MassLive recently asked readers to identify people they consider Black leaders in Massachusetts, working to make a difference in politics, education, business, the arts or another area of interest.
Profiles of these leaders will be published leading up to the Juneteenth holiday on June 19. These are people our readers have identified as inspirational, who may be doing good acts for their communities. They are being recognized for their accomplishments, leadership and commitment to inspire change.
Alaina Macaulay, 31, works in education, seeking to advocate for marginalized communities.Alaina Macaulay
Alaina Macaulay
Age: 31
Community: Somerville
Her story: Growing up in one of the most racially segregated cities in the United States, Alaina Macaulay said she often asked many questions about herself and her environment.
Macaulay, who grew up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, said that her experience navigating race in the midwestern city shaped her curiosity about systems and structures in our society.
“As I became more immersed in literature and community, I quickly realized that these barriers were not unintentional, and we were living with the continued legacy of racism in our everyday lives, Macaulay said.
As the Assistant Vice Provost for Inclusive Excellence and Leadership at Tufts University, Macaulay said that she sees education as a vehicle to learn and unlearn systems that foster hate, exclusion and oppression. She would like to center joy in the human experience.
“I wanted to spark joy, opportunity and curiosity to build a better world where all could thrive,” she added.
Alaina said that she helps lead university-wide strategic efforts to promote an inclusive community at Tufts University. This includes climate assessments and other work. She is also responsible for coordinating cross-university efforts to advance Tufts University’s vision around diversity and inclusion.
Macaulay works to bring people together by recognizing and listening to community needs, she said. She aims to improve people’s experience to make sure systemic barriers no longer exist.
In some cases structures need to be built to improve access for people who’ve been marginalized, she said. In other cases, structures need to be dismantled.
“My work centers on building programs, initiatives and pipelines to increase equity, foster inclusion and enhance belonging,” she said.
In her words: “Remaining true to who I am, being firm in my purpose and accountable to my community is the way I keep pushing through. So, to others, I offer the same invitation. What brings you joy? What brings you love? What brings you purpose?”
We’re always open to hearing about more inspiring people. If you’d like to suggest someone else who should be recognized, please fill out this form.
