In The News

The Urban College of Boston recently honored Roxbury’s own Mary Reed as an “Outstanding Advocate” at the college’s fifth annual Early Childhood Education awards luncheon.

Reed is the daughter of Bessie Tartt Wilson, the founder of Boston’s first minority-owned day care center. Tartt’s Day Care Center in Roxbury opened in 1946. Today, Reed is president of the Bessie Tartt Wilson Initiative for Children, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the support of programs that enhance the lives of children and families.  

“Mary Reed has made an indelible positive imprint on the lives of thousands of children, many of whom are now outstanding adults contributing to our communities,” said Urban College President Dr. Linda E. Turner.

Reed has been the recipient of several awards for community service, including the Women of Justice Award from Lawyers Weekly, and has been recognized by Civic Ventures as a 2010 Purpose Prize Fellow. Today, Reed serves on the boards of the University of Massachusetts Foundation, the John F. Kennedy Library Foundation, Morgan Memorial Goodwill Industries and the Crittenton Womens’ Union.  She is recently retired from the Morgan Memorial Goodwill Industries Board and Bennett College Board of Trustees.