Join the City of Boston's Commission on Black Men and Boys

The Boston City Council President Ed Flynn and Councilor Julia Mejia, sponsor of the Ordinance Establishing a Commission on Black Men and Boys have announced the application process for recruitment of individuals to apply to be a nominee for the Commission on Black Men and Boys. Residents can now apply to be one of the 14 nominees to be submitted by the Boston City Council, of which seven will be appointed to serve on the Board. The deadline to submit an application is Wednesday, February 23 2022.

Please note: The deadline to submit applications has been extended to Wednesday March 9th, 2022.

The Commission on Black Men and Boys, which was created under the Ordinance Establishing a Commission on Black Men and Boys, is a Commission consisting of 21 total members. The ordinance was originally filed in 2014 by then-Councilor Tito Jackson before being vetoed by the Mayor. In 2021, Boston City Councilor Julia Mejia revived the effort and managed to pass the ordinance in September of that year. The Commission’s primary responsibilities include advising the Mayor on issues pertaining to Black men and boys, monitoring and advising City agencies and departments on issues pertaining to Black men and boys, and coordinating dialogues and action on behalf of City government to issues of concern to Black men and boys and related organizations, including but not limited to: concerns related to national origin, sexual orientation and gender identity, mental, physical, and sexual health, violence prevention, employment, and more.

Of the 21 members who will make up the Commission, the Mayor will select seven from a pool of fourteen nominations selected by the City Council. 

• Serve for a term of their two years, three years, or four years
• Include at least one youth member for a two-year term
• Include at least one youth member for a three-year term

Thereafter, vacancies, other than by reason of expiration of terms, shall be filled for the balance of unexpired terms, appointed in the same manner and by the same body. Commissioners shall serve without compensation.

Duties of the Board:

• Advising the Mayor on issues pertaining to Black men and boys
• Assisting the Office of the Mayor in determining budget and policy priorities
• Monitoring and advising City agencies and departments on issues pertaining to Black men and boys
• Designing projects and programs that promote equity for Black men and boys which are not currently being implemented by existing City agencies
• Performing outreach, communication, and liaison to Black men and boys related to community groups and organizations
• Working with the Department of Intergovernmental Relations concerning state and federal legislation and programs that are of concern to Black men and boys
• Working with City departments including but not limited to the Human Rights Commission, the Equity and Inclusion Cabinet, and Boston Public Schools to assure that Black men and boys are represented at all levels of city government
• Coordinating dialogues and action on behalf of city government to issues of concern to Black men and boys and related organizations, including but not limited to: concerns related to national origin, sexual orientation and gender identity, mental, physical, and sexual health, violence prevention, employment, and more
• Producing reports pertaining to the work of the Commission and the progress of the City and the community to advance the status of Black men and boys

During the first year of its existence, the Commission shall hold monthly meetings and give updates to the City Council on a quarterly basis.

Please follow the link below to complete the online application:

Commission on black men and boys application