Malden community leader Neal Anderson named 2025 Black Excellence Award Honoree

State Representative Steven Ultrino (D-Malden) and his office celebrated Neal Anderson, who was named to the Black Excellence on the Hill Class of 2025 of the Massachusetts Black and Latino Caucus (MBLLC). Every year the MBLLC honors black leaders who strive to make a difference and improve the lives of others within their community. This year, the Class of 2025 Black Excellence Honorees comprises more than 100 men and women from across the state – leaders in industry, business, nonprofit, advocacy and more. These Black Excellence Honorees dedicate their time and effort to create lasting impacts on lives of so many in Massachusetts communities.

Born and raised in Malden, Neal Anderson has dedicated his whole life and career to public service and helping underserved communities. Neal served as Malden’s Ward 7 Councillor for 14 terms (or 28 years) and played a pivotal role in shaping his community to what it is today. Neal first ran for Ward 7 Councillor in 1983 and ran his campaign on his belief “There is a role for people of color in shaping the regulations and shaping the ordinances, and rules, and laws.” Prior to serving as Ward 7 Councillor, Neal served in the U.S. Navy during the Civil Rights Movement. His experiences, lessons and encounters with injustice and poverty during his time in the Navy was carried with him back to Malden and inspired a career in human services. Neal is known for his promotion of civic engagement and serving the community with his family on his side; from campaigning to the annual fourth of July celebration, community engagement was a family affair. Throughout Neal’s time as Ward 7 Councillor, he championed initiatives for civic engagement, the arts, energy efficiency and sustainability, and many more. Neal Anderson’s character, love of service, and dedication to his community are a shining example to all of what a life devotion to caring for others look like.

“I’m honored to nominate Neal Anderson as a 2025 Black Excellence Honoree,” said Representative Ultrino. “For over twenty-eight years, Neal has been a tireless advocate for the residents of Malden. This recognition is a testament to the hard work, determination, and love Neal pours into his community. From his years of public service and leadership in Malden, Neal embodies the very essence of excellence and service.”

“As a dedicated leader, Neal Anderson embodies the spirit of service, advocacy, and honor that the Black Excellence Award represents,” said State Representative Paul Donato. “From his time serving in the Navy during the Civil Rights Movement to his impressive tenure as a Malden City Councilor, Neal has consistently shown his deep commitment to public service and social equity. His leadership has made a long-lasting impact on our community, and we are forever grateful. I congratulate Neal on this well-deserved nomination for this award and recognize his invaluable contributions to Malden and the Commonwealth.”

“I’m humbled and grateful for this acknowledgement by the Massachusetts Black and Latino Legislative Caucus,” said Neal Anderson. “It had been the privilege of my lifetime to serve the community for these many years and to be recognized along with others for what we have done to try improve the lives and wellbeing of our communities.”

The MBLLC celebrated it’s 2025 Black Excellence on the Hill on Friday, February 28, at the Massachusetts Statehouse in the Great Hall of Flags. For additional information regarding this event, visit https://www.mbllc.org/excellence-awards