Boston mayor calls ‘Electeds of Color’ holiday party email blast an ‘honest mistake’

Boston Mayor Michelle Wu defended a holiday party for elected officials of color after the party invitation was accidentally sent to the entire City Council, saying it was an “honest mistake.”

The email invite for a Wednesday gathering with the subject line “Electeds of Color Holiday Party” was sent by an employee asking for RSVPs and dietary restrictions, NBC News reported.

According to Wu, the party is one of many for City Council members to celebrate, but this invite was only meant to be sent to the six minority members.

“I think we all have been in a position where an email went out and there was a mistake in the recipients, so there was truly just an honest mistake that happened in issuing the invitation,” Wu told the media Wednesday.

The invitation drew criticism from some members, but Wu, the first woman and person of color elected to be the city’s mayor, said the event has been held for more than a decade without any issues.

Outgoing City Council member Frank Baker said he did find the email blast to be divisive because the holidays are “a time for people, everybody, to get together.” He said the party sends the wrong message for a council that has been plagued by infighting.

Wu said she had individual conversations with council members and “people understand that it was truly just an honest mistake that went out in typing the email field.”

“It’s my intention that we can again be a city that lives our values and creates space for all kinds of communities to come together,” Wu said.