Portraits of Purpose

South End legends featured

Submitted by Susan Kooperstein

On February 8, 2018, Portraits of Purpose: The Next Generation, was hosted by Boston City Hall, provided a symbolic passing of the "torch of justice" from leaders of the African American community to the youth of Boston with 120 high school students from the Boston Public Schools participating.

African American leaders and their allies for social change featured in photographer Don West's exhibit images from Portraits of Purpose: A Tribute to Leadership and subsequent book co-authored with Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Kenneth J. Cooper were honored at the event. Through original theater and soul-stirring music, young people in attendance were encouraged to overcome obstacles and work with their schools and communities to help create a city and world with a fair and level playing field for all.

"I'm proud Boston City Hall is hosting this unique event," said Mayor Martin J. Walsh. "Boston is constantly striving to become a more equitable, inclusive city for all, and events like these help lift up our young people, and show them what is possible when we work together to move Boston forward."

The event featured an original theater presentation written and directed by Elaine T. Koury, artist, educator and founder/former director of the legendary Boston Youth Theater and inspired by the Don West's exhibits and book with Kenneth J. Cooper. That exhibit and book capture the images and stories of 110 African-American leaders and their diverse allies who have contributed to the advancement of the Black community in Greater Boston. The catalytic partnership of Eastern Bank made this book possible.

This event focused on "THE NEXT GENERATION," an audience of 120 BPS high school students who have been identified as emerging leaders by their school communities.

"By giving voice and presence to the Black community's struggle to make Boston a more just and equitable city for all, we encourage students to overcome obstacles in the practice of their rights and in pursuit of their dreams," said event producer Libbie Shufro, Director, Portraits of Purpose Educational Initiative and former CEO of The Boston Center for the Arts (2001-2008).

Through projected images, original theater and dramatic storytelling, the event animates a chapter of a people's history and leadership for social change often overshadowed by the racial violence that emerged around court-ordered busing and desegregation of the Boston Public Schools in the 1960's and 70's.

Students received a copy of the book Portraits of Purpose: A Tribute to Leadership signed by co-authors Don West and Kenneth J. Cooper and have the opportunity to meet the cast and the many Portraits of Purpose honorees/guests present. The program booklet offers a resource guide to help students continue the dialogue on issues important to them and get involved to make a positive difference in their schools and communities.

The event was produced by the Portraits of Purpose Educational Initiative whose mission is "to plant the seeds of justice through arts and dialogue," and was made possible by the generous support of Eastern Bank, TJX, Harvard Pilgrim, Seyfarth Shaw LLP and in collaboration with the Boston Public Schools, Mayor's Office of Arts and Culture, DesignLight and the John D. O'Bryant African American Institute at Northeastern University.