At one point the discussion turned to the lack of a diversified turnout at cultural events in the city. Smith said some African Americans previously told her going into town was too much hassle, saying they were often pulled over by police or forced to show additional identification. I was warned not to go into Fenway Park. Kelly blamed segregated cultural and social events on economics. Kelly went on to question why people look for diversity at some events.
People have different tastes.
If you make it unfriendly, people will choose whether or not they want to attend. We really need to look beyond the new residents as being the source of these problems. The middle class moves to the suburbs in search of a better education for their children, one panelist said, shifting the discussion to a debate on busing and inequities in public schools. Ira Jackson, senior vice president of BankBoston, offered the Forum's closing remarks, synopsizing some of the speakers' points.