Boston City Council Passes Revised Commission Following 2014 Veto

The commission will seek to address issues relating to the Black, male community in Boston.

The Boston City Council unanimously voted to pass a new commission in the course of their Sept. 15 meeting. The commission, known as the Commission on Black Men and Boys, will address issues such as healthcare and education, by which Black men and boys are disproportionately impacted.

The September vote marked the second time such a commission has been passed by the city council. In 2014, a commission by the same name was passed with unanimous support, but was subsequently vetoed by former Mayor Martin Walsh.

“Since then, we have continued to see disproportionate impacts on Black men and boys in all sectors, from education to health and wellness to economic empowerment to violence,” said Julia Mejia, councilor and lead sponsor of the commission. “The need for this commission never went away, and neither did the advocates who have been pushing for this ordinance.”

According to a letter published by the former mayor, the commission was vetoed because it would “duplicate and complicate efforts that (his) administration (was) already engaged in.” At the time, Boston was newly involved in former President Barack Obama’s “My Brother’s Keeper,” initiative, which, like the Commission on Black Men and Boys, was dedicated to addressing “persistent opportunity gaps,” among young men of color. Additionally, it would violate the city charter.

The new commission was first introduced in June, with several key changes. Aside from language-based revisions, changes were made based on Walsh’s veto, to ensure the ordinance was in compliance with the city charter. 

In addition, the commission was given the ability to facilitate community discussions on issues that affect Black men and boys. Such issues include sexual orientation and gender identity, violence prevention, employment, and more. Revisions were also made to ensure the presence of LGBTQ members, to “recognize their own pathway as part of the Commission on Black Men and Boys.”

Some responsibilities delegated to the commission include the ability to advise the Mayor on issues relevant to Black men and boys, and assist in determining budget and policy priorities. The commission would also be able to design programs to promote equity for Black men and boys, as well as perform community outreach.

“It’s very exciting to see us again to create history… to make sure that the vital conversations about how this city moves in any community — but especially when dealing with Black men and boys — (are) at the table, front and center,” said Councilor Lydia Edwards.

The commission is still awaiting approval from Mayor Kim Janey.