Doris Bunte was a trailblazer whose leadership and advocacy for Boston’s African American communities and low income residents changed the face of Boston forever.

Doris Bunte came to Boston in 1953 with $.98 cents to her name, and rose to become the first woman of color elected to the Massachusetts legislature in 1972 and the first woman of color to chair a state government committee. In 1985, she became the first black woman and the first public housing resident to rise to become Administrator of the Boston Housing Authority

She spearheaded efforts to integrate and desegregate Boston’s public housing in the 1980’s, setting the foundations for a stronger and better BHA. Her example and leadership set the stage for the next generation of women and African American leaders in Boston.

“Doris was a legend.  She never relented in her advocacy for the lowest-income residents of this City,” BHA Administrator Kate Bennett said.  “When I spoke to her just recently, she said ‘Kate, you’ve got to keep fighting for us’. I will truly miss her passion, her compassion, and her friendship.”

Read Doris Bunte's obituary here.