BOSTON — Forty years ago, a string of murders shook Roxbury and the city of Boston to its core. Twelve women were killed in the so-called Roxbury murders between January and May 1979.
The deaths of 11 African American victims - all active in social movement in Boston - went largely underreported, but now a local woman is creating a city-wide memorial to honor them.
"I think when you think about who deserves to be memorialized, who deserves to be remembered, and who gets monuments erected on their behalf, black women are usually at the bottom of that list," said Kendra Hicks.
Kendra Hicks is looking to change that. The Estuary Projects is a memorial to the 11 women from Roxbury and Mattapan ages 15 to 30 killed in a string of murders.
The victims were active in social movements in Boston that started with the desegregation of public schools that led to violent bus riots.
12 women were killed Jan-May 1979.
— Crystal Haynes (@crystalhaynes) January 30, 2019
The deaths of 11 black victims, all active in social movements, went largely under-reported.
My story tonight w/@theestuaryprojects and a city-wide memorial to make sure the public never forgets them. @boston25 pic.twitter.com/32Tv4liAc7
"The women broke down in tears because one of the women was her best friend," said Hicks.
With the help of volunteers, Hicks created ten art installations at locations across the city, each in the spot where the bodies of the young women were found.
"Most of the time I'm in deep prayer and meditation at all of the times to remember that these young women were there," said Hicks.
The Kickstarter campaign to fund the project exceeded its goal.
"We were able to fundraise $7,500 in 21 days from 270 people," said Hicks.
The majority of the murders failed to make national news at the time. The one exception was the only white woman and the 12th victim in the string of murders. Hicks says on the 40th anniversary of their deaths, the community can - and will - do better.
"It's a lot of sorrow and sometimes a lot of joy to say we can do this for you. And we can remember you in this way," said Hicks.
A number of these cases remain unsolved 40 years later. Each installation is only up for 24 hours and will be installed through May 7.
Hicks says they are hoping to create a permanent memorial to the 11 lives lost.
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