EQUITY THROUGH GRASSROOTS LEADERSHIP

Lack of opportunity. Poverty. Racism. Unfair systems that underserve, overlook and ignore entire groups. These are just some of the barriers faced by Black, Latino, Indigenous and all people of color in our city as well as those who identify as nonbinary, people with disabilities, and members of other marginalized communities. Some beat the odds and rise to become activists, advocates and changemakers.

The voices and the ideas of grassroots leaders strengthen everything we do. During the pandemic, these leaders have faced unparalleled challenges. Fifteen of them participated in the Boston Neighborhood Fellows program through which they received professional development and coaching to strengthen their leadership skills. They also held wellness retreats and storytelling workshops that culminated in the Community Spotlight Series—brief, moving videos through which they shared the experiences that have shaped them—and their determination to help others facing similar challenges.

We invite you to visit tbf.org/spotlight for videos about these changemakers.

A POWERFUL EXAMPLE OF GRASSROOTS LEADERSHIP WAS THE 1968 MOVEMENT BY THE SOUTH END’S PUERTO RICAN RESIDENTS THAT STOPPED THE CITY OF BOSTON FROM LEVELING THEIR HOMES DURING URBAN RENEWAL. THE BOSTON FOUNDATION SUPPORTED THE RESULT OF THAT ACTIVISM WITH EARLY FUNDING FOR INQUILINOS BORICUAS EN ACCIÓN, WHICH HONORS ITS ROOTS EVERY YEAR THROUGH FESTIVAL BETANCES. WE CONTINUE TO SUPPORT NEIGHBORHOOD-BASED GRASSROOTS LEADERSHIP (PAGE 18).

Photos by Yuder Mezarene Aldi