Boston Mayor Michelle Wu apologizes for sending 'electeds of color' holiday party invite to full council

In what she called an "honest mistake," Boston's mayor apologized this week after an email inviting elected officials of color to a holiday event was accidently sent to every council member, according to multiple media reports.

Mayor Michelle Wu, the city's first Asian American mayor, said the mistake was made when her aide, Denise DosSantos, sent the email to all officials instead of a select few.

"Honorable members: On behalf of Mayor Michelle Wu, I cordially invite you and a guest to the Electeds of Color Holiday Party," read the email, which was obtained by the Boston Herald.

Boston, Massachusetts -
Michelle Wu,
Boston's first Asian American mayor, recently had her aide, Denise DosSantos, sends out an email inviting only minorities to a holiday party - pic.twitter.com/bm1r7abNGe

— Blanche Victoria (@tammytabby) December 14, 2023

The event for "electeds of color" reportedly took place Wednesday at the Parkman House.

USA TODAY has reached out to Wu and her office.

Michelle Wu says 'diverse' group gathers annually

Wu, a child of Taiwanese immigrants, was elected mayor in November 2021 after serving on the City Council.

In a statement to WCVB-TV, the mayor explained the error. "I think we've all been in a position at one point where an email went out, and there was a mistake in the recipient."

Wu added it was custom for “diverse” members of council to take turns hosting the annual party, which has taken place for years.

“I’ve been a part of a group that gathers, representing elected officials of color across all different levels of government in Massachusetts,” Wu told the outlet. “A group that has been in place for more than a decade, and the opportunity to create a space for people to celebrate and rotate who hosts.”

Holiday gatherings for all elected officials are also planned, Wu said, adding she “looked forward to celebrating with everyone at the holiday parties that we have besides this one, as well.”

Councilors react to the holiday party email

The move sparked reported disappointment among at least one city councilor.

According to the Herald, outgoing councilor Frank Baker, who is white, called the mayor's exclusion of those who did not fit the description in the email "unfortunate and divisive" but said he was not insulted because of it.

Another council member, Brian Worrell, told the same outlet the email did not bother him.

"We make space and spaces for all kinds of specific groups in the city and city government," Worrell, who is Black, said in a statement. "This is no different, and the Elected Officials of Color has been around for more than a decade."

Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at nalund@usatoday.com and follow her on X @nataliealund.