Doris Bunte facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Doris Bunte
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| Member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives from the 7th Suffolk district |
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| In office 1973–1984 |
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| Preceded by | Franklin W. Holgate |
| Succeeded by | Gloria Fox |
| Boston Housing Authority Administrator | |
| In office 1984–1992 |
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| Preceded by | Harry Spence |
| Succeeded by | David Cortiella |
| Personal details | |
| Born | July 2, 1933 New York City, New York, U.S. |
| Died | February 15, 2021 (aged 87) Brookline, Massachusetts, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
Doris Bunte (July 2, 1933 – February 15, 2021) was an important leader in Massachusetts. She served as a state representative and later led the Boston Housing Authority. Doris Bunte made history by becoming the first African-American woman to hold both of these significant positions.
Contents
Doris Bunte's Life Story
Doris Bunte was born in New York City on July 2, 1933. She grew up and went to school there.
Early Activism and Public Service
Before becoming a politician, Doris Bunte was a strong voice for people living in public housing. She was a "tenant activist" at the Orchard Park housing project in Roxbury. This meant she worked hard to improve living conditions for residents.
In 1972, Bunte was elected to the Massachusetts House of Representatives. This is where lawmakers meet to create laws for the state. She represented the 7th Suffolk District and served for 12 years. She was the first African-American woman ever elected to the Massachusetts state legislature.
Leading the Boston Housing Authority
In 1984, the Mayor of Boston, Raymond Flynn, chose Doris Bunte to lead the Boston Housing Authority (BHA). The BHA manages public housing for many people in Boston. She held this important role until 1992.
Doris Bunte was the first African-American woman to lead the BHA. What made her even more special was that she was also the first BHA leader who had actually lived in public housing herself. This gave her a unique understanding of the challenges residents faced. Throughout her career, she was known as a strong supporter of public housing.
She also helped start the Massachusetts Legislative Black Caucus. This group supports African-American lawmakers in the state.
Later Years and Legacy
After her time at the BHA, Doris Bunte continued to work for different organizations. She worked at Boston University School of Public Health and Northeastern University. She retired in 2010.
Doris Bunte passed away on February 15, 2021, in her home in Brookline, Massachusetts.
Honoring Doris Bunte
In 2018, a special honor was given to Doris Bunte. The Walnut Park Apartments were renamed the Doris Bunte Apartments. This was done to remember her important work and dedication to public housing.
See also
- Massachusetts House of Representatives' 9th Suffolk district
- 168th Massachusetts General Court (1973–1974)
- 169th Massachusetts General Court (1975–1976)
- 170th Massachusetts General Court (1977–1978)
- 171st Massachusetts General Court (1979–1980)
- 172nd Massachusetts General Court (1981–1982)
- 173rd Massachusetts General Court (1983–1984)
