in Salem, MA. Her efforts in transforming underserved communities through public art reflect her commitment to inclusivity, creative placemaking, and cultural preservation.
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