Royal. Smith

Royal Smith always knew he wanted to provide a place for Black Boston to come early and leave late. When he opened District 7 Tavern in 2018, he built a neighborhood bar for the people, with live music, guest bartenders, and plenty of space to watch the big game. Today, he hopes to expand that safe space for community connection during the daytime hours with his new restaurant just around the corner, District 7 Cafe at 376 Warren St. in Roxbury.

In January, the federal administration was not the only one that shifted. Locally, the Boston branch of the NAACP saw a changing of the guard, as it welcomed new members to its executive committee.