Christopher A. Iannella

The City Council chamber is named after former City Councilor At-Large Christopher A. Iannella. Iannella was born in 1913 in San Sossio Baronia, Italy, and immigrated to Boston at eight years old. When he arrived, he spoke no English and faced significant hardship and discrimination in the early 20th century. Despite this adversity, Iannella confronted his challenges head on and graduated Boston English High School, Boston College, and Harvard Law School.

Iannella first served as a State Representative for his home neighborhood, The West End, prior to its demolition and redevelopment. Following this, he moved to Jamaica Plain and served as a councilor for 33 years, and acted as City Council President for eight one-year terms. During his political career, he advocated for the protection of the West End neighborhood, acted as a mediator between Boston City Council and the Mayor’s office, and also had a hand in establishing the office of Elder Affairs and the Landmarks Commission. Iannella was seen as an inspiration to thousands of immigrants who arrived in Boston and struggled with discrimination and economic hardship. He is survived by his four children, three of whom work in Massachusetts politics today.