William Boston, MA, LPC
Ward Five Candidate, District of Columbia City Council

BIOGRAPHY

William Boston moved to the District of Columbia 8 years ago, after graduating in 1989 from Pittsburgh State University, with a Bachelor's of Science Degree in Psychology. In 1997, he received a Masters of Arts degree in Clinical and Community Psychology from the University of the District of Columbia (UDC), and anticipates someday pursuing a Ph.D in Clinical and Community Psychology. He is a Licensed Professional Counselor/Consultant, and a member of the Association of Black Psychologists (ABP). Mr. Boston is employed by "The National Conference For Community and Justice" as Coordinator of Education and Training. He has just finished participating in the Mayor's May, 1998 "Youth Empowerment Conference" for teens (from 13 to 17 years) to provide them with training, information and skills needed for survival in the year 2000.

Mr Boston has very strong Christian beliefs. Since arriving in Washington, he has been very active in the religious community. He is a member of the Jabbok Christ Centered Ministry under the leadership of Pastor Harold L. Wilder. Although their church services are currently being conducted at Hart Jr. High School, the congregation recently purchased the building at 17th and I Streets, NE (Ward 5) which will be renovated and ready for occupancy in 1999.

Mr. Boston's lift-long ambition has been one of counseling and helping people. From the age of 12 to 17 years, be was a volunteer at the Hart Stone Institution where he worked with the mentally ill and the elderly. Prom the ages of 17 to 20 years, he volunteered as a college counselor at Pittsburgh State University.

In the community, he has been very active with innumerable endeavors:

• 1995 founder of the Potomac Gardens Youth Vocational Program,
• 1995 founding Board Member and President of the UDC Student Task Force on Non-Violence,
• 1996 started research project with African-American boys on anxiety, self-esteem and problem solving; in 1997 the project was extended to include Gage-Eckington Elementary School,
• 1997 - 98 co-convener for the Mayor's "Days of Dialogue" which included planning and coordinating the event,
• 1997 - 98 member, the Mayor's Youth Conference Committee (planning and coordinating),
• 1998 facilitator for the Office of the Mayor between Ward 8 citizens and elected officials,
• 1998 member, Shiloh Baptist Church Leadership Diversity Committee,
• 1998 member, Interfaith Conference Dialogue and Diversity Committee, that coordinates dialogue pertaining to social services within and around the Metropolitan Area, and
• 1998 worked with the President's Initiative on Race at Bowie State University,
• Member, Bloomingdale Civic Association,
• Member, "Weed and Seed" Pilot Project in the Bloomingdale Community, and
• Recently became involved with the Christopher Attucks Restoration Project in Bloomingdale.

The following are his more recent political endeavors;

• 1996 member, Young Democrats, University of the District of Columbia,
• 1997 participated in the rallies and marches sponsored by the D.C. Coalition for Democracy,
• 1997 volunteered with Drs. Dorothy Height and Betty Shakazz on the President's Inaugural Committee at the National Council of Negro Women.

With all of his background, training, experience and interest in people, Mr Boston feels that he is well prepared to lead the citizens of Ward 5 into the year 2000.