Boston's Democratic mayor has sparked outrage after inviting city council members to a party intended only for “elected people of color.”
Michelle Wu's invitation to the Dec. 13 “Electeds of Color Holiday Party” appeared to have been mistakenly sent to all council members by her assistant, Denise DosSantos.
DosSantos followed up on the email 15 minutes later and apologized for the invitation, clarifying that it was only intended for the city's six council members of color. The seven white council members were not welcome.
“I wanted to apologize for my earlier email about a Christmas party tomorrow,” wrote DosSantos, a Black woman. “I accidentally sent that to everyone, and I apologize if my email was offensive or came across that way. Apologies for any confusion this may have caused.'
There was no apology for actually hosting a racially segregated party. Wu has been criticized by retiring city councilor Frank Baker, who said so Boston Herald that it was 'unfortunate and divisive'.
Boston Mayor Michelle Wu (pictured in October) sparked backlash after planning a race-based Christmas party for 'elected people of color'
Wu City Council Relations Director Denise DosSantos reportedly accidentally invited the chamber to the exclusive event and apologized for any wrongdoing.
The move quickly divided the Boston City Council, with some saying they were not offended by the party, while others questioned Wu's judgment.
Wu was elected mayor of Boston in November 2021, becoming the city's first female and first Asian American mayor.
Michael McCormack, an attorney and former five-term Boston city council member, said Wu hosting an exclusive party is not typical of her office, and argued that former mayors Tom Menino and Ray Flynn would have invited the entire room.
“The problem is that Boston and race are unfortunately synonymous,” McCormack said.
The event was unveiled after Mayor Wu's director of council relations Denise DosSantos (pictured) accidentally invited the entire room instead of just “elected people of color.”
'I just hope it was a mistake. It's not something anyone in the mayor's office should be proud of.”
However, Wu's spokesman Ricardo Patron said Wednesday that the mayor was asked to organize the annual party by the group Electeds of Color, and that the host and location change every year.
He said the party was just one of many taking place during the holidays, and that Wu is planning a larger holiday party next week for all her Cabinet members, city council members and the entire Legislature.
Baker said he didn't see the additional, exclusive party as a “good move” given heightened tensions in the council, but said he wasn't personally offended.
Wu was elected mayor of Boston in 2021, becoming the city's first female and first Asian American mayor
Some critics questioned Wu's judgment, arguing that hosting an exclusive party is not typical of her mayoralty, and the move may not have succeeded if it was carried out by former mayors such as Ray Flynn (left) and Thomas Menino (right).
“I think it's a shame that, given the current temperature, we would further increase those divisions,” he said, adding: “I don't get offended easily.
“To offend me, you'll have to do a lot more than not invite me to a party.”
Others defended the move, with Black City Councilman Brian Worrell saying the holiday party was an example of how Boston's government was reflecting “all kinds of specific groups.”
“We make space and spaces for all kinds of specific groups in the city and the city council,” Worrell told the Boston Herald. “This is no different, and the Elected Officials of Color have been around for over a decade.”
Councilwoman Tania Fernandes Anderson said in an email to DosSantos and Wu's team that the email invitation “should not offend anyone and there is absolutely no confusion.”
Fernandes Anderson felt there was “no need for excuses at all,” saying, “Just as there are groups that come together based on shared interests or cultural backgrounds, it is completely normal for elected officials of color to come together for celebration.”
She continued, “Many groups celebrate and come together in different ways, and it's not about excluding anyone. Instead, it's about creating spaces for like-minded individuals to connect and support each other.”