OUR STORY
Hyde Square Task Force began with neighbors coming together to make their community safer, stronger, and more supportive for young people. Today, HSTF continues that work by supporting youth as artists, students, leaders, and changemakers rooted in Afro-Latin culture, community, justice, and belonging.
Video Feature
A story of youth, culture, and community
HSTF’s story began with neighbors organizing for safety and opportunity in Hyde/Jackson Square. Over time, that work grew into a youth-centered organization rooted in Afro-Latin culture, community action, leadership, and belonging.
This video, created for HSTF’s 30th anniversary in 2021, looks back at the people, places, and moments that shaped the organization’s first three decades.
A look back at HSTF’s history, community roots, and youth leadership.
FROM COMMUNITY ACTION TO YOUTH LEADERSHIP
Founded by community. Focused on youth.
Hyde Square Task Force was founded on the belief that communities are stronger when we take care of our youth.
HSTF was formed in the 1980s by a coalition of neighbors and leaders who came together to address growing violence and related challenges facing the Hyde/Jackson neighborhood of Jamaica Plain. In 1991, Hyde Square Task Force was incorporated.
From the beginning, HSTF has believed that young people are not only the future of our community. They are changemakers today.
A STORY ROOTED IN PLACE, CULTURE, AND ACTION
How HSTF’s work has grown
Boston’s Latin Quarter
HSTF’s neighborhood is now known as Boston’s Latin Quarter, a vibrant cultural district rooted in Afro-Latin history, culture, and community. HSTF youth helped lead the way in advocating for the district’s recognition, and HSTF now serves as its Managing Partner.
Youth in Action
Over the years, HSTF youth have used their voices to advocate for safer public spaces, stronger schools, arts education, public health, civic engagement, and community investment. Through organizing and leadership development, young people learn how to identify community needs and take action.
Afro-Latin Arts and Culture
Afro-Latin arts and culture have long been central to HSTF’s work. Through dance, music, theater, cultural learning, performances, and public events, HSTF amplifies youth voices and brings neighbors together.
HSTF TODAY
Supporting young people as artists, leaders, and changemakers
Today, Hyde Square Task Force supports young people through Afro-Latin arts, education, organizing, college and career pathways, wellbeing support, and community engagement.
The neighborhood has transformed over time, but the need for youth-centered spaces remains. Like many urban communities, young people continue to navigate challenges connected to poverty, community violence, and educational opportunity.
HSTF helps young people build skills, confidence, connection, and belonging so they can thrive in their own lives and help create a more just and vibrant Boston.
I went to school in Boston’s Latin Quarter. I’ve grown up here, and it’s shaped who I am today.