Mattapan officially became it's own neighborhood in the 1960's in an effort by the Boston Redevelopment Authority to separate Dorchester's several large neighborhoods. Mattapan underwent a radical ethnic transition in the 1970's when the once predominately Jewish/Russian neighborhood became increasingly African American. This is popularly referred to as "White Flight" and came about due to new redistricting instituted by Federal Judge Arthur Garrity. Bussing was established to facilitate equal education among Boston residence because it was beleaved that "whites" regardless of race were being better educated than "blacks". Turmoil existed for many years in the community due to the cultural change and clash of different ethnicities being forced to face each other regarding their children. What grew out of this negative time in Boston's history is more acceptance and tolerance of diversity. Segregation may still exist in the city but not to the extent that it did in years past. That is the positive that came from forced bussing.