On December 13, 2025, MAHT was grateful to be joined by dozens of tenant leaders at our annual Christmas party, where we shared food, live music, and community. Together, we celebrated our wins and the many people who helped us achieve them throughout the past year. Among these people and groups, we recognized lawyer Mark Stern, the Southern Artery Tenants Organization, the Georgetowne Tenants United, and members of the MAHT civic engagement team.

Mark Stern, a legendary lawyer who organized Tenants First Coalition in the 1970s, the first HUD tenants' rights organization in Massachusetts, was recognized for a lifetime achievement award. Additionally, Stern fought against the eviction of a MAHT tenant leader earlier this year. You can watch MAHT Director Michael Kane’s introduction of Stern here, and Stern’s acceptance of his award, where he discusses his experience organizing alongside powerful women tenant leaders here. 

We also celebrated tenants and organizers who worked tirelessly on the ground to ensure continued access to safe, affordable housing for themselves and their neighbors throughout the year. Among these, we honored the tenants at 1000 Southern Artery in Quincy who voted to restart their union with a record turnout. Members of SATO also made history by bringing on the first non-English speaking committee members in SATO history.

Tenants from Georgetowne Tenants United in Hyde Park also received recognition for their efforts door-knocking over 500 units to survey for mold and water leaks over the past year.

Finally, we recognized the MAHT Civic Engagement team for their work in exceeding their voter contact goals by 50% ahead of the 2025 election cycle, and reaching over 2,800 voters in their efforts. Watch the video of them accepting the award here. 

We look forward to continuing our fight with all of our advocates and allies throughout the new year!