December 15, 2023
Boston Mayor’s ‘Elected of Color’ Holiday Party Draws Criticism From City Officials
Was the invite problematic?
Boston’s first Asian-American Mayor is facing some criticism after her “Elected of Color” holiday party invitation went viral.
A city employee sent the invitation out via email on Michelle Wu’s behalf on Dec. 12 to all elected officials for an “Electeds of Color Holiday Party” scheduled for Dec. 13. Shortly after, the same staff member sent out an apology email.
However, Mayor Wu said the party was intended for minority elected officials.
“I think we all have been in a position at one point where an email went out, and there was a mistake in the recipients, so there was truly just an honest mistake that happened in issuing the invitation,” Wu said before the party.
“There are many, many events that are private events for all different sorts of groups, so we’ve clarified that and look forward to seeing everyone at one of the dozens of other opportunities to celebrate the holidays together.”
She says the party takes place every year without issues, but some elected officials don’t think it’s right. Five-term member Michael McCormack called the party “not typical” and hoped the email was a simple mistake.
“The problem is that Boston and race, unfortunately, are synonymous,” McCormack said, according to Fox News. “I’m just hoping it was a mistake. It’s not something that anyone in the mayor’s office should be proud of.”
Outgoing City Councilor Frank Baker, who is white, thinks the party sends the wrong message as the council already has a reputation for being divided. “I don’t get offended. You don’t want me at a party, I am not going to come to the party,” Baker said. “I think the holidays is a time for people, everybody, to get together, so we will see what happens. I do find it divisive, but what are you going to do about it?”
But another council member, Brian Worrell, who is Black, sees no problem with the party. Worrell said Boston makes room for all types of specific groups, and the party is no different.
“We make space and spaces for all kinds of specific groups in the city and city government,” Worrell said in a statement. “This is no different, and the Elected Officials of Color has been around for more than a decade.”
The city’s first Asian-American mayor is scheduled to host a holiday party for all cabinet members, city councilors and the legislature the week before Christmas.