Dr. Thea James, Michael Bivins, Dr. Jean Mcguire At The 2024 Living Legends Gala
BOSTON, MA — Three respected social justice advocates with strong ties to Boston— Dr. Jean McQuire, Dr. Thea James, and Michael L. Bivins — will be recognized on Sunday, December 15th, during the Museum of African American History's (MAAH) 2024 Living Legends Gala and award ceremony. The event, hosted by actor and comedian Anthony Anderson, continues a tradition that traces back to Boston's African Meeting House which recognized activists and abolitionists including Frederick Douglass and William Lloyd Garrison during the 19th Century. The Living Legends Gala links the fight for equality with present-day legends who are committed to human rights and social justice. The annual gala and award ceremony will be held at 6:00 pm at the Four Seasons Boston, located at 200 Boylston Street.
"The Museum of African American History Living Legends Gala provides vital support for the Museum's educational programs and exhibitions which are designed to deepen the understanding of African American history and its influence on the region and nation," said Dr. Trent, President and CEO of the Museum of African American History. "It is essential that we have the necessary tools to both protect and share the stories of its artifacts and collections."
According to Dr. Trent, the recipients of this year's Living Legends awards were chosen for their significant contributions to civil and human rights. "As we recognize their contributions to Boston and our nation, we recognize the continued need to foster community connections and showcase the depth and history of the African American experience." said Dr. Trent.
Michael L. Bivins is a founding member of the legendary R&B groups New Edition and Bell Biv DeVoe. His mantra is "just a kid from Roxbury who never forgot where he came from." Born and raised in Boston's Orchard Park Projects he made it out of his neighborhood through music. His work in the music industry as an artist, producer, and entrepreneur has helped define the sound of modern R&B and hip-hop, paving the way for future generations of artists. The innovative vision he approaches his music with has extended beyond his performance career, as he played a pivotal role in discovering and mentoring acts like Boyz II Men and Another Bad Creation. Through initiatives like the Bivfam Foundation and his involvement with local youth programs including METCO and the Belmont School System, Michael has worked to uplift underserved communities by funding music programs, youth development initiatives, and education. In addition to his work with young people, Bivins has been involved with seniors in his city. His efforts in fostering music and social causes both in Boston and beyond have solidified his legacy as an entertainer, cultural trailblazer, and community leader.
Dr. Thea James, MD, MPH, MBA, is the current Vice President of Mission, the Associate Chief Medical Officer and Co-Executive Director of the Health Equity Accelerator at Boston Medical Center (BMC), and a Professor of Emergency Medicine and the Director of the Violence Intervention Advocacy Program at Boston Medical Center (BMC). Dr. James is also a founding member of the Health Alliance for Violence Intervention (HAVI) and was appointed to Attorney General Eric Holder's National Task Force on Children Exposed to Violence in 2011. In her capacity at BMC, Dr. James partners with caregivers and key organizations to coordinate relationships and strategic alliances to ensure patients and communities have the tools needed to thrive. Her focus on creating a strategic ecosystem of growth, innovation, and effective models of care is rooted in equity, clinical excellence, and economic justice.
Dr. Jean McGuire is a groundbreaking educator and champion of change. Her passion and integrity have inspired many to lead boldly and with conviction, and the impact of her leadership continues within the walls of numerous institutions. She is the first Black woman to serve on the Boston School Committee and is well-known for her leadership as the Executive Director of METCO. This voluntary school designation program bused students of color from Boston to predominately white schools around the greater-Boston suburbs to allow students of color to receive a better education from well-funded school systems. Dr. McGuire's work at METCO and beyond has had far-reaching impacts on both a state and national level.
About The Museum of African American History Boston - Nantucket: The mission of the Museum of African American History Boston - Nantucket is to connect Colonial and early African American history and culture in Boston and the larger New England area with the abolition of slavery and current explorations of race and human rights struggles. As one of the oldest African American public history museums in the United States, the Museum is dedicated to telling the stories of African Americans in Massachusetts and New England who seeded the growth of the antebellum abolitionist movement and the 19th Century fight against segregation, discrimination, and racial inequity. The Museum was founded in 1967 and is New England's largest museum dedicated to preserving, conserving, and interpreting the contributions of African Americans. The Museum has two locations — one in Boston's Beacon Hill and the other on Nantucket Island — and two Black Heritage Trails® that tell the story of organized black communities from the Colonial Period through the 19th century.