Harvard Law School Association of Washington, DC

Private Documentary Film Screening:

The Best Mayor We Never Elected with Larry DiCara

Dear HLS alumni,

In partnership with the Harvard Kennedy School DC Alumni Chapter, please join us for a documentary screening and Q&A program, which dives into Boston local politics and its modern history, including a deeper discussion of the Boston school busing and the school desegregation crises.

We will screen the documentary film, The Best Mayor We Never Elected, scheduled to compete at select film festivals. The film traces the personal life story and political career of Larry DiCara, a Harvard College and Harvard Kennedy School graduate. Larry was the youngest elected city councilor on the Boston city council and served as its President. His political career in the 1970s overlapped with the federal order mandating a correction to the legal segregation violations in the Boston school system which was issued 50 years ago in 1974. Larry ran unsuccessfully for Mayor in Boston but years later the local press issued the headline that he was “the best mayor we never had.” The movie uses the framework of Larry’s memoirs, Turmoil and Transition in Boston, to trace his personal story of the American Dream. The movie explores broader themes of the theory of a city, what makes a city successful, the legacy of the Boston race relations issues, and the changes in the demographics of Boston today.

The program will kick off with a light reception; snacks and refreshments will be provided. The screening is expected to start around 6 PM, followed by a panel questions and answers session with DiCara and Tim McTaggart (JD ’85). DiCara and McTaggart co-wrote and co-produced the movie, and McTaggart handled the filming and other aspects of the movie. Katrina Palmisano handled the post-production work in connection with the film. Time permitting, there will be additional opportunities to socialize with the speakers and attendants; the event is expected to conclude around 9 PM.

When:

Thursday, May 30, 2024

5:30 PM – 9 PM

(Film screening expected to start at 6 PM)

Where:

Baker Botts LLP

700 K Street, NW (9th Floor)

Washington, DC 20001

RSVP is kindly requested by May 29, 2024.

Event is free, and snacks and refreshments will be provided.

Alumni and Guests permitted and welcome. - Please make sure to RSVP for your guests for planning purposes 

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For access to the venue, please RSVP by May 29, 2024.

Please contact Joshua Lee (JD ’18) with any questions: clee@jd18.law.harvard.edu

Please share with fellow HLS alumni within your social media and other networks.

We look forward to seeing you there!

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