Deatrich Wise, center, greeted Abner and Marcellus Gerome, of Dorchester. Seth Daniel photos.
The 8th annual Deatrich Wise Block Party hosted by the Mattapan Teen Center (MTC) drew a crowd to Hazelton Street last Saturday afternoon (Oct. 24).
Wise, a former defensive end for the New England Patriots who now plays for the Washington Commanders, was on hand this year to greet his long-time friends, teens, and neighbors in Mattapan. He has continued to fund the block party despite the trade to Washington.
Last year, Wise suffered a severe leg injury in September and wasn’t able to attend the party. Over the past year he has had a very hard recovery regimen – he had to relearn basic movements like walking and running. For all that, however, he recently returned to the playing field.
MTC Director Rick Aggeler said the party had a record turnout on what was a picture-perfect fall afternoon for food trucks, pumpkin painting stations, haircuts/hair braiding, musical performances, and free produce from Baldor Foods.
Relaxing in the VIP area were Terry Copeland, Bessie Spriggs, and Idly Galette.
King David Sibley, an MTC alum who performed during the block party, with Robert Lewis, president of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Boston.
Michael Medina decorates a small pumpkin at the craft table.
Avah Hart and Aryana Blake appreciated the party.
A centerpiece of the block party is haircuts and hair braiding. Here, Jailena Almonte of Prismic works on Erik Cuello.
Mattapan neighbors Barbara Crichlow and Hennie Beaman enjoyed the afternoon sun on Hazelton Street.
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