‘Angels without wings’: Civil rights pioneer, 91, speaks for 1st time since being stabbed in Boston

BOSTON — A 91-year-old civil rights pioneer spoke Tuesday for the first time since she was stabbed multiple times while walking her dog in Boston’s Franklin Park last week, describing the kids who came to her aid as “angels without wings.”

Dr. Jean McGuire, sporting bandages on her right arm, got up out of her wheelchair and spoke during a news conference at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, exactly seven days after she was attacked in the area of Playstead Road.

“I’ve never in my 91 years not felt safe in the streets of Boston, day or night, never,” McGuire said. “Now, I will never go up there to the park alone again. It’s in my head that it wouldn’t be wise. It’s a different time.”

The stabbing happened right next to the Franklin Park Zoo, where the lantern light experience has been going on each night. Boston police have asked the public for help tracking down a suspect in the attack.

McGuire said two young people returning from the light show came to her aid and alerted the authorities.

“Two kids. I don’t know who they are...They were coming from the light show, which I was walking toward that,” McGuire recalled. “They’re angels without wings, I will tell you that. Their parents should be so proud that they cared enough to get help for somebody laying on the street bleeding.”

“We need to think about the mindset of the people who make up a country and a universe. This is just one little spot in all these millions of stars and it’s all we’ve got. And if we can’t live together without killing each other and endangering others, we’re in real trouble,” McGuire added.

McGuire showed the pool of gathered reporters her fresh wounds.

“It was my foot, my knee and almost ruined my arm,” said McGuire.

McGuire’s sister told Boston 25 that her dog may have bitten the suspect during the encounter.

“I have a dog. I’ve had lots of dogs. I’ve always had pets and animals and it’s nice to have somebody to be with you, particularly when you are older and alone,” McGuire explained. “When people say, ‘are you alone?’ I say no, no, I’ve got my dog. I have Bailey. She’s all I need right now. I do have a boyfriend, but that’s secondary.”

When asked about how her dog faired during and in the aftermath of the stabbing, McGuire said, “My dog is fine. She’s always hungry and ready to go for a walk. She does not have to be on a lead either.”

McGuire, who was in wonderful spirits, then joked, “I wish my kids were as well trained as my dog is. Sit, stay, heel.”

McGuire also expressed great appreciation for the quality of healthcare she received while she recovered in the hospital, hugging her doctor before departing the facility with her nephew.

“Your energy, your strength, your resolve, your incredible wit, and sense of humor are really contagious,” McGuire’s doctor said of her. “Most of us would have probably been sad, maybe scared, possibly resentful. We may experience anger at what happened. But not your family. From the moment I met Jean and her family, your room is really a room of light.”

McGuire was a leader in the fight for equal rights in education for Black communities in the 1960s. She was also the first Black woman to gain a seat on the Boston School Committee.

Additionally, McGuire served as the executive director of METCO for more than four decades. She is also known for advocating for Black educators, calling for the need for racial and community representation at all levels.

In 2020, McGuire was honored during a Boston Celtics game as part of the team’s “Heroes Among Us” program, which recognizes heroic achievements and outstanding citizens in the community.

Kevin Peterson heads the New Democracy Coalition, a group trying to work with city leaders to better engage the community when it comes to public safety. According to Peterson, the attack on McGuire was a sign of the times.

“We have seen some of the youngest in our community and the oldest in our community like Jean McGuire finding themselves vulnerable to violence. It is systemic violence that needs to be addressed,” said Peterson.

The Faith-based group says the mayor and the new police commissioner need meet with the communities that have seen these recent bouts with violence and come with a comprehensive plan. “It’s not enough to just show up at the scene and express sympathy. It is important for the administration of the city engage in conversations on how we address the issue of crime with a plan,” said Peterson.

Peterson agrees families need to also step up. “By ensuring that our children are safe and not involved in gangs, home at a responsible hour,” said Peterson. McGuire is also urging people to get involved. “If we can’t live together without killing each or endangering each other then we are in real trouble,” said McGuire.

McGuire grew up attending public schools in Brookline as one of the only Black students in all of her classes.

“Any incident of violence in Boston is unacceptable and the trauma ripples through our communities. The City of Boston is working relentlessly alongside our public safety officials and community partners to support youth development, safe streets and violence intervention. This requires a whole community approach, and we know that our residents and partners share the urgency for public health and safety,” said a Boston city spokesperon

Anyone with information on the stabbing is urged to contact Boston police detectives at 617-343-4275.

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