Ray+Flynn

Aim + Culture
Hayley Fester Raymond Flynn was and is a well respected individual in his politics, beliefs, and literary works. He has always held the lives of others above his own and credits himself on his work with immigrants of South Boston especially. Being an Irish-Catholic American and growing up in such a segregated town, Ray Flynn was very connected to the issues and behaviors he saw ruining his beloved home. In a short biography on this remarkable man, it is stated that, “When asked to explain his accomplishments in life, Flynn said, ‘I credit my parents, my Catholic faith and my South Boston neighbors and friends for my success in life’” (“Ray Flynn, The Pride of South Boston”). This attitude shows Flynn’s true characteristic and behavior towards his life and who he believes was the most affective and central people to his current standing and success. Flynn also held strong beliefs in his culture and those around him that established his being. Along with his fight for equality, the Boston Globe’s Kevin Cullen remarked also upon Flynn’s abnormal persona: “...Flynn’s actions aimed at finally desegregating Boston’s public housing... ‘He was politically bold,’ said Cullen of Flynn. ‘He took an independent path and that meant he was not just critical of state or loyalist violence, but also republican violence. In this he was very forward thinking’” (“Flynn Avenue”). In his insistence for desegregation and his open-minded quality, Flynn was well-loved by all whom he met. Ray Flynn declared his city to be a type of sanctuary for those who lacked a status and were technically immigrants. In these unselfish ways, Ray Flynn became a South Boston hero.



Audience
Hayley Fester Throughout his many careers, Raymond Flynn was heard by and inspired all who he met. Flynn began his political career in 1971 and continued this aspect of his lifestyle throughout his life. Through his various powerful opinions, Ray Flynn was able to effectively contribute to his community in both state and national levels (being an American Ambassador for the Vatican in the 1990s). However, Flynn’s most prominent work is what he worked on in his hometown of South Boston, “Flynn, who repeatedly balanced his city’s budget, presided over some of its fatter economic years, and, in 1991, became the first mayor in the city’s history to secure reelection by winning every ward, was outspoken about Northern Ireland from his first days in office” (“Flynn Avenue”) Ray Flynn was a strong believer in people and God. He always sought the attention and approval of both. Through his many excursions with both parties, Flynn was able to find a true audience (of mostly Irish-Catholic Americans) who felt and viewed the world in the same way as he. However, even through it all, Ray Flynn was generally accepted and praised by most everyone he met because of his acceptance of others and belief in one’s self.



History
Hayley Fester In Raymond Flynn’s lifetime, he was able to influence many because of his undying loyalty and casualty with all minorities and his background that made him who he is today. Ray Flynn was born to Irish-Catholic immigrants in South Boston on July 22nd, 1939 and was influenced from that day onward by his home. He bore many titles as shown here: “College Basketball star, Mayor of Boston, US Ambassador to the Vatican – Raymond L. Flynn has represented his beloved neighborhood – South Boston – extraordinarily well over his lifetime” (“Ray Flynn, The Pride of South Boston”). To start, Flynn proved his strength in basketball starting at Providence College where he was named Most Valuable Player at the national invitational tournament. Also during his senior year of college, Flynn was chosen for the NCAA hall of fame. Ray Flynn’s political career began in 1971 when he became a Democratic member of Massachusetts’ House of Representatives. Later, in 1978, Flynn was appointed to the City council and from 1984 to 1993 was the extremely successful Mayor of Boston. Directly after his mayorship, Ray Flynn was appointed as the United States Ambassador to the Vatican by President Clinton until 1997. After his time at the Vatican, Ray Flynn co-wrote two novels with Robin Moore; The Accidental Pope and John Paul III: A Personal Portrait of a Pope & the Man. Throughout his work, Raymond Flynn has become a central and inspirational leader to many.

Works Cited “Ray Flynn, The Pride of South Boston.” Boston Irish Tourism Association. BITA, n.d. Web. 6 November 2013. “Flynn Avenue.” Irish Echo. n.p., 17 February 2013. Web. 6 November 2013. 