In a move sparking contentious debate, Boston Mayor Michelle Wu recently hosted an exclusive “electeds of color” holiday party, conspicuously excluding white lawmakers.
This gathering, proudly showcased by Wu, the city’s first Asian-American mayor, on Instagram, featured 17 attendees joyously gathered around a dinner table.
“Last night was my turn to host the annual holiday dinner for Boston’s elected officials of color – a special moment to appreciate that our affinity group now includes leadership across city, state, county, and federal offices,” she described.
“But over my time as a City Councilor and now Mayor, following so many leaders who have paved the way, I’ve proudly watched this group grow and create space for mentorship and fellowship among many who are breaking down barriers while holding the weight of being the first or only,” she continued.
The event’s exclusivity emerged following an administrative slip-up. A Wu staff member mistakenly sent an invitation to the entire city council, a 13-member body with a racial composition of six minorities and seven white members. The error was promptly addressed with a subsequent email, retracting the invitation from the white members.
Critics, including Fox News‘ Greg Gutfeld, lambasted the event as segregationist and anti-white. Gutfeld accused Wu of a history of “blatant racism.”
A white city council member, reflecting the sentiment of many, found the exclusion “unfortunate and divisive,” as reported by the Boston Herald.
In contrast, Black City Councilor Brian Worrell defended the gathering, stating it was to represent “all kinds of special groups” in the Boston government.
Wu, undeterred, lauded the dinner as a diversity milestone, remarking on the growth of minority lawmakers since her council election in 2014. “Not too long ago in Boston, we didn’t need such a big table to fit electeds of color,” she said.
Regarding funding, Ricardo Patrón, Wu’s press secretary, assured that no city funds were used for the party.
The Instagram post sparked a heated online debate.
Detractors called Wu “an absolute disgrace to the city of Boston,” condemning her for what they perceived as segregationist actions.
“You can delete my comment over and over commies, I will continue to celebrate your segregation efforts!” another person wrote.
Wu did have supporter who applauded the diversity display.
One person argued, “Great to see such diversity! Every American should see themselves represented in their elected officials!”
Another added, “To everyone saying this is segregation, literally every space of prominence and power has been only White people for centuries. We are allowed to gather and find solidarity with other POC (people of color) [in] most every other space we are in we are a minority. It is okay for us to TAKE UP SPACE.”
In the end, it is racist and segregation all over again. Even liberal Bill Maher took exception to the Mayor’s party, pointing out that while there may be events that are exclusionary in nature, a government holiday party should not be.
“This is the government. This had the Boston seal on it. Government is supposed to lead the way. There are actual laws against this,” Maher said.
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