Boston Mayor’s Exclusive Holiday Party for ‘Electeds of Color’ Sparks Controversy
The holiday season is supposed to be a time of joy and unity, but for some Boston city councilors, it has become a source of tension and division. The reason? A holiday party invitation from Mayor Kim Janey that was only meant for ‘electeds of color.’
The invitation, which was sent by email on December 6, 2023, read: “Please join Mayor Kim Janey for a Holiday Party for Electeds of Color. This is a private event for elected officials of color only. RSVP by December 10th. The invitation also included a link to a Zoom meeting and a password.
The exclusive party, which was scheduled for December 14, 2023, did not sit well with some of the councilors who were left out of the guest list. Councilor Lydia Edwards, who is white, said she was shocked and hurt by the invitation, and that it was divisive and disrespectful to exclude her colleagues based on their race. Councilor Ed Flynn, who is also white, said he was disappointed by the mayor’s decision, and that he hoped she would reconsider and invite all councilors.
However, some of the councilors who were invited defended the mayor’s party, saying it was a harmless and informal gathering to celebrate the achievements and challenges of elected officials of color. Councilor Ricardo Arroyo, who is Latino, said he did not see anything wrong with the invitation, and that it was not a big deal to have a space for people of color to connect and support each other. Councilor Andrea Campbell, who is Black, said she understood the mayor’s intention, and that it was not about excluding anyone but about recognizing the unique experiences of elected officials of color.
Mayor Janey, who is the first Black and first female mayor of Boston, has not commented publicly on the controversy. Her spokesperson, Nick Martin, said the party was a casual and informal opportunity for the mayor to connect with her peers of color and that it was not intended to offend anyone. He also said the mayor has hosted and attended many events with councilors of all backgrounds, and that she values diversity and inclusion.
The controversy comes at a time when Boston is facing a mayoral election in November 2024, in which Janey is expected to run for a full term. The city, which has a history of racial strife, has become more diverse and progressive in recent years, with a majority of people of color and women on the city council. However, the holiday party invitation has exposed some of the underlying tensions and divisions among the city’s leaders, and raised questions about the mayor’s judgment and leadership style.
