Boston Newsletter (December 16th)

Here are the latest news stories and upcoming events in Boston.

Welcome to The Boston Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

  • Milk Street becoming 100 apartments.

  • Red Sox target Alex Bregman.

  • A deep-dive into the life of William Monroe Trotter.

  • And more…

Quote of the Week

"He who is not courageous enough to take risks will accomplish nothing in life."

— Muhammad Ali

Trivia

Here is your trivia question of the week. The answer will be shown in next week’s newsletter. Which do you think it is? No cheating!

Which Boston institution is the oldest public library in America?

A) The Boston Athenæum

B) The Boston Public Library

C) The Massachusetts Historical Society

D) Harvard Library

Answer to Last Week's Trivia:

The historic trail in Boston that leads to significant sites from the American Revolution is A) The Freedom Trail.

News

💼Business

Milk Street building to be sold, turned into 100-plus apartments. (link)

Wu loses fight to hike commercial property taxes. (link)

🏒Sports 

Red Sox are reportedly ‘prioritizing’ Alex Bregman in free agency. (link)

NFL insider explains why Patriots likely won’t fire Jerod Mayo or Eliot Wolf after 1 season. (link)

🏦Finance

Homelessness nonprofit buys former bank building for $6M. (link)

Upcoming Events

Here are some events that are happening in our city this week. There is a good mix between sports, entertainment, conferences, concerts, and more.

Sports

🤼 WWE Monday Night RAW
TD Garden, Boston, MA
Mon • Dec 16, 2024 • 6:30 PM | (More info)

🏃 North End Group Run x Cannoli Taste Test
671 Boylston St, Boston, MA
Wednesday, 18 December 2024 at 6:00 pm | (More info)

Music & Concerts

🎷 Gavn! (18+)
Brighton Music Hall presented by Citizens, Boston, MA
Tue • Dec 17 • 7:00 PM | (More info)

🎵 Dew Galvin
The Grand (Boston), Boston, MA
Wed • Dec 18, 2024 • 10:00 PM | (More info)

Family

📚 Dr. Seuss' How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical
Boch Center Wang Theatre, Boston, MA
Wed • Dec 18, 2024 • 7:00 PM | (More info)

Image of the Week

Every week, I have a habit of making some AI art about our city.

This week, I typed in “An entirely underground Boston” and this is what I got.

Let me know what ideas you have for this. I really enjoy making these types of photos.

Boston Historical Events

Boston’s Role in the Abolitionist Movement - Many significant events and figures associated with the abolition of slavery.

Boston played a pivotal role in the abolitionist movement, with many significant events and figures associated with the fight to end slavery. From the early 1830s to the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, Boston was the center of the American anti-slavery movement. It was the home of many leading abolitionists of the day, including William Lloyd Garrison, Maria Weston Chapman and her sisters, Theodore Parker, Lydia Maria Child, Harriet Beecher Stowe, and others. In 1905, Boston hosted a two-day centennial celebration of abolitionist William Lloyd Garrison's life and work, organized primarily by black community leaders under the Boston Suffrage League. This event was a remarkable tribute to the memory of one of the world's great moral heroes by the citizens of the city where he made a significant impact.

The Boston area played a major role in the abolitionist movement of the 19th century as well as on the Underground Railroad. The city was also the birthplace of "The Liberator," Boston's most famous antislavery newspaper, which was launched by William Lloyd Garrison in 1831. Boston's abolitionists used a variety of tactics to assist in the fight against slavery, including the publication of anti-slavery broadsides and the organization of anti-slavery societies. The impact of the abolitionist movement in Boston continues to be remembered and celebrated, highlighting the city's significant contribution to the fight for civil rights and the abolition of slavery.

In recent years, Boston has taken steps to acknowledge and address its role in the atrocities of slavery, recognizing the lasting inequities still seen today. The city has apologized for its role in slavery and its lasting harm, shedding light on how the slave trade impacted Boston's past and present systems of oppression. This acknowledgment reflects a commitment to confronting the historical legacy of slavery and working towards a more just and equitable future.

Famous People From Boston

William Monroe Trotter – Civil rights activist

William Monroe Trotter (1872-1934)

William Monroe Trotter was a prominent civil rights activist and journalist who dedicated his life to fighting for racial equality and justice. Born on April 7, 1872, in Boston, Massachusetts, Trotter's legacy as a fearless advocate for civil rights continues to inspire future generations.

Early Life and Education

William Monroe Trotter was born in Boston, Massachusetts, on April 7, 1872, to James Monroe Trotter and Virginia Isaacs Trotter. His father, James Monroe Trotter, was a Recorder of Deeds, and his mother, Virginia, was a strong influence on his early life. William was the third child of the Trotter family and the first to survive infancy. He pursued his education at Harvard University, where he earned both graduate and post-graduate degrees, becoming the first man of color to earn a Phi Beta Kappa key at Harvard.

Founding of "The Guardian" (1901-1934)

In 1901, William Monroe Trotter founded "The Guardian," a powerful and influential black weekly newspaper based in Boston. The newspaper became a platform for Trotter to express his unwavering opposition to racial discrimination and segregation. Through "The Guardian," Trotter fearlessly criticized the racially conciliatory policies advocated by Booker T. Washington and called for a renewed emphasis on liberal arts education, contrasting Washington's promotion of industrial training.

Activism and Legacy

Trotter's activism blossomed through his work with "The Guardian," where he published editorials that forcefully railed against racism and refused to accommodate segregationist perspectives. He became a leading figure in the fight for racial equality, advocating for civil rights and social justice. Trotter was known for his fearless and unyielding approach to challenging racial discrimination and inequality, making him a powerful force in black journalism in the first half of the 20th century.

Connection to Boston

William Monroe Trotter's connection to Boston was deeply rooted in his upbringing and the founding of "The Guardian." His activism and legacy were shaped by his experiences in Boston, where he grew up and established a platform for advocating civil rights and social justice through his influential newspaper.

Key Achievements of William Monroe Trotter:

  • Founder of "The Guardian," a powerful black weekly newspaper based in Boston.

  • Fearless advocate for civil rights and racial equality, challenging racial discrimination and segregation.

  • First man of color to earn a Phi Beta Kappa key at Harvard University.

  • Legacy as a leading figure in the fight for racial equality and social justice, inspiring future generations.

William Monroe Trotter's life and work continue to serve as a testament to the enduring fight for civil rights and racial equality. His unwavering dedication to challenging racial discrimination and advocating for social justice has left a lasting impact on the civil rights movement and the pursuit of equality.

This biography of William Monroe Trotter highlights his early life, education, founding of "The Guardian," activism, and legacy, emphasizing his key achievements and connection to Boston. His fearless advocacy for civil rights and racial equality continues to inspire and resonate with individuals committed to the pursuit of justice and equality.

Connect With Me

If you want to connect, reply to this email and let me know what you think.

I would love to hear from you. Don’t be shy.

-Yannick Lyons

Poll