Massachusetts is the first state to elect a Black U.S. senator (Edward W. Brooke). And Massachusetts is the second state to elect a Black governor (Deval Patrick). Both choices greatly benefitted all the citizens of the commonwealth. We need the election for mayor to be as beneficial.
Unfortunately, the mayor’s office in Boston has been stifled by perennial tribalism. For decades, the office has been occupied by men of Hibernian persuasion until Tom Menino of Southern European heritage became the longest serving Boston mayor in history (1993-2013). This was humorously referred to by some as ethnic diversity.
Blacks tried to alter the monoethnic result with an ill-conceived campaign in 2013. With six candidates of color, Marty Walsh and John Connolly won the preliminary to assure a return to the old tradition of sons of Eire in the mayor’s office.
Now there is a real chance to establish Boston as one of the nation’s truly metropolitan cities. Andrea Campbell and acting mayor Kim Janey both score high enough in the polls, especially when considering the undecided, for at least one to win in the preliminary. But if both win, a new Boston is assured.
Voters need not be concerned that a vote for Campbell or Janey simply establishes another oppressive ethnicity. Sen. Brooke and Gov. Patrick have established that when Blacks win office, they open the doors for everyone.
Vote Campbell or Janey for mayor!!!
