In a recent development, Boston Mayor Michelle Wu found herself at the center of a heated discussion after hosting an exclusive holiday party for “elected officials of color” at the city’s official reception hall. The event, held just hours before its scheduled time, sparked controversy due to its selective guest list.
Mayor Wu, who holds the distinction of being Boston’s first female mayor of color and of Asian American descent, acknowledged the error in inviting every member of the Boston City Council to the event, originally intended for a select group. The misstep led to a quick retraction of invitations for certain council members.
The Boston City Council, consisting of six minority and seven white members, experienced a swift reversal when invitations to the white council members were withdrawn shortly after being issued. Wu’s team, led by Denise DosSantos, the director of City Council relations, promptly issued an apology and clarification regarding the mix-up.
Mayor Wu defended the gathering, citing it as a part of a long-standing tradition spanning over a decade, where elected officials of color across various government levels in Massachusetts come together to celebrate. She emphasized that this group regularly hosts such events to foster a sense of community and celebration among its members.
Wu also assured that there would be other inclusive holiday events for all elected officials, expressing her eagerness to celebrate with everyone. She reiterated her commitment to unity and diversity in the city, stating that the mistakenly sent invitations were not intended to exclude or harm anyone.
The incident, however, did not go unnoticed by the public. New England residents took to social media to express their views, with reactions ranging from criticism to support. Prominent New England radio host Howie Carr and conservative social media user Rod Dreher were among those who voiced their opinions on the matter.
City Council member Frank Baker, originally invited to the party before having his invitation rescinded, shared his thoughts on the issue. Baker, a white Democrat, expressed his nonchalance towards the invitation snafu, stating that it takes more than a missed party invitation to offend him. However, he also noted the unfortunate timing of the event, given the current societal climate and the need for unity rather than division.