Gwen Mitchell and Adonica Chaplain joined the Mass Senior Action Council as a formidable “fighting duo.” Marrying brothers and becoming sister-in-laws, they raised their children together during the Boston Busing crisis.
They were dedicated to ensuring their children received a quality and equitable education, and their relentless efforts paid off, with all of their children graduating from college.
Now retired—Adonica from the Boston Police Department and Gwen, a semi-retired oncology nurse—they remain active in their communities. Gwen continues her involvement with her alma mater, Jeremiah E. Burke School, through her Class of ’64 organization. Since 2009, she and her classmates have awarded scholarships to young people and attend high school graduation ceremonies to offer support and promote educational opportunities.
Their activism led them to Mass Senior Action Council when a new MSAC member, Marsha Nevell, introduced the campaign to halt tax increases for Boston homeowners. Both attended community meetings and realized that Mass Senior Action stood out from other organizations: “We could see a vision. Seniors really do take action. It isn’t just talk with this group.”
Gwen reminisced about riding the bus to City Hall with other MSAC members to support Mayor Wu’s proposal, saying, “We didn’t know much about Mass Senior Action at the time. I read their list of accomplishments and experienced the leadership and respect we received at the hearing when we filled City Hall in our blue shirts. I knew I wanted to continue this journey as an active member.”
Adonica expressed her surprise at not having known about MSAC before, stating, “In my 78 years, I had never heard of this group. I now understand that Mass Senior Action advocates for the entire community to ensure the establishment functions as it should for all of us.”
Both women felt they discovered MSAC at a pivotal moment, with Adonica noting, “Mass Senior Action offers a platform for seniors to express their truths and advocate for the greater good.” Gwen added, “MSAC provides the support and encouragement we need to find our voices. Strength lies in numbers, and you can truly feel our power when we unite.”
Gwen and Adonica quickly became involved, attending hearings, meeting with legislators, and rallying others to amplify their voices in the Boston property tax campaign.
Although one of the Boston state senators blocked their proposal, Adonica asserted, “We did not lose; we shed light on fair taxes, and we will not stop. We are just getting started.”
Contact MSAC to get in the action like Gwen and Adonica. 617-284-1275.