CAPAC Members Commemorate Anniversary of COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act Being Signed into Law

 CAPAC Members Commemorate Anniversary of COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act Being Signed into Law

Washington, D.C. —  Today, Members of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) commemorate the first anniversary of the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act being signed into law by President Biden. CAPAC Members released the following statements:

 

CAPAC Chair Rep. Judy Chu (CA-27):

 

“Today marks one year since the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act was signed into law by President Biden. We have seen over 11,000 anti-Asian hate crimes and incidents reported since March 2020, making the passage and signing of this bill into law all the more critical. The bill also included the text of my bipartisan bill, the Jabara-Heyer NO HATE Act, which strengthens hate crimes reporting by state and local law enforcement through the implementation of the National Incident Based Reporting System (NIBRS) and, crucially, provides resources to support victims of hate crimes. I was proud to lead this bill with Rep. Don Beyer (VA-08) and it serves as a stark reminder of the lives lost and destroyed by hatred and bigotry. I thank CAPAC First Vice-Chair Congresswoman Grace Meng (NY-06) and Senator Mazie Hirono (HI), for their leadership on this bill and President Biden for making sure this important step towards combating anti-Asian hate is now the law of the land. As we move forward, along with my fellow CAPAC Members, I will continue working with our partners at the Department of Justice to ensure this law is implemented and upheld to its fullest extent.”

 

Congresswoman Grace Meng (NY-06), CAPAC First Vice-Chair:

 

“One year ago, President Biden stood with the Asian American community against bigotry and discrimination by signing the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act into law, the bill I introduced with Senator Hirono. The law was a first step toward addressing the surge in anti-Asian hate crimes that resulted from our community being scapegoated for the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. These accusations led to Asian Americans being violently attacked – and tragically even killed. Everybody in our country deserves to feel safe. As our community processes and recovers from the trauma of these attacks, we must continue to provide every possible resource to community-based organizations on the ground. That is why I fought to create a new $5 million grant program in a federal government spending bill within the Justice Department that would go directly toward community-based organizations and civil rights groups providing services to hate crimes victims and their families. We must continue to combat hatred and racism whenever and wherever we see it.”

Congressman Mark Takano (CA-41), CAPAC Second Vice-Chair:

“According to the Center for the Study of Hate and Extremism, anti-Asian hate crimes rose by 339-percent last year. There have been 10,905 hate incidents against AAPIs from March 2020 through December 2021 – that we know of – according to Stop AAPI Hate. These statistics are heartbreaking and infuriating all at once. One year ago today, the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act was signed into law to put an end to these hate crimes against AAPIs. I’m proud of the work of my Democratic colleagues and thankful to President Biden for his commitment to addressing this issue and supporting our community through these tumultuous times. May the progress continue.”

Congressman Ted Lieu (CA-33), CAPAC Whip:

“Asian Americans faced a shocking spike in hate crimes during the COVID-19 pandemic as racist rhetoric and prejudice surged. The passage of the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act marked an important step toward protecting the AAPI community and has helped provide victims with support. As we mark one year since the passage of the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act, I continue to stand with Asian Americans who are victims of hate crimes and harassment. We remain strongly committed to eradicating Asian hate in all its forms.”

Senator Mazie Hirono (HI):

“One year ago today, we stood beside President Biden, Vice President Harris, and my colleagues, as the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act was signed into law. Amid a disturbing rise in anti-APIA hate crimes, this bill has provided the federal government and our communities with important tools and support to combat hate crimes. Since passing the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act, we have continued working to eradicate anti-Asian hate and the senseless acts of violence committed against members of our communities and every marginalized group. But we know that a lot of work remains. Anti-Asian hate is still on the rise, and we just witnessed a horrific domestic terrorist attack against the Black community in Buffalo last week. We must reaffirm our commitment to combatting the discrimination, prejudice, and racism that communities of color, the LGBTQ+ community, women and more, continue to face. Our work is not finished until everyone in this country is safe, welcomed, and respected.”

Congressman Al Green (TX-09):

“A year ago today, the House, Senate, and Biden Administration made it perspicuously clear through passage of the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act that hate and invidious discrimination have no place in the United States. To this day, we proudly stand for and with Asian Americans to denounce intolerance against them and other marginalized communities. I applaud CAPAC for taking a laudable public stance against hate and showing that we reject the poisonous epidemic of hate crimes in our nation, for it is those who tolerate hate that perpetuate hate.”

Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal (WA-07):

“As we mark the one-year anniversary since we passed the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act, we remember the lives of our fellow Asian American and Pacific Islander siblings who were taken by hate, leaving our communities reeling. This legislation made it clear that there is no room for racism, discrimination, hate, or violence in this country, and that Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders are just as valid in their American identity as anybody else. We must continue to build on this work in Congress and put an end to this hate once and for all.”

Congressman Andy Kim (NJ-03):

“When I met with the families and friends of the shooting victims in Atlanta and when I speak with AAPI communities in New Jersey, I continue to be asked what I can do – what Congress can do to help keep AAPIs safe? By passing the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act last year, we took concrete steps that show that our country is serious about addressing AAPI hate. the law is a good first step, but it must be fully implemented and funded so that our communities and police are better equipped to recognize and report hate crimes. I hope that as we go forward, we can begin to move beyond the politics of "otherism" and hate to instead focus on the shared values that can bring us together."

Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland (WA-10):

 

“One year ago, Congress passed the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act to tackle hate crimes against the AAPI community that spiked due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Along with my CAPAC colleagues, I was honored to play a pivotal role in guiding this important legislation through Congress. While we still have more work to do to prevent anti-AAPI hate crimes, we come together to celebrate this important anniversary and recommit ourselves to always standing up for the AAPI community.”

Congresswoman Carolyn Bourdeaux (GA-07):

“The racist Atlanta Spa Shootings left families in my district and across our country in fear of an unprecedented rise in hate crimes and violence against Asian Americans. I was proud to stand with my AAPI neighbors and pass this civil rights legislation to make clear that hate against anyone is an attack on us all. One year later, acts of white supremacy are still damaging our nation. While we recognize this legislation’s impact, we must look at what can be done next. To overcome hate, we must and will stand together.”

Congresswoman Katherine Clark (MA-05):

“The COVID-19 pandemic brought with it a deadly public health emergency, an economic crisis, and a disturbing rise in anti-Asian hate in the United States. A year ago today, this Congress took action, passing the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act to ensure that hate crimes against the AAPI community are punished to the full extent of the law. Over the last two years, I have seen our Asian communities come together to help their neighbors, donating masks and food, and joining marches and protests to demand justice for all. Our communities are enriched with this diversity of cultures, backgrounds, and experiences, and deserve to live free of fear from violence and discrimination based on their heritage and race.”

Congresswoman Linda Sanchez (CA-38):

 

“Every American deserves to feel safe and protected in their communities. Unfortunately, we have witnessed a disturbing rise in anti-Asian hate crimes, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Congress made historic progress one year ago today when we passed the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act. This legislation was an important step toward preventing racially motivated violence in America. However, there is more work to be done. I am committed to working alongside my colleagues in the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus to combat anti-Asian hate wherever it is found.”

 

Congressman Adam Smith (WA-09):

 

“Today marks the one-year anniversary of the passage of the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act, a tremendous milestone in our fight to tackle hate crimes in the United States. This bill, which passed with overwhelming bipartisan support, provided resources to improve hate crime tracking and reporting, conduct prevention and response programs, and provide support to the victims of hate crimes – with specific emphasis on the increase in violence against Asian Americans. Tragically, the COVID-19 pandemic triggered a rise in xenophobia and racism, which fueled a steady increase of anti-Asian hate crimes. This crisis has been deeply felt in communities across the country, including in the Ninth District of Washington State. I am proud of the swift action taken by Congress to address this crisis. Today, as we reflect on this anniversary, we are also reminded of the work that remains to help reduce hate crimes and ensure that all members of our communities are able to lead safe and prosperous lives.”

 

Congressman David Trone (MD-06):

 

“Injustice and prejudice toward the Asian community is nothing new, but it’s important we continue to take action together against this hate,” said Representative David Trone. “That’s exactly why I voted to support the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act. Immigrants make America stronger. We are so fortunate that folks want to come to this country, and we need to help drive that. And we should celebrate those diverse perspectives and cultures because they are the fabric of our nation.” 

熱浪來襲，波士頓市週末開放15個中心供市民降溫

MAYOR WU DECLARES HEAT EMERGENCY, OPENS 15 BCYF COOLING CENTERS TO ALL RESIDENTS

BOSTON - Friday, May 20, 2022 - Today, Mayor Michelle Wu declared a heat emergency in the City of Boston beginning Saturday, May 21 through Sunday, May 22 due to the hot and humid weather that is forecasted for this time period. Temperatures are expected to be in the low to mid 90s.  “We’re working quickly to make sure all of our Boston residents and families are protected during this weekend’s extremely hot weather,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “As we head into summer, it is clear that earlier, more frequent extreme heat days from a changing climate are a risk to our health and communities. I’m grateful to the many city workers who have started preparations and will be responding to this heat emergency and urge everyone to stay cool and safe, and check on your neighbors over the weekend.” To help residents stay cool, cooling centers will be open at 15 Boston Centers for Youth & Families (BCYF) community centers Saturday and Sunday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. A full list of centers can be found at boston.gov/heat. Due to the rising COVID-19 case count, the use of masks in cooling centers is strongly recommended. Additionally, more than 50 splash pads will be open at parks and playgrounds throughout the City.  Select indoor BCYF pools will be open Saturday. Registration for a time to swim can be found at this link. Information on heat safety tips can be found online at boston.gov/heat and by following @CityofBoston on Twitter. Residents can sign up for AlertBoston, the City's emergency notification system, to receive emergency alerts by phone, email or text. Sign up online here. Residents are also encouraged to call 311 with any questions about available City services. The Mayor issued the following heat safety tips for all members of the public: Children and pets should never be left alone in vehicles, even for short periods of time. Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of fluids regardless of activity level. Avoid alcoholic beverages and liquids high in sugar or caffeine. Keep cool with frequent cool showers, shade, and air conditioning or fans.  Limit outdoor activity to morning and evening hours. Rest often in shady areas and be extra cautious from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., when the sun's ultraviolet (UV) radiation is strongest. Know the signs of heat exhaustion. Heavy sweating, cool and clammy skin, dizziness, nausea, and muscle aches could all be signs of heat exhaustion. If symptoms persist, call 911 immediately. Do not delay care. Heat is the leading cause of weather-related deaths in the US and can exacerbate underlying illnesses. Adults and children should use sunscreen containing an SPF-30 or higher and wear protective, loose-fitting clothing, including long sleeve shirts and hats. If you have a child in your home, use child window guards in addition to screens on any open window on the second story or above. Falls are the leading cause of injury for children under the age of six.  Secure all window air conditioner units according to the manufacturer's specifications. If you are heading to a beach, lake or pool to beat the heat, swim where lifeguards are present. Always watch children near the water and make sure they’re wearing a U.S. Coast Guard approved life jacket. Please call or check on neighbors, especially older adults, and people with disabilities. Please keep pets indoors, hydrated and cool, as asphalt and ground conditions are significantly hotter and unsafe during heat. Helping Individuals Experiencing Homelessness: If you see individuals out in the heat who appear immobile or disoriented, please ask them if they need assistance and call 911 immediately. The Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC) operates emergency shelters at 112 Southampton St. and 794 Massachusetts Ave. These facilities are air conditioned and open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Amnesty has been called because of extremely high temperatures so those with non-violent restrictions can access shelter out of the heat.  The City of Boston works closely with a network of shelter providers to ensure there is adequate shelter, food, water, and a cool respite from the heat. Street outreach teams providing recovery services remain operating as normal during summertime weather. Outreach teams are providing sunscreen and water on outreach routes.  The Engagement Center will not be open for cooling or related resources. Playground Safety:   Shoes should be worn outdoors, including playgrounds and turf athletic fields, as  surfaces can become extremely hot and cause burns, even on splash pads and spray decks. Outdoor Fires and Grilling: No outdoor fires are allowed in Boston, including fire pits, chimineas, and bonfires. Charcoal grills must be on the ground and away from buildings. Keep in mind the wind and never leave grills unattended. Dispose of the ash in a metal container once completely out. Propane tank grills are only allowed on first floor porches with steps to the ground. Do not place propane tank grills near air conditioners or up against a building. Make sure all connections are tight and never carry propane tanks into a home. Grills should always be used in a well-ventilated area. Mayor Wu recently announced Heat Resilience Solutions for Boston, a citywide framework to prepare Boston for hotter summers and more intense heat events. The Heat Plan presents 26 strategies that will help build a more just, equitable, and resilient Boston. To support the implementation of the Heat Plan, the City will launch the Boston Extreme Temperatures Response Task Force, which will help deliver a unified, all-of-government response to address chronic high temperature conditions and prepare the city in advance of extreme heat events. The Task Force’s work will be supported by the Environment Department, the Office of Emergency Management, and the Boston Public Health Commission’s Office of Public Health Preparedness with the goal of collaboratively protecting and promoting the health and wellbeing of Boston residents facing increasing temperatures and other climate risks

33萬餘麻州人6月將收到500元州政府補助

            (Boston Orange 編譯) 麻州政府5月19日宣佈第二輪低收入工作者每人發500元補助款計畫。估計將於6月發放總共1億6500萬元給33萬符合資格者。

             麻州議會去年12月通過，麻州州長查理貝克 (Charlie Baker) 簽署的法案，要動用美國援救計劃法 (ARPA) 4億元經費中的一部分，發放加給款給低收入的基礎必要工作人員。

             第一輪在今年3月發放，共發給48萬人每人一張500元的支票。在發放第二輪後，這法案編列的4億600萬元，將共已支出4億元。

             第二輪的領取資格參數和第一輪差不多，並將以各人申報的2021年麻州稅作為是否符合資格依據。若2021年就業收入至少13,500元，總收入額低於聯邦貧窮線的300%，也就是38,640元以下，就符合資格。

             已婚並聯合報稅者也可申請，只要已婚兩人的個別情況都符合條件規定，就有資格領取。查詢是否符合資格，可在週一至周五的早上9點至下午4點間，致電洽詢 (866) 750-9803。

Massachusetts Announces Second Round of Premium Payments to Low-Income Workers

$500 payments will be delivered to approximately 330,000 individuals in Round 2

 

BOSTON – The Baker-Polito Administration today announced its plan for a second round of $500 payments to low-income workers under the COVID-19 Essential Employee Premium Pay program, which was passed by the Massachusetts Legislature and signed by Governor Baker in December 2021 as part of a $4 billion spending plan for American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. These payments will deliver approximately $165 million to an estimated 330,000 eligible individuals in June.

 

The first round of payments, distributed in March 2022, provided $500 checks to approximately 480,000 people. Individuals in the second round of payments did not receive payments in the first round. With this second round of payments, over $400 million of the $460 million program will have been distributed to eligible individuals.

 

Click here to learn more about the program and see if you are eligible.

 

The eligibility parameters for the second round of payments largely mirror those of the first round, but criteria have been updated for annual changes in minimum wage and federal poverty level calculations. Eligibility will be based on filed 2021 Massachusetts tax returns. Individuals will be eligible for payments if their 2021 income from employment was at least $13,500 and their total income put them at or below 300% of the federal poverty level.

 

The lower bound of this range equates to working 20 hours a week for 50 weeks at minimum wage as of 2021 ($13.50). The federal poverty level is set by the federal government and increases with household or family size. For example, the maximum total income for a single filer with no dependents will be $38,640; a resident who files with a spouse and two dependents, or with no spouse and three dependents, could be eligible with a household income up to $79,500. Married filers can each be eligible, provided each independently qualifies. Based on these parameters, the below chart indicates eligibility for these payments by household size:

 

Household / Family Size	2021 Total Income @ 300% of FPL
1	$38,640
2	$52,260
3	$65,880
4	$79,500
5	$93,120
6	$106,740
7	$120,360
8	$133,980

 

Individuals who received a Round 1 payment through this program or received unemployment compensation in 2021 will not be eligible for the second round of payments, nor will Commonwealth executive branch employees who received or will receive a one-time COVID-related payment from the state as their employer.

 

For questions about eligibility, a dedicated call center is available at (866) 750-9803 and is open Monday through Friday, 9am - 4pm.

 

Click here to view answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs).

 

The legislation creating the Premium Pay program included $500 million for low-income essential workers; this $460 million program comprises the majority of those funds, and $40 million was allocated to fund previous agreements with state employee unions. Additional information on plans to disburse funds remaining after June will be released in the future. 

租金控制再成話題 麻州長候選人Maura Healey支持由地方市鎮自行決定

               (Boston Orange 綜合編譯) 控制租金 (Rent Control) 在去年的波士頓市長選舉和今年的麻州州長選舉，都是一大熱門話題。麻州總檢察長奚莉 (Maura Healey) 今 (20) 日在電台訪問中公開表示不支持” 控制租金” ，並隨即補充說明不支持地毯式全州性方案，傾向允許地方市鎮自訂政策。

               GBH波士頓公共電台今早在節目中問奚莉，如果她當選州長，會不會簽署” 控制租金法案 (rent control bill)” 。奚莉回應道，她不支持以控制租金，做為控制麻州房價高漲的解決方案，稍後再重新修辭表示，她不支持地毯式規定全州控制租金，但對於准許個別市鎮自訂政策，持開放態度。

                  奚莉說她相信要確保需要租金援助的人得到支持，但那不是經由穩定租金來達到，而是要蓋更多房屋。奚莉表示她支持放鬆某些區域規劃法 (zoning laws)，好讓蓋房子更容易些，同時建造以交通為導向的住宅，例如在MBTA車站附近蓋房子。

             麻州議會去年已通過，在MBTA所服務的175個市鎮實施的多家庭區域法新規定，但有十多個市鎮反對這麼做。

             1994年時，麻州選民經由選票問題，禁止麻州實施租金控制，意味著任何地方政府要實施新辦法，必須得到議會和州長的批准。

控制租金這議題，近年來在州政府及市政府中不斷浮現。波士頓市長吳弭 (Michelle Wu) 在競選時已公開表態，要「穩定租金」。

麻州參議員，刻正參選麻州州長，和奚莉是競爭對手的陳翟蘇妮 (Sonia Chang Diaz) 已公開支持容許地方政府選擇是否控制租金。今年一月她在做證支持由地方政府決定是否控制租金的法案時也表示，她支持取消禁止控制租金。

陳翟蘇妮在奚莉的電台訪問播出後表示，如果她當選州長，她會簽署支持控制租金的法案。

奚莉的競選陣營發言人Karissa Hand表示，奚莉支持社區有全實施他們自己的穩定租金政策。

目前這法案擱在麻州議會的委員會之中，並無進展。

波士頓市長吳弭在今年3月成立有23名委員的「租金穩定顧問委員會」，將研議地方住宅情況，以及其他城市的租金控制辦法，預定明年1月再在麻州議會的下一個會期，提交建議。

麻州議會的本屆會期，將於7月31日結束。

MGCC扶助小企業項目之一 輔導辦眾籌 (圖片)

 

布魯克蘭鎮亞裔家庭網學生論文賽頒獎 (圖片)

 

台灣同鄉為爾灣槍擊案逝者鄭達志醫師辦眾籌

              (Boston Orange) 加州爾灣台灣基督長老教會發生一死五傷槍擊案，衝擊全美各地。波士頓台灣同鄉會等多個機構，響應眾籌，呼籲各界捐款，為在槍擊案中喪生的鄭達志醫師籌募喪葬費用，並幫助其身後遺下的妻子與2名正讀高中小孩。

            在加州爾灣台灣基督教長老教會突然發生的這宗槍擊案，警察認為是仇恨犯罪，在事後調查中，並查悉槍手周文偉是來自台灣移民，住在拉斯維加斯，寫有反台獨日記。

            鄭達志醫師是一名運動醫學家醫科醫師，在南岸醫療集團工作，行醫之餘，他在南加州還是一名頗有名氣的螳螂拳師傅，據稱為「七星螳螂拳」第八代傳人。他雖然也是基督徒，但平常並不參加爾灣台灣基督長老教會活動，事發當天在場，是為陪伴已高齡90，甫遭喪夫之痛三個月的母親，不幸在制止槍手時，遭射擊身亡。

            現場目擊者稱，如果不是鄭達志醫師英勇阻擋，當天可能有更多人死傷。

            拉斯維加斯台灣同鄉聯誼會友人表示，周文偉是該會會員，雖然會對社會中的不公不義事件會有激憤表示，但平日言談，與人相處都十分友善，只是最近憂鬱狀況嚴重。

            有報導指稱，周文偉在拉斯維加斯一度擁有12棟公寓，他的一名前房客也認為他是可愛的老人，但他曾在一次收租時遭房客暴打到須送醫治療。

            這宗台灣人槍殺台灣人事件，在台灣人社區引發許多議論，也讓更多人看到台灣人社區內有藍綠統獨等不同派系，但大部分人想不通，為什麼會這麼暴力、極端。

            更多的台灣人對鄭達志醫師的不幸遭遇感到悲傷，在Stefanie Huie， Carol Shi， Don Chin， Johnna Gherardini 等人發起”Support Dr. John Cheng’s family” 眾籌，以募集經費安葬鄭達志醫師，支持他的家人。截至5月20日晨，已募得54萬1512元。

EMILY’s List Endorses Maura Healey for Massachusetts Governor

EMILY’s List Endorses Maura Healey for Massachusetts Governor

(File photo by Chutze Chou) WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, EMILY’s List, the nation’s largest resource for women in politics, endorsed Maura Healey for election to serve as the governor of Massachusetts. Laphonza Butler, president of EMILY’s List, released the following statement:   “During her years in political leadership in the state of Massachusetts, Attorney General Healey has demonstrated time and again that she is willing to fight to protect the rights of the people of Massachusetts. Healey was instrumental in fighting for marriage equality for LGBTQ+ couples, and she was a leading supporter of the ROE Act, which codified the right to abortion into Massachusetts law, ensuring that access will be protected in the state. Healey is the pro-choice leader that Massachusetts needs, and EMILY’s List is thrilled to announce our support of her campaign to become the state’s next governor.”   Attorney General Maura Healey is a civil rights lawyer and proven leader running for governor of Massachusetts to continue her outstanding career of public service. Healey grew up in New Hampshire, the oldest of five and raised by a strong mom who was a school nurse. She graduated from Harvard College, where she captained the basketball team, and played professional basketball in Europe. She later attended Northeastern University School of Law, and has spent the last 15 years of her career working for the people of Massachusetts. She has served as chief of the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Civil Rights Division, where she led the country’s first successful state challenge to the federal Defense of Marriage Act, changing the landscape for LGBTQ+ rights across the country. She also spearheaded efforts in Massachusetts to protect abortion clinic staff and patients, including investigating fake health clinics, defending the Massachusetts buffer zone law, helping providers secure confidential license plates, and seeking injunctions against individuals that threatened clinic staff. In 2015, Healey was sworn in as Massachusetts attorney general, becoming the first openly LGBTQ+ attorney general in the United States. As attorney general, Healey challenged unconstitutional abortion restrictions across the country and took on the Trump administration for its attacks on birth control access, Title X, and abortion via telehealth. She was an early and strong supporter of the ACCESS Act, which expanded access to contraception, and the ROE Act, which removed several anti-abortion restrictions from Massachusetts law in 2020. While she was co-chair of the Democratic Attorneys General Association, it became the first and only Democratic campaign committee to require candidates to publicly state their support for abortion rights in order to receive endorsements. She implemented an extensive paid parental leave policy and created some of the strongest equal pay regulations in the country. Throughout her career, she has been a staunch advocate of gender equality, racial justice, and civil and reproductive rights. EMILY’s List, the nation’s largest resource for women in politics, has raised over $700 million to elect Democratic pro-choice women candidates. With a grassroots community of over five million members, EMILY's List helps Democratic women win competitive campaigns – across the country and up and down the ballot – by recruiting and training candidates, supporting and helping build strong campaigns, researching the issues that impact women and families, running nearly $50 million in independent expenditures in the last cycle alone, and turning out women voters and voters of color to the polls. Since our founding in 1985, we have helped elect the country's first woman as vice president, 159 women to the House, 26 to the Senate, 16 governors, and more than 1,300 women to state and local office. More than 40% of the candidates EMILY’s List has helped elect to Congress have been women of color. After the 2016 election, more than 60,000 women reached out to EMILY's List about running for office laying the groundwork for the next decade of candidates for local, state, and national offices. In our effort to elect more women in offices across the country, we have created our Run to Win program, expanded our training program, including a Training Center online, and trained thousands of women.

MAYOR WU ANNOUNCES MEMBERS OF THE BLACK MEN & BOYS COMMISSION

MAYOR WU ANNOUNCES MEMBERS OF THE BLACK MEN & BOYS COMMISSION New commission to ensure City policies and programs are equitable for Black men and boys and to engage with communities via public meetings

BOSTON - Thursday, May 19, 2022 - In her ongoing efforts to make Boston a city for everyone, today Mayor Michelle Wu announced the members of the Black Men & Boys Commission made up of community leaders, experts and residents throughout the city’s neighborhoods. The Commission will be directly engaging with community members to address concerns through public meetings and a planned listening tour. “This group of leaders, community members, and visionaries are here to serve the City of Boston and everyone in our communities,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “We’re especially proud to be here today on Malcolm X’s birthday. This office carries his legacy and the legacy of many Black activists who dedicated their lives to justice no matter the cost. This commission will be community grounded and community oriented.” “The Black Men and Boys Commission is crucial in ensuring the City’s policies, programs and resources align with Mayor Wu’s vision for a more equitable Boston,” said Frank Farrow, Executive Director of the Mayor’s Office of Black Male Advancement. “I’m excited to start working with the Commission and encourage all residents to engage with us as we collectively work to improve outcomes for Black men and boys in our city.” In 2021, a city ordinance, sponsored by City Councilor At-Large Julia Mejia, was passed to create a commission to study and address issues facing Boston’s Black men and boys. Later, Mayor Kim Janey signed the ordinance establishing Boston’s first Black Men and Boys Commission. A similar commission was first proposed in 2014 by former District 7 City Councilor Tito Jackson, which received support from the City Council. The commission will advise the Mayor on issues pertaining to Black men and boys and be tasked with implementing projects and programs in City agencies that promote equity.  "The Black Men and Boys Commission, under the leadership of Executive Director Frank Farrow, will be an essential part of our mission in the Equity & Inclusion cabinet,” said Mariangely Solis Cervera, Chief of Equity & Inclusion. “As we transform city practices, we will continue to seek the advice and accountability of community leaders who want to see the City of Boston reach its full potential. Looking forward to this partnership!" The Commission will be housed within the Mayor’s Office For Black Male Advancement and consist of 21 members. Mayor Wu appointed seven members who are experts on issues facing Black men and boys in Boston, seven members from fourteen nominees with experience or knowledge on issues facing Black men and boys in Boston submitted by the City Council, and seven members from a pool of applicants with experience or knowledge on issues facing Black men and boys in Boston.  The first meeting will be held on Wednesday, June 1, 2022 at 6 p.m. at the Bruce C. Bolling Building in Nubian Square. Following the June meeting, the Commission will meet on the first Wednesday of every month at the Bolling Building in Nubian Square. All Commission meetings will be open to the public, press and posted online at the BMA website. For more information, please contact the BMA office at bma@boston.gov. This July and August, the Commission will engage in a community listening tour to gather primary data about the issues facing Black men and boys from residents across Boston’s neighborhoods. In January 2023, the Commission will produce an annual report with a series of analyses and recommendations with the goal of driving forward the City’s work to improve  outcomes for Black men and boys in Boston.  "As a proud advocate and honorary member of this long-overdue commission, I am so invigorated by the incredible group of leaders and experts across our city who will listen to community and uplift policies that will serve to advance and empower our Black men and boys,” said City Councilor Brian Worrell. “I am looking forward to the first meeting and the critical work this commission will do to address the needs of our Black male peers in Boston. “I am humbled to join the Black Men and Boys Commission,” said Maddrey Goode, Black Men and Boys Commission Member. “As a life-long resident of Roxbury, ensuring that Black men and youth have access to equitable opportunities is of the utmost importance to me. My focus is to help build a better Boston that focuses not just on diversity and inclusion, but most importantly equity for our present and future Black citizens, leaders, and generations.”  “I’m excited to join the commission to pay forward the support that has been poured into me by other black men and amplify organizations that are already uplifting Black men and boys,” said Abdullah Beckett, Black Men and Boys Commission Member. “My experience as President of My Brother’s Keeper at UMass Boston has shown me that Black excellence is abundant, however, no one can succeed alone. Success comes from a collective effort, an ideology that I have led MBK at UMass Boston with and will carry forward with this Commission.” Commission Members Tito Jackson* - Former District 7 City Councilor & Original Sponsor of the Ordinance Louis Elisa* - Chair of Garrison-Trotter Neighborhood Association Jeff Similien* - Founder of Kings Amongst Kings  Devin Morris* - Founder of the Teacher’s Lounge James Mackey* - Founder of Brother’s Building James Hills* - Host of JavawithJimmy  Kurt Faustin* - Founder of Drop Out Academy James Morton - CEO of the YMCA of Greater Boston Joseph Feaster Jr - Of Counsel at McKenzie & Associates, former President of the Boston branch of the NAACP Sean Perryman-Futrell - Tech Boston Student Abdullah Beckett- UMass Boston Student, Chair of MBK-Umass Boston  Tony Brewer- Community Advocate, Black Men’s Committee member Piter Brandao - Co-Founder of MBK617 Matt Parker- Executive Director, Union of Minority Neighborhoods Maddrey Goode - Director, MassHire Boston Tony Richards - Vice President of Equitable Business Development, MassHousing Andre Barbour - Director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, NEI and WORC2 Richard Harris- Associate Dean of Diversity programs and Director of MultiCultural  Engineering  at Northeastern, Chair of Concerned Black Men  Darien Johnson - Policy Lead, Black Economic Council of Massachusetts Imari Jeffries - Executive Director, King Boston Charlie Titus - Former Vice Chancellor, UMass Boston * Selected from the Boston City Council recommendations About Mayor’s Office of Black Male Advancement The Office of Black Male Advancement works to empower Black men & boys and to ensure they have equitable access to opportunities in the City. The Office also focuses on policies, programs, resources, and local and national partnerships. Additionally, BMA directs and supports the efforts of the Black Men and Boys Commission and My Brother’s Keeper Boston. For more information, please visit the BMA website.