Hundreds attend a town hall meeting focused on a new report from the Urban League of Eastern Massachusetts, the NAACP Boston and the Trotter Institute at U-Mass Boston.
As a precursor to this week’s 2011 National Urban League conference, many gathered a day early for a town hall meeting prompted by a new report, The State of Black Boston.
During breakout sessions devoted to sections of the report, panelists drilled down on topics such as the currently
bleak outlook for Boston’s Black press,
housing and economic development and
civic disenfranchisement among the city’s minority majority. One panel was devoted to the exploration of Boston’s modern cultural scene, “since Boston is evolving demographically, and leaving behind, however slowly, the perception that it is a white-bread place wary of outsiders.”
Dr. James Jennings, Professor of Urban and Environmental Policy & Planning at Tufts University, authored the report. It is based upon census and business data used to create a demographic profile of a city.The Urban League describes it as “ .. a tool to assess, measure, and understand the nature of racial inequality among Bostonians.”
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“@titojackson: At the Hynes convention ctr with @MassGovernor and over 1000 others for the State of Black Boston. #mapoli #bospoli” |
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Massachusetts Governor Duval Patrick kicked off the day with a morning address.
The following are comments are made by attendees at today’s pre-conference meetings.
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Patrick on being 1st black MA governor: “Being the first doesn’t mean anything if there isn’t a second.” @massgovernor #2011sobb #nul11 #fb |
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Patrick says he was still in school in 1976 when Urban League conference last came to Boston #2011sobb #nul11 #fb |
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There is much discussion about Boston’s racist reputation (school busing and Charles Stuart) at #2011sobb #nul11 #fb |
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There are some concerns by some attendees that there aren’t many young adults here today. Who are the future leaders? #2011sobb #nul11 #fb |
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Lol…I love hearing grown black men say fashionista and quote lady gaga. #2011SOBB |
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Dr. Ogletree says we do not talk enough about mental health in the black community #2011SOBB #NUL11 |
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#2011sobb executive summary is being discussed. Health care has improved for black residents #nul11 #fb |
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Investigative reporter Soledad O’Brien gave the keynote luncheon address. O’Brien is known for hosting CNN’s In America series and is an acclaimed writer, covering topics from gay couples adopting children to the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.
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@soledad_obrien is speaking about her “In America” series. “My goal is to move the needle in discussing diversity” #2011sobb #nul11 #fb |
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Obrien says she is “disappointed” about the lack of racial diversity on prime time cable. #2011sobb #nul11 #fb |
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RT @YPNULEM: “How are we attacking age old disparities in the high tech industry within the black community?” @Soledad_Obrien #2011SOBB #NUL11 |
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Inspired by the words and life of Soledad O’Brien at the State of Black Boston at Hynes Convention Center. Her focus was on solving social issues in our community by economic empowerment and justice. |
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RT @YPNULEM: “I want to talk about Diversity in the Nation and where we are headed” @Soledad_Obrien #2011SOBB #NUL11 |
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Wrap up: Most #2011sobb discussion was on economic justice, entrepreneurship and why blacks need to take back their wealth #nul11 #fb |
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@Soledad_OBrien said “when people want something more, they will win”. Yes!!! #2011sobb |
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