Politicians Pick Their Best Bostonians of All Time

We’re asking prominent locals who they think are the Best Bostonians of all time. Below, City Councilors Ayanna Pressley and Matt O’Malley share their picks. Play along by voting in our online game.

Ayanna Pressley
At-Large Boston City Councilor (and one of our picks for Boston’s 50 Most Powerful People)

Homegrown H/Sheroes

Mel King (Activist, politician)

Melnea Cass (Civil rights activist)

Ruth Batson (Civil rights and education activist)

Edward W. Brooke (US senator)

Malcolm X (Civil rights activist, minister)

Phillis Wheatley (Poet)

New Edition (R&B and pop group fronted by Bobby Brown)

And, “just for fun”:

Institutions

Museum of African-American History

Eateries

Haley House

Victoria’s Diner

McKenna’s Cafe

Matt O’Malley
Boston City Councilor

Frederick Law Olmsted: “Architect of the American park system.”

Dick and Rick Hoyt: “Inspirational athletes.”

Julie and Hillary Goodridge: “Lead plaintiffs for equality.”

Thomas Menino: “Transformative Urban Mechanic.”

Phillis Wheatley: “Groundbreaking poet.”

Whom would you choose? Help us pick the Best Bostonians of all time.