The Boston Foundation 2021 Annual Report
Closing Boston's Equity Gap
December 8, 2021
Closing Boston's Equity Gap: The 2021 Annual Report
The 2021 Annual Report features interviews with community leaders focused on addressing Boston's critical issues in equity. Click to view or download a pdf report, or jump below and explore the full transcripts of interviews with these remarkable leaders.
From a Moment to a Movement: Recognizing the Subjects of Our 2020 and 2021 Annual Reports
As part of the 2021 Annual Meeting, the Boston Foundation shared this short video including quotes from two dozen people featured in our 2020 and 2021 Annual Reports. They are leaders and community activists at the center of efforts to create a more just and equitable city and region, and we thank them for their remarkable work and strength.
Interview Transcripts
Click on the links below to read transcripts of the full interviews with these remarkable leaders.
Health
Michael Curry and Dr. Alister Martin have played critical, complementary roles in the COVID-19 pandemic. While Curry has secured critical resources for the region's community health centers, Martin has leveraged Get Out the Vote tactics to expand vaccination, through GOTVax.
Housing
Rafael Mares of the Neighborhood Developers highlights the critical systems change needed to reduce housing insecurity and create affordable housing. Meanwhile, at Asian CDC, Jeena Chang has leveraged public spaces to protect and enhance the identity of Boston's Chinatown community.
Arts
Acclaimed violinist Shaw Pong Liu, a Brother Thomas Fellow and Live Arts Boston grantee, has used the power of music to bring together community members. For activist Jha D. Amazi, community tools are providing powerful opportunities for the Arts community to voice its collective needs.
Wealth
Through the Business Equity Fund and other programs, Boston Foundation Vice President and Chief Programs Officer Orlando Watkins has highlighted and address capital access needs for entrepreneurs of color. Meanwhile, Symone Crawford's work is expanding ways to unlock homeownership for new generations of Boston residents as a means of wealth creation.
Education
Improving the education system starts with the youngest learners, says Boston Opportunity Agenda Executive Director Kristin McSwain. And for Joél Mora, creating connection as a Success Boston coach can make a critical difference for studnets navigating the labyrinth of higher education.
