Necessary Tools

With MCD Student Matthew Parker
MCD Student Matthew Parker

"I am pursuing the Masters in Community Development to build out the tools I believe necessary to lead the Union of Minority Neighborhoods and to be an example to my children."

      ~(MCD) Student Matthew Parker  Boston, MA


Position: Executive Director, Union of Minority Neighborhoods in Jamaica Plain, MA

Goals: I believe in peaceful causes and the upliftment of black people. I am pursuing the MA in Community Development to build out the tools I believe necessary to fulfill that role and to be an example to my children.

A graphic showing the unh sustainability award platinum electronic badge
Recipient of a 2021 UNH Sustainability Award: Matthew is the executive director of an organization that ensures that grassroots leaders of color can effectively organize to address threats to civil liberties while also working to end discriminatory policies and practices that limit access to political, economic, and environmental justice. His capstone project aimed to identify and address the policies and practices that have impacted men of color from being able to attain/maintain housing because of mass incarceration, inequitable wages, and prejudiced policies/practices. Learn More

Matthew Parker, a Master in Community Development student, has worked at Union of Minority Neighborhoods (UMN) since 2016. In 2021, he became executive director of the Boston-based nonprofit. His capstone project at the Carsey School of Public Policy focused on identifying and addressing policies and practices that have impacted men of color from being able to attain/maintain housing because of mass incarceration, inequitable wages, and prejudiced policies/practices.