'That's definitely racist': Internet slams Boston Mayor Michelle Wu as she insists her 'Electeds of Color' holiday party isn't divisive

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS: The Mayor of Boston, Michelle Wu, organized a holiday party on Wednesday night, December 13, that was exclusively for ‘Electeds of Color'.

Despite initial controversy, Wu defended the gathering and argued that there would be ample opportunities for people of all races to come together in the future.

The event was initially extended to all 13 members of the city council, but invitations were rescinded for seven white councilors just 15 minutes later.

When asked if she believed the event was divisive, Wu responded in the negative and emphasized that the ‘Electeds of Color’ holiday party was an appropriate way to celebrate "identity and culture and heritage" in Boston.

According to reports from the Boston Herald, six people of color were invited to the event, while seven white council members were not.

What did Mayor Michelle Wu say to the press regarding the party on Wednesday?

Michelle Wu was elected Mayor of Boston in November 2021, becoming the city's first female and first Asian-American mayor, according to the Daily Mail.

 

The 38-year-old daughter of Taiwanese immigrants explained, “This is a group that has been in place for many, many years. We celebrate all kinds of connection and identity and culture and heritage in the city.”

Wu added, “Just yesterday we hosted our official City Hall Hanukkah lighting. We have had tree lightings, and we want to be a city where everyone's identity is embraced, and that there are spaces and communities we can help support.”

Wu acknowledged that an invitation sent only to white people was "an honest mistake" but did not accept that segregating people by race could be deemed offensive.

 

“I think we've all been in the position at one point where an email went out and there was a mistake in the recipients. So, there was truly just an honest mistake,” she said.

She continued, “There are multiple ways that we celebrate with everyone. There are several parties where all the entire city council and all of our elected colleagues have been invited to.”

She further stated that she and her team had individually spoken to everyone to clarify that the email was a genuine error made while typing the recipient's email address.

She expressed her eagerness to celebrate with everyone at the upcoming holiday parties, saying, “And I look forward to celebrating with everyone at the holiday parties that we will have beside this one as well. And it is my intention that we can again be a city that lives our values and creates space for all kinds of communities to come together.”

Internet disagrees with Wu’s idea of a segregated holiday party

People on X criticized this move by the Boston mayor, saying that a progressive politician like her must understand the implications of her decisions when it comes to racially divisive events such as this.

One X user said, “This doesn't seem racist at all"

Another user stated, "The disparate impact regulations ensure that public funds, to which all taxpayers of all races contribute, are not spent in any fashion that encourages, subsidizes, or results in discrimination on the basis of race, color, or national origin."

Another user remarked, "So much for inclusivity and equality I guess."

"And how is this not racist?" one user asked.

Another X user declared, "That is definitely racist by having a no whites party."

"She should take care of the feelings of the white people that weren't invited. Maybe a gift card would do," one user suggested.

 

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.