Black and White Boston Coming Together, Inc.

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T H E W H I T E H O U S E

One America - Black and White Boston Coming Together, Inc.

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Program:

Black and White Boston Coming Together, Inc., Boston, MA

Contact(s):

Jeff Bellows, Director: (617) 247-9300

Purpose:

To demonstrate the good will that exists among different racial groups, while providing a vehicle for capitalizing on that good will

Black and White Boston Coming Together, Inc., was created in 1989 following a benefit that brought together black and white professionals in a social event. (At the time, the city of Boston was still dealing with strained race relations caused by enforced school busing and school desegregation policies.) Over the years, Black and White Boston Coming Together has developed into a well-known and respected vehicle for promising positive interracial interaction on many levels.

Program Operations

With participants ranging from high school students to company CEOs, Black and White Boston Coming Together involves organizations from all sectors in the community. Their goal is to create dialogue, promote education, encourage action, and develop employment opportunities in the community. Previous projects include hosting a golf tournament, sponsoring a scholar program for caddies, organizing a breakfast series, and doling out business profile awards. Black and White Boston Coming Together, Inc., works with the mayor of Boston, as well as other organizations that have similar goals. Interaction with educational institutions, business, cultural, and social services provide opportunities for networking, the sharing of experiences and goals, and possible collaborative affairs. There is a small staff composed of a president, director and two staff people, and the organization is funded by private donations and fundraising events.

Outcomes and Significant Accomplishments

The U.S. Golf Association has endorsed Black and White Boston's golf tournament, and contributes to the tournament's scholarship fund that offers mentoring programs, summer jobs, and golf and caddie instructions. The breakfast series creates an atmosphere for continual dialogue, while the awards event and dinner/dance bring together many business and professional men and women in a social setting to celebrate the assets of both the black and white community.