Jean McGuire, Boston Civil Rights Leader, Expected To Survive After Being Stabbed Multiple Times During Park Attack

Jean McGuire

Jean McGuire, Boston Civil Rights Leader, Expected To Survive After Being Stabbed Multiple Times During Park Attack

Even the elderly aren’t safe from vicious attacks.

According to reports, 91-year-old Boston educational activist Jean McGuire was stabbed multiple times while walking her dog in the park this past Tuesday (October 11th). Reports state that police are currently investigating the attack, noting the suspect was likely injured by her dog and is asks that anyone with information contact them immediately. McGuire is reportedly recovering from her wounds, but is expected to survive.

The reports state that McGuire was at the Playstead Park in Jamaica Plains around 8:30pm when an unidentified assailant approached and began stabbing her. Boston police say they believe the person was injured by her dog Bailey, who fought to protect McGuire during the incident. A friend of the activist who reportedly identified McGuire as the victim after the attack stated:

“[Jean] attacked this guy. She was kicking him in the nuts while Bailey was working him over. And he tried to run, and the dog chased him. And [the attacker] disappeared out of sight….Bailey stood up for her.”

Jean McGuire

Well known by the community, Jean McGuire has had a long history of championing for educational equality in the Boston area. She was reportedly the first Black social worker to work in Boston public schools, helping students with emotional and environmental difficulties. She was also reportedly the first woman of color elected to the Boston School Committee. Additionally, McGuire assisted in founding the Metropolitan Council for Educational Opportunity (METCO), which began in the 1960s as a program aimed to help desegregate Boston schools. Today, METCO reportedly has students attending schools in over 30 suburbs.

Though undergoing a traumatic attack, reports state that McGuire remains in good spirits. Kevin Hayden, the Suffolk County District Attorney and reportedly close friend of the activist, stated in an interview following the incident:

“She’s as positive and vibrant and upbeat as anyone who knows Jean McGuire would expect her to be, even as she sits in that hospital bed,”

Jean McGuire

He continued:

“That is miraculous. That is powerful, that is amazing. Her attacker may have met the wrong person last night.” 

Reports state that McGuire is expected to make a full recovery after being transported to the hospital for non life threatening injuries.

[VIA 1,2]

We are praying for a speedy recover! Leave Jean McGuire some well wishes in the comments section.