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Healey, Driscoll join Black Empowerment Council event at State House; council issues citations to local leaders
Summary
Gov. Maura Healey and Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll joined the Governor's Black Empowerment Council at a Black History Month celebration at the Massachusetts State House, where council leaders highlighted priorities on economic advancement, health and education and presented citations to several community leaders and public servants.
Gov. Maura Healey and Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll joined members of the Governor's Black Empowerment Council at a Black History Month celebration at the Massachusetts State House, where council leaders outlined priorities for narrowing racial disparities and presented citations to community leaders and public servants.
The event, organized by the Governor's Black Empowerment Council and hosted in the State House rotunda, featured musical performances, an invocation and remarks from council leaders and the governor. Tony Richards Jr., vice chair of the Governor's Black Empowerment Council, told attendees that “the council is made up of more than 30 black leaders from across the state,” and said the council’s initial priority areas are “economic advancement, health and well-being, and education.”
The gathering brought state officials, council members and honorees together to underscore continuing policy work and community engagement. “The work that you and Tony and the council members have been doing is incredible,” Gov. Maura Healey said, adding that her administration is implementing the council’s recommendations. “The work will go on in this building. On health justice, on environmental justice, on transportation justice, on housing justice, on criminal justice, on so much more.”
Tanisha Sullivan, chair of the Governor's Advisory Council on Black Empowerment, described the council’s purpose as centering Black residents in policymaking. “This is truly about our people,” Sullivan said, and she thanked members of the administration who support the council’s work.
The ceremony included citations presented by council leaders to several honorees named from the podium: Helen Colton Harris, commissioner of health for the city of Springfield; Devin Morris, cofounder and executive director of the Teachers Lounge; Gordon Thompson, chief executive officer of Westnet; and Detective Lieutenant Steven McDonald of the Massachusetts State Police, who now serves as a legislative liaison. The council also recognized artists whose work is on display in the State House for the month.
Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll praised the council and the administration’s approach to building a diverse cabinet, saying, “This is what black excellence looks like,” and urged continued commitment to inclusion and opportunity. Musical selections and an invocation preceded the remarks and awards.
Council leaders and the governor framed the event as both celebration and a call to action. Richards described Black History Month as “a call to action” and said the council will continue to work closely with the governor and lieutenant governor “to support the Massachusetts black community, reduce inequities and expand opportunities.”
The program emphasized intergenerational involvement, with officials noting the presence of seniors, young people and HBCU alumni and encouraging civic engagement and community support. Organizers also highlighted artworks on display in the State House and the administration’s recent observances, including the raising of a Black Heritage flag and Massachusetts’ first Rosa Parks Day.
The event did not include formal votes or legislative actions; it was a ceremonial and advisory council gathering intended to spotlight priorities and honor community leaders.
