Commemorating the 50th Anniversary of Boston Desegregation and Busing

Meet the Committee

Committee Members

Meet the committee that is leading the efforts to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Desegregation and Busing in Boston.

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Forums

We are organizing forums and events around Boston to commemorate the anniversary. Join us.

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Resources

Explore additional resources and materials relating to the Boston Desegregation Initiative

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J Gallery Exhibit at the Boston Public Library

Opening date in September to be posted.

BDBI Mission Statement

The Boston Desegregation and Busing Initiative (BDBI) is dedicated to examining, learning from, and charting a path forward from the tumultuous era of desegregation in the Boston Public Schools. Through forums, exhibits, partnerships, research, and interviews, we seek to answer crucial questions about our past: What happened, what lessons were learned, and what lies ahead for Boston's educational landscape.

Our commitment extends to honoring the resilience and activism of Black residents who fought for equity in education, confronting the institutional resistance they faced. We acknowledge the divisiveness that characterized the busing era, recognizing the courage of those who stood up for justice amidst adversity.

As a committee of diverse voices, including community leaders, educators, and individuals directly impacted by busing, we strive to foster dialogue, understanding, and healing. By acknowledging both the progress made and the lingering challenges, we aim to contribute to the ongoing improvement of Boston Public Schools, ensuring equitable opportunities and outcomes for all students.

“ White parents didn’t want it for their kids, and black parents would have preferred not to have to have busing if they had quality schools. We did not slow down, take a deep breath, take a step back and ask ourselves what’s possible together.

— Bryant Rollins, African-American Journalist who covered these events in Boston


2024 Forums

Join us as we commemorate the 50th anniversary of Boston's desegregation and busing initiatives with a series of enlightening forums hosted by the Boston Desegregation and Busing Initiative (BDBI). Throughout the year, we will convene discussions to reflect on the lessons learned, the progress made, and the challenges that still lie ahead in achieving educational equity. Registration is free and open to the public. Don't miss this opportunity to engage in meaningful dialogue and contribute to the ongoing journey towards a more inclusive and just educational system.

Reserve your spot today!

BDBI Funders

Boston Bar Association

Children's Hospital

Eastern Bank

Foley Hoag LLP

Massachusetts Bar Association

Massachusetts Teachers Association

Nellie Mae Foundation

Pilot House Associates/Barbara Hostetter

The Boston Foundation

UMass Robert Wood Fellowship

Robert Wood Visiting Professorship and Internship Program at UMass Boston

BDBI PARTNERS

BOSTON COLLEGE ARCHIVES

BOSTON GLOBE

BOSTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS

CITY OF BOSTON ARCHIVES

CIVIC ACTION PROJECT

EMBRACE BOSTON

FACING HISTORY AND OURSELVES

FORD HALL FORUM AT SUFFOLK UNIVERSITY

GBH

MASSACHUSETTS ACTION FOR JUSTICE

NORTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY ARCHIVES

THE BOSTON FOUNDATION

UMASS BOSTON ARCHIVES

BOSTON ATHENAEUM