A New Economic Leader Is Coming to Boston. Black Boston Has Questions.

By James “Jimmy” Hills

Mayor Michelle Wu has chosen Emily Knight to help lead Boston’s economic work. Knight comes from The Engine, an MIT connected group that helps science and technology companies grow.

She has strong experience with startups, investors, and helping companies grow. That could be good for Boston.

But my question is simple:

What does this mean for Black Boston?

Boston has a long history of Black businesses not getting their fair share of City contracts. One City study found that only 0.4 percent of discretionary City spending went to Black-owned businesses.

That is why programs around supplier diversity, small business support, and minority owned businesses matter.

Knight’s background is different from Segun Idowu, who came to City Hall after leading the Black Economic Council of Massachusetts. His work was directly tied to Black businesses and building Black wealth.

Knight’s public record is much stronger around technology, startups, investors, and innovation. So far, I have not found much where she speaks directly about Black businesses, the racial wealth gap, Black contractors, or Black neighborhoods.

That does not mean she doesn’t care about those issues.

It means we need to hear from her.

Economic development can't mean only bringing new companies to Boston. It also has to mean helping the people already here build wealth and grow businesses.

Who gets the contract?

Who gets the loan?

Who owns the business?

And who benefits when Boston grows?

My concern is not about judging Emily Knight before she starts.

It is about making sure Black economic development does not get lost inside a bigger conversation about technology, startups and attracting new business.

Boston can grow.

But the question is:

When Boston grows, will Black Boston grow with it?