Rising Stars 2025: A Night of Hope, Honor, and Community

bossbayarea
1 day ago
2 min read

The sanctuary at the First Unitarian Church of Oakland was filled with light — not from chandeliers or stage beams, but from the faces of the extraordinary individuals who have worked, healed, and persevered to reach this moment. The Rising Stars Celebration of Hope is one of BOSS’s most treasured gatherings, a night devoted to honoring those whose journeys define resilience and transformation.

This year, 50 Rising Stars were nominated by staff to stand before family, friends, staff, and community partners as living proof of what dedication, faith, and support can build.

The evening opened with the Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir bringing the crowd to its feet, their harmonies echoing through the historic church like a prayer fulfilled.

A powerful invocation from De’Morea Evans, a 2024 Rising Star and now a Violence Interrupter at BOSS! His words carried the spirit of gratitude and responsibility — a reminder that rising is not a solitary act but a shared victory.

Guiding the night was BOSS Board President, whose warmth and grace as emcee grounded the celebration in unity. The program was filled with moments that stirred both joy and reflection: Bianca Brown’s powerful rendition of Lift Every Voice and Sing, followed by two breathtaking original songs, filled the room with hope.

When Dr. Nichole Pettway, BOSS’ Deputy Director, took the stage, the energy shifted. Her keynote message moved the audience deeply — calling each person present to see themselves as part of the ongoing story of transformation. She spoke of courage in the face of uncertainty, of how every small act of perseverance builds toward something greater.

Throughout the evening, Rising Stars from BOSS programs were recognized for milestones that represent the very soul of BOSS: securing housing, advancing education, finding employment, sustaining recovery, reuniting with family, and giving back to the community that once lifted them.

Among the honorees, two stood at the top of this year’s cohort — Valedictorian Adelya Harrison, whose determination through hardship inspired every person in the room, and Salutatorian Rex Lex, whose growth and leadership exemplify what it means to move from struggle to strength.

The celebration also marked a significant milestone for BOSS’s Credible Messengers, who received certificates for completing their intensive training and specialized programs.

SEE PHOTOS

Their achievement symbolizes a commitment to community healing and peer mentorship — a cornerstone of BOSS’s mission to build safety, opportunity, and self-sufficiency across the Bay Area.

Each Rising Star represented a different program, a different city, and a different journey — but together, they told one powerful story: that transformation is possible when we walk alongside one another.

As the night came to a close, laughter, tears, and applause filled the hall. Families embraced. Staff stood proudly. The community witnessed the strength of individuals overcoming crisis and moving forward — and the ripple effect that comes when hope is nurtured with action.