What do you want to do before you die?

YouthBuild Boston and Bartlett Events erect Roxbury's first "Before I Die" Wall.

We've all thought about it at some point in our lives, but not many of us have put it in writing. Now, if you happen to pass by the corner of Washington and Bartlett St. in Roxbury, you'll have the opportunity to share your bucket list with the world.  

The first "Before I Die" Wall was designed in New Orleans by Candy Chang after the passing of a close friend left her pondering the future. Curious whether others shared similar thoughts, she painted the wall of an abandoned house in her neighborhood with the help of some friends -- on it she stenciled "Before I die I want to ________" numerous times over. She returned home that night unknowing of two things: 1. How the community would respond, and 2. That she was about to start a movement. 

Four years and 150 walls later, Candy Chang's project has gained the attention of national news stations like CBS, publications like The Washington Post, communities all over the world - and now, the City of Boston. Today YouthBuild Boston collaborated with local artist Michelle Murray, the Nuestra Comunidad Development Corporation, and Bartlett Events to erect Roxbury's first "Before I Die" Wall on the corner of Washington St. and Bartlett St. Our students were the first to share their lifelong goals, but we're sure they won't be the last. If you're in the area, stop by and share a dream or two. Who knows, you may inspire a few people while you're at it.  

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