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.
Forums
We are organizing forums and events around Boston to commemorate the anniversary. Join us.
Resources
Explore additional resources and materials relating to the Boston Desegregation Initiative
J Gallery Exhibit at the Boston Public Library
Now open until January 7, 2025!
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
