The ongoing Struggle for Black Political Power in Boston
Boston’s history with Black political representation is marked by both inspiring breakthroughs and persistent limitations. While moments like martin Luther King Jr.’s 1967 mayoral campaign – a coalition-building effort uniting diverse voter groups - foreshadowed future possibilities, King ultimately lost to incumbent Ray Flynn, demonstrating the enduring strength of established political barriers. Even in recent times, the 2021 mayoral election, which saw Michelle Wu become the first woman and person of color elected mayor, did not result in a Black candidate reaching the general election, highlighting continued obstacles to Black ascension.
Notable progress has been made,especially with the introduction of district City Council seats in 1981. This change paved the way for Bruce bolling, son of Royal Bolling Sr., to become the first Black City Council President in 1986, a symbolically critically important achievement. bolling was followed by a series of impactful Black leaders: Chuck Turner, Tito Jackson, Ayanna Pressley, and Andrea Campbell. Each brought a unique approach to public service – Turner as an activist, Jackson as a populist, pressley as a coalition builder, and Campbell as a reformer. Pressley’s 2018 election to Congress was a landmark event, making her the first Black woman to represent Massachusetts in the U.S. Congress, and Campbell’s 2022 victory as Massachusetts Attorney General represented another historic first.
Though, this progress has been fragile. chuck turner’s career ended with a scandal, and Tito Jackson’s mayoral bid was unsuccessful. Andrea Campbell’s 2021 mayoral loss left Boston City Hall without a black representative in its highest office.This underscores that representation isn’t automatic; it requires consistent effort and collective mobilization.
Boston frequently cites these achievements as evidence of progress, pointing to milestones like Edward Brooke’s election to the Senate and Pressley’s congressional seat. Yet, the city has not developed the sustained, multi-generational political networks enjoyed by other ethnic groups, such as the Irish, italian, and progressive white communities.
Despite these individual successes, Black Bostonians continue to experience disproportionate disadvantages in areas like housing, education, public safety, and economic opportunity. For every visible success story, numerous opportunities for community empowerment remain unrealized.
Understanding this history is crucial, not simply for celebration, but as a catalyst for action. The experiences of abolitionists, Otis Gates, Royal Bolling, Edward Brooke, Mel King, and Ayanna Pressley demonstrate that black political representation in Boston has never been guaranteed.It has always demanded courage, sacrifice, and dedicated organizing.
Currently, declining voter turnout in Black neighborhoods - sometimes falling to 10-15% in municipal elections – presents a serious challenge.The author emphasizes that every uncast ballot represents a setback to the struggles of past generations.The legacy of Brooke, Bolling, King, and Pressley demands continued engagement. without increased voter participation within the Black community, the risk of political invisibility remains a very real threat, making renewed civic engagement essential for securing future representation.
(Jacquetta Van Zandt is a seasoned political strategist,commentator,and host of the podcast Politics and Prosecco,where she blends sharp political insight with accessible conversations on policy,power and civic engagement.)
