Boston, the capital and largest city of Massachusetts, has a long and troubled history of racism that has earned it a reputation as one of the most racist cities in the country. Despite its progressive image and diverse population, Boston still struggles with racial inequality and discrimination in various aspects of life, such as education, housing, health, and criminal justice. In this article, we will explore some of the reasons why Boston has been named the most racist city in the state, and what efforts are being made to address the problem.
A Legacy of Segregation and Violence
One of the most notorious episodes of Boston’s racist past was the busing crisis of the 1970s, when a federal judge ordered the desegregation of public schools through mandatory busing of students across racial lines. The decision sparked violent protests and riots from white residents who opposed the integration of Black students into their neighborhoods and schools. The images of angry mobs attacking buses and Black children with rocks, bottles, and racial slurs shocked the nation and tarnished Boston’s reputation for decades.
The busing crisis was not an isolated incident, but a culmination of decades of racial segregation and discrimination in Boston. Since the early 20th century, Boston had been divided into racially distinct neighborhoods, with Black residents concentrated in the South End, Roxbury, Dorchester, and Mattapan, and white residents in the North End, South Boston, Charlestown, and West Roxbury.
These divisions were reinforced by discriminatory policies and practices, such as redlining, restrictive covenants, urban renewal, and white flight, that denied Black residents access to quality housing, education, employment, and services.
The legacy of segregation and violence still haunts Boston today, as many Black residents feel unwelcome and unsafe in certain parts of the city. According to a 2017 survey by the Boston Globe, 54 percent of Black respondents said they felt discriminated against in Boston, compared to 14 percent of white respondents.
Moreover, 71 percent of Black respondents said they felt very or somewhat unwelcome in the Seaport District, 60 percent in the North End, 58 percent in Beacon Hill, and 55 percent in South Boston.
A Reality of Disparities and Exclusion
Another reason why Boston has been named the most racist city in the state is the persistent and pervasive racial disparities and exclusion that affect various aspects of life for Black residents. Despite being a majority-minority city, with 53 percent of the population identifying as non-white, Boston remains largely governed and controlled by white elites, who hold most of the political, economic, and social power in the city.
For example, in the 2021 mayoral race, which saw a historic number of candidates of color, only one Black candidate, acting Mayor Kim Janey, made it to the final four, and she was eliminated in the preliminary election. The two finalists, Michelle Wu and Annissa Essaibi George, are both women of color, but neither identifies as Black.
Moreover, the Boston City Council, which has a majority of members of color, still has only four Black members out of 13. And the Boston Police Department, which has been accused of racial profiling and excessive force against Black residents, has only 22 percent of its officers who are Black, compared to 25 percent of the city’s population.
The racial disparities and exclusion are also evident in the economic and social spheres of Boston. According to a 2015 report by the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston, the median net worth of white households in the Boston area was $247,500, while the median net worth of Black households was only $8. That means that for every dollar of wealth that white households have, Black households have less than a penny. The report also found that Black households had lower incomes, higher unemployment, lower homeownership, and lower educational attainment than white households.
Furthermore, a 2017 report by the Boston Foundation found that Black residents faced significant barriers and challenges in accessing health care, transportation, arts and culture, and civic engagement in Boston. The report found that Black residents had higher rates of chronic diseases, lower life expectancy, lower access to health insurance, and lower satisfaction with health care than white residents. It also found that Black residents had longer commute times, lower access to public transit, lower participation in arts and cultural activities, and lower voter turnout than white residents.
A Vision of Change and Progress
Despite the grim picture of racism in Boston, there are also signs of hope and optimism for the future. Many Black residents and activists are working hard to challenge the status quo and create positive change in the city. They are organizing, mobilizing, advocating, and collaborating to address the root causes and consequences of racism, and to promote racial equity and justice in Boston.
For instance, in the wake of the murder of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer in 2020, thousands of Black residents and allies took to the streets of Boston to protest against police brutality and systemic racism. They demanded accountability, transparency, and reform from the Boston Police Department, and called for the redirection of funds from the police budget to community programs and services. As a result of their pressure, the city council voted to cut $12 million from the police budget and create an independent police oversight board.
Another example of Black-led change in Boston is the creation of the Black Boston COVID-19 Coalition, a network of Black community organizations, leaders, and experts that formed in response to the disproportionate impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Black residents.
The coalition has been advocating for more testing, tracing, treatment, and vaccination for Black communities, as well as for more economic relief, housing assistance, and food security. The coalition has also been educating and informing Black residents about the virus and the vaccine, and addressing the mistrust and misinformation that exist in the community.
A third example of Black-led progress in Boston is the emergence of Black-owned businesses, media, and arts in the city. Despite the challenges and obstacles that Black entrepreneurs face, such as lack of access to capital, networks, and markets, they have been creating and growing businesses that serve the needs and interests of Black consumers and communities.
Some of these businesses include Frugal Bookstore, the only Black-owned bookstore in Boston; Black Market, a pop-up market that showcases Black vendors and artists; and the Urban Grape, a wine store that features wines from Black and minority winemakers .
Additionally, Black media and arts have been flourishing in Boston, with outlets such as the Bay State Banner, a weekly newspaper that covers Black issues and perspectives; Basic Black, a public television program that discusses Black topics and culture; and the Roxbury International Film Festival, the largest festival in New England that celebrates films by and about people of color .
Conclusion
Boston is a city with a complex and contradictory relationship with race. On one hand, it is a city that has a history and reality of racism that has harmed and marginalized Black residents for generations. On the other hand, it is a city that has a vision and potential of progress that has empowered and uplifted Black residents for change. The question is, which side of Boston will prevail in the future?
Will Boston continue to be known as the most racist city in the state, or will it become a model of racial equity and justice in the nation? The answer depends on the actions and decisions of all Bostonians, especially those who have the most power and privilege in the city. As Black Bostonians, we hope that they will listen to our voices, respect our experiences, and join our efforts to make Boston a better place for everyone.