Community Corner: Bob Barney and a Lifetime of South End Service
As a Board Member of Friends of Titus Sparrow Park, I’m excited to introduce our new blog series, Community Corner, a celebration of the remarkable South End and St. Botolph residents who dedicate their time, energy, and heart to strengthening our community.
For our very first feature, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Bob Barney, who has called the South End home for more than 40 years. Bob’s story is one of dedication and vision — he’s helped shape the neighborhood we know and love today, from championing civic engagement to creating Jazz Square at Mass Ave and Columbus Ave.
Through this Q&A, you’ll get to know Bob’s journey, his inspirations, and his hopes for the future of the South End.
1. How long have you lived in the South End, and what do you love most about it?
I moved to Boston in 1982 and moved to the South End in 1984. Aside from brief stays in Back Bay, Bay Village and as an Expat in The Netherlands, I’ve been here ever since. I was working for Gillette's global supply chain organization, and the South End’s location, walking distance to Gillette’s office in the Prudential Center, was appealing. I also appreciated the South End’s diversity (especially then), its grittiness and less polished, more artistic vibe.
2. What inspired you to get involved in community work here?
Community work was a way to add balance to my work life. Perhaps more importantly, it gave me the opportunity to meet interesting, accomplished people, with a history of political advocacy. For me, that’s always been part of the fabric of the South End.
3. What first sparked your interest in getting involved?
There was an issue in the Claremont neighborhood, and I reached out to the NA President at the time, Roberta Benjamin. Roberta was both an influence and inspiration. I saw the need for citizen engagement and to learn more about government and how it worked. I became especially interested in economic diversity and displacement, a part of the history of the South End.
Bob at The Cooper Community Center and Ramsey Park meeting with City Council President Ruthzee Louijene, Asha Janay from the Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Services (Roxbury), and Cooper CC Executive Director Lillie Searcy to discuss safety for the children.
4. What are some initiatives you’ve been part of or led, and is there one success story that stands out?
I think I’m most proud of the creation of Jazz Square, at the intersection of Mass Ave and Columbus Ave. Following the death of my neighbor Al Saunders, a prominent jazz expert, my already strong interest in Boston’s jazz history increased. There was much lobbying to many different organizations and working and aligning with the Boston Jazz Foundation and Reckonings Project. During the process, I was fortunate in getting to know South End resident Elynor Wolcott, who took over running Wally’s after her father’s death. Wally’s is the last jazz club of its kind still in operation. One day, I received a call from a friend asking me about the new Jazz Square Street Sign he saw on Columbus and Mass Ave. I didn’t even know it was finalized. That was a satisfying moment.
5. What obstacles have you faced with your community work?
When getting started, you need to learn the processes. How do I present my point so it’s meaningful to an elected official? And yes, you do need to be a bit of a nudge, while being strategic as a civic leader. Keeping your face in front of elected officials by attending public events and meetings is important.
6. What advice would you give to someone who wants to get involved?
Take something that’s important to you and bring it to the attention of your local Neighborhood Association. Sarah Sharpe, the City’s liaison for the South End and Bay Village, is a great resource for connecting you in the appropriate direction.
7. Are there upcoming projects or goals you’re excited about?
Upcoming projects include participating in the annual Fall Fest for the Mass Ave Coalition on Chester Square. Working with Mass Ave Merry Makers, to place holiday wreaths on the light posts on Mass Ave, from St. Botolph to Harrison for the Holiday Season. I’m especially excited about the upcoming Jazz Concert at Union Church on October 24. We’ll be presenting the Jazz Square Luminary Award that night; last year’s winner was Elynor Wolcott. A more long-term goal is the concept of Civic Academy, perhaps a South End and Roxbury collaboration that both communities can unify around.
8. Favorite spot in the South End?
Cacao on Mass Ave and Columbus; I’m fond of the owners, Leo and Perla. I like Sip of Joy on Tremont as well.
9. What’s a hobby or fun fact about you that people might not know?
I love to travel and would like to get to all seven continents. I’ve been to four. I’ve worked in over 40 countries during my career. I’ve also been enjoying the webinars offered by the Harvard School of Government.
Speaking with Bob reminded me just how fortunate we are to live in a neighborhood filled with people who care deeply about its past, present, and future. His work on initiatives like Jazz Square, his passion for civic engagement, and his vision for what’s ahead highlight the very best of what makes the South End so special: neighbors who care deeply and act with purpose.
This is just the beginning of Community Corner, and I look forward to sharing more inspiring stories of South End and St. Botolph residents who help our community thrive. Stay tuned — there are many more voices, memories, and ideas to celebrate.
— Irwin Levy, Board Member, Friends of Titus Sparrow Park
