Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Breakfast Committee

2026 True Compass Awardees - Byron Rushing and Frieda Garcia

Byron Rushing is a civil rights and community organizer. Byron has held many titles, including Director for the Urban Change Program for the Urban League, President of the Museum of African American History, Co-Chair of the Massachusetts Health Disparities Council, and many more. Byron also served as a member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives representing Boston’s Ninth Suffolk District from 1983 to 2018. Byron is well known for becoming the leading progressive voice on issues related to LGBTQ+ rights, healthcare reform, racial justice, and affordable housing. Throughout his life, Byron has been recognized for his advocacy and leadership reflecting on decades of dedication to advancing equity, preserving history, and improving the lives of those in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Frieda Garcia is a Dominican-born community activist and organizer who has spent decades working to improve life in Boston’s South End and Roxbury neighborhoods. Frieda has contributed over 50 years of work in the public sector and has served on over 70 nonprofit boards as a community leader, including chairman of the board of directors for The Boston Foundation, The Massachusetts Foundation for Humanities and Policy, and the United Way. She was also the founding member and first director of La Alianza Hispana, a Latino service organization. Frieda also served as Executive Director of the United South End Settlement for 20 years where she expanded programs in education, affordable housing, literacy, and job training.

Happy Martin Luther King Jr. Day from the BTU. As we face unprecedented challenges this year, we are emboldened by Dr. King’s refusal to give up on equality, justice and America.