Photos & Recording: 2026 Hubie Jones Lecture with Marty Martinez

At this year’s Hubie Jones Lecture in Urban Health, Marty Martinez, president and CEO of United Way of Massachusetts Bay, delivered a compelling presentation on the growing strain facing communities as access to basic needs becomes increasingly uncertain. Speaking to an engaged audience, Martinez drew on more than 25 years of experience serving children and families across Greater Boston to examine how recent federal policy and funding shifts are impacting the social safety net—and the people who rely on it most.

Martinez emphasized the importance of reimagining how communities care for one another, highlighting the intentional, collective efforts needed to ensure all neighbors have the opportunity to thrive. He underscored why protecting and strengthening the safety net is critical at this moment, particularly for those most at risk, and called for sustained leadership and collaboration across sectors to address deepening inequities.

Kicking off the evening, MSW student Marcus Shaw introduced Dean Barbara Jones, who welcomed special guest Hubie Jones and reflected on the legacy of the Dean Emeritus Hubie Jones Scholarship Fund, which continues to invest in students dedicated to building more just and equitable communities. Martinez then began his presentation, building on these themes and offering a deeper look at the challenges facing communities today. Following the lecture, Professor Dawn Belkin Martinez, associate dean for Equity & Inclusion at Boston University School of Social Work, joined Martinez for a moderated conversation and audience Q&A. Together, they expanded on key themes from the talk, exploring how community-based solutions, policy advocacy, and cross-sector partnerships can help build a more equitable future.