Boston Mobe marches on the Pentagon, 1981

Boston has a good rep in progressive circles for being on the right side — most of the time — on every social/political issue since slavery. Beginning in 1978, the conscious of that political correctness has been Boston Mobilization, an activist group that started out, in Cambridge, protesting nuclear arms and energy. Since then, the group has gone on to confront several wars, repressive right-wing regimes foreign and domestic, racial injustice, economic violence, and any number of not-always-ready-for-prime-time causes. If something deserves to be yelled at, the Mobe is ever in good voice.

As important, the organization currently focuses on training and organizing both urban and suburban youth to foster justice in their own communities.

Boston Mobe will mark its 30th anniversary this year, starting with a May 9 kick-off event at the Democracy Center in Cambridge. The celebration will feature some New Orleans–style jazz from Paul Nossiter’s Original Dissonance Jazz Trio and a speaking appearance by progressive historian Howard Zinn.

More events will follow this summer; you can read about them at the bostonmobilization.org/30th Web site, where activist vets are invited to share their most memorable Mobe moments.

Boston Mobilization’s 30th-anniversary party will be held Friday, May 9, at the Democracy Center, 45 Mt. Auburn Street, in Cambridge, from 7 to 9 pm. It’s free; call 617.492.5599 for more info.