BOSTON — Jean McGuire, the 91-year-old Boston civil rights and education activist who was stabbed multiple times Tuesday night while walking her dog in Franklin Park, issued a statement to the public on Friday through her family.
McGuire, the longtime leader of Boston’s Metco program and the first woman of color to be elected to the Boston School Committee was attacked by an unknown suspect near Playstead Road in the park around 8:30 p.m. McGuire’s sister told Boston 25 that her dog may have bitten the suspect during the encounter to help fight him off.
She and her family issued a statement on Friday addressing the act of violence.
“We as a community can never forget that we need to stand together and continue working to empower our children through learning,” McGuire said through her family. “We are at our best as a people; when it’s about ‘we’ not ‘me.’ I love you all and I will see you soon.”
In their own statement, her family expressed thanks to all the doctors and healthcare workers helping the 91-year-old in her recovery. They also expressed appreciation for the “outpouring of love and support” they’ve received since the stabbing.
The family continued on by saying “Jean has spent her entire professional life fighting for all families to have the best educational opportunities to achieve their dreams.”
If anyone is looking to support McGuire’s legacy, “she and her family will ask people to direct donations to a nonprofit fund currently in development that will help promote the education of the children of greater New England,” said the family. “The family will make a formal announcement introducing the establishment of the fund in the coming weeks.”
So far, no arrests have been made and police are still trying to track down the suspect.
Police are asking anyone who was in the area at the time and may have witnessed the incident or observed anything suspicious to call detectives at 617-343-4275. Anonymous tips can also be submitted by calling the CrimeStoppers Tip Line at 1-800-494-TIPS or by texting the word ‘TIP’ to CRIME (27463).
This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.
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