The news about Boston Mayor Michelle Wu holding an “Electeds of Color Holiday Party” has stirred a good deal of controversy. Here’s what you need to know.
What started the drama
On Tuesday, an email went out from Wu’s office to the full City Council, inviting them to an annual “Electeds of Color Holiday Party” at the Parkman House, the city-owned mansion on Beacon Hill.
But about 15 minutes later, a Wu administration staff member sent out a second message apologizing for the gaffe, according to copies of the emails obtained by NBC 10 Boston.
“I wanted to apologize for my previous email regarding a Holiday Party for tomorrow,” the follow-up message said, according to copies of the emails obtained by NBC10 Boston. “I did send that to everyone by accident, I apologize if my email may have offended or came across as so.”
What happened next
The mistake made headlines and generated criticism for the party’s exclusion of white elected officials, but Wu and others said the “Electeds of Color” party is a longstanding tradition and just one of multiple holiday celebrations the city throws.
“There are many, many events that are private events for all different sorts of groups, and so we’ve clarified that and look forward to seeing everyone at one of the other dozens of opportunities to celebrate the holidays together,” Wu said in video from NBC 10.
Wu called the email “just an honest mistake.” She also said her office had spoken to councilors to address the matter, according to video from WCVB-TV.
“We’ve had individual conversations with everyone so people understand that it was truly just an honest mistake that went out in typing the email field, and I look forward to celebrating with everyone at the holiday parties that we will have besides this one,” she said.
Wu’s office did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Thursday.
What has the reaction been?
Councilor Frank Baker said the situation was “divisive” but also that he wasn’t offended to not be invited.
“You don’t want me at a party, I’m not going to come to the party,” Baker told NBC10.
Councilor Ruthzee Louijeune, in a separate NBC10 interview, disagreed.
“It’s not at all divisive,” Louijeune told the station. “It’s creating spaces for people and communities and identities with shared experiences to come together.”
Councilor Ricardo Arroyo addressed the controversy in a social media post that poked fun at Wu’s critics.
“Never let facts get in the way of some manufactured outrage,” he wrote on X, formerly Twitter. “Electeds of Color has existed for over a decade and the holiday party is an annual tradition. Wait until someone tells them about the Congressional Black Caucus or MA Black and Latino Legislative Caucus. The horror!!”
Councilor Sharon Durkan said in a statement to the Globe that she wasn’t bothered that she wasn’t invited.
“It’s a really busy season!” Durkan said. “As a new elected official, I’ve been inundated with invites to holiday events. I’m not the least bit offended to not be included in this long-standing get together. What is new this season is how many elected officials of color represent our City and State. Let’s be clear, that’s an amazing thing and I hope attendees had a blast last night.”
Reached by phone on Thursday, Baker, and councilors Liz Breadon, Julia Mejia, and Councilor Kendra Lara declined to comment. The other members of the council did not immediately respond to inquiries.
How Wu responded
Asked for comment, Wu’s office said that no city funds were used to pay for the party and provided a recording of the mayor speaking to reporters outside the Parkman House before the party on Wednesday night.
“I am honored to be a part of this group,” Wu said. “It is a longstanding affinity group that has grown in recent years here in Boston and Massachusetts. Think of the congressional black caucus or the Black and Latino ... legislative caucus at the State House. This is one that spans all levels of government and is a space for people to build coalitions and represent communities.”
“There are many, many such coalitions that exist, and each one should have their own space to connect and build and do that work,” Wu continued. “And holiday season is a great time just to get together and enjoy each other’s company as well. I’m proud to host many, many of these across all different types of coalitions.”
Wu posted a statement to Instagram late Thursday afternoon alongside a photograph from the party that showed her sitting at a table with about 16 other guests, saying that it had been her turn to host the celebration.
“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,” Wu said.
“Not too long ago in Boston, we didn’t need such a big table to fit electeds of color,” she continued. “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. Throughout the year, we work to represent our communities with urgency and determination. And at the holidays, we take the time to celebrate and enjoy each other’s company!”
What others say
David Giannotti, public education and communications division chief of the Massachusetts Ethics Commission said he could not comment on specific matters or “confirm or deny whether the commission is reviewing any matters.”
“Generally speaking, public resources, such as public facilities, may not be used for non-public purposes,” Giannotti said.
Chris Sinacola, a spokesman for the Pioneer Institute, a conservative think tank, said officials there “cannot think of any legal rules that the party invitation would have violated.”
Adam Hosein, a faculty member at The Ethics Institute at Northeastern University said he saw no issue with the party.
“It’s perfectly acceptable for elected officials of color to get together to discuss their shared experiences and challenges,” said Hosein, who is an associate professor of philosophy, an affiliate law professor, and director of the Politics, Philosophy, and Economics Program at Northeastern. “The Mayor is part of a group like that, it was her turn to host the group’s holiday party, and she didn’t use public funds to support the event.”
“Parties are fun, but they can also be a chance for people to connect on a personal level and reflect on work they have been doing together,” said Hosein, who specializes in moral, political, and legal philosophy with a special interest in issues relating to race and gender. “It’s not bad manners to bring together the elected officials of color so that they can share in this way.”
Tonya Alanez and Nick Stoico of the Globe staff contributed to this report.
Jeremy C. Fox can be reached at jeremy.fox@globe.com. Follow him @jeremycfox.