Political conditions are shifting. All across the country and right here in Boston, communities are responding to this moment of increased uncertainty through mutual aid networks and other self-organized volunteer responses. They are taking action and asking their elected officials to also rise to the occasion. As a daughter of immigrants, a community organizer, a Boston Public School graduate, and a parent, I am intimately familiar with what happens when our city policies don’t work for the people who are the most vulnerable
most vulnerable
Communities most directly impacted by systemic oppression. Typically, people of color, queer and gender non-conforming folks, poor, disabled, and working-class people. among us. If we continue down this path, those struggling the most will get left behind or pushed out, putting the city on track to lose what makes it so special: all of us. Currently, elected officials’ actions are misaligned with the values of equity and bold leadership we hold as a city. We can no longer afford to be represented by politicians who are not moved into action by a vision of a more equitable
equitable
It means everyone has what they need. Giving everyone a size nine pair of sneakers is equality. Giving everyone the kind of shoes in the right size, shoes that work for the weather where they live, or even ones that fit their cultural style is equity. district.
Our policy platform combines a progressive vision with pragmatic policy solutions. It creates racially equitable solutions that benefit us all by focusing on systems change and nurturing a more participatory democracy.
participatory democracy
Goes beyond the ballot box by creating systems that provide ways for people to participate directly in decision-making about their communities. It calls on us to remember what’s at stake—the well-being of our children, our families, our neighbors, and our descendants. We need to do the work today for a better tomorrow. Here is where I’ll start.
most vulnerable
Communities most directly impacted by systemic oppression. Typically, people of color, queer and gender non-conforming folks, poor, disabled, and working-class people. among us. If we continue down this path, those struggling the most will get left behind or pushed out, putting the city on track to lose what makes it so special: all of us. Currently, elected officials’ actions are misaligned with the values of equity and bold leadership we hold as a city. We can no longer afford to be represented by politicians who are not moved into action by a vision of a more equitable
equitable
It means everyone has what they need. Giving everyone a size nine pair of sneakers is equality. Giving everyone the kind of shoes in the right size, shoes that work for the weather where they live, or even ones that fit their cultural style is equity. district.
Our policy platform combines a progressive vision with pragmatic policy solutions. It creates racially equitable solutions that benefit us all by focusing on systems change and nurturing a more participatory democracy.
participatory democracy
Goes beyond the ballot box by creating systems that provide ways for people to participate directly in decision-making about their communities. It calls on us to remember what’s at stake—the well-being of our children, our families, our neighbors, and our descendants. We need to do the work today for a better tomorrow. Here is where I’ll start.
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We don’t have an opportunity gap; we have an education debt. Since the founding of this country, Black and brown students haven’t had access to an equitable
equitable
It means everyone has what they need. Giving everyone a size nine pair of sneakers is equality. Giving everyone the kind of shoes in the right size, shoes that work for the weather where they live, or even ones that fit their cultural style is equity. education. For generations, Boston Public Schools have been segregated, under-resourced, and under leadership that is not representative of the communities they serve, and for that, we owe our children an outstanding debt. All students are enriched by learning spaces that are racially and socioeconomically
socioeconamically
Describes the position of a person or group in society. determined by a combination of social and economic factors that affect access to education and other resources crucial to upward mobility. diverse, resource-rich, and centered on the needs of students, families, and educators. As your city councilor, I will fight on behalf of all students, families, and educators to make schools more just, joyful, and connected.
equitable
It means everyone has what they need. Giving everyone a size nine pair of sneakers is equality. Giving everyone the kind of shoes in the right size, shoes that work for the weather where they live, or even ones that fit their cultural style is equity. education. For generations, Boston Public Schools have been segregated, under-resourced, and under leadership that is not representative of the communities they serve, and for that, we owe our children an outstanding debt. All students are enriched by learning spaces that are racially and socioeconomically
socioeconamically
Describes the position of a person or group in society. determined by a combination of social and economic factors that affect access to education and other resources crucial to upward mobility. diverse, resource-rich, and centered on the needs of students, families, and educators. As your city councilor, I will fight on behalf of all students, families, and educators to make schools more just, joyful, and connected.
Guaranteeing people’s right to housing is a public health issue. We face a housing challenge that cuts across race and class, with particular implications for people of color who are disproportionately likely to be rent-burdened,
rent-burdened
Paying more than 30 percent of your income for housing and/or having difficulty affording necessities such as food, clothing, transportation, and medical care because of rent. to be evicted, and to face discrimination in accessing safe, affordable housing. These realities have been worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic, with thousands of families at risk for eviction. All our neighbors deserve affordable, safe, and stable homes. I will be a tireless advocate for housing justice during and after the pandemic so that our neighborhoods and families can thrive without the threat of displacement.
displacement
Displacement occurs when (1) residents can no longer afford to remain in their homes due to rising housing bills (rents or property taxes), or (2) residents are forced out due to causes such as eminent domain, lease non-renewals, and evictions to make way for new development, or by physical conditions that render their homes uninhabitable.
rent-burdened
Paying more than 30 percent of your income for housing and/or having difficulty affording necessities such as food, clothing, transportation, and medical care because of rent. to be evicted, and to face discrimination in accessing safe, affordable housing. These realities have been worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic, with thousands of families at risk for eviction. All our neighbors deserve affordable, safe, and stable homes. I will be a tireless advocate for housing justice during and after the pandemic so that our neighborhoods and families can thrive without the threat of displacement.
displacement
Displacement occurs when (1) residents can no longer afford to remain in their homes due to rising housing bills (rents or property taxes), or (2) residents are forced out due to causes such as eminent domain, lease non-renewals, and evictions to make way for new development, or by physical conditions that render their homes uninhabitable.
We must defend our air, water, and lands from toxic polluters and climate disruption. Low-income communities and communities of color have been (and continue to be) disproportionately impacted by environmental racism.
environmental racism
Example: Roxbury has a children’s asthma hospitalization rate that’s nearly six times higher than the state average. Demonstrated especially in areas with large concentrations of hazardous waste, disposal sites are set near areas of minority groups. Our economic system, divestment from public transit, and the way that we build our cities undermine the planet’s life support systems and make us, our families, and our neighbors sick. Environmental justice means building a just economy, safe and accessible public transit, and environmental regulation that keeps Boston’s most vulnerable communities healthy and at the center of decision-making. I commit to bringing an intersectional
intersectionality
An understanding that systems of oppression work together and reinforce each other across identities. Therefore, so should systemic solutions. climate justice approach to undertake a just transition
just transition
A vision-led, unifying, and place-based set of principles, processes, and practices that build economic and political power to shift from an extractive economy to a regenerative economy. This means approaching production and consumption cycles holistically and waste-free. The transition itself must be just and equitable. If the process of transition is not just, the outcome will never be. Just Transition describes both where we are going and how we get there. toward a regenerative and healthy city for our sake and that of future generations.
environmental racism
Example: Roxbury has a children’s asthma hospitalization rate that’s nearly six times higher than the state average. Demonstrated especially in areas with large concentrations of hazardous waste, disposal sites are set near areas of minority groups. Our economic system, divestment from public transit, and the way that we build our cities undermine the planet’s life support systems and make us, our families, and our neighbors sick. Environmental justice means building a just economy, safe and accessible public transit, and environmental regulation that keeps Boston’s most vulnerable communities healthy and at the center of decision-making. I commit to bringing an intersectional
intersectionality
An understanding that systems of oppression work together and reinforce each other across identities. Therefore, so should systemic solutions. climate justice approach to undertake a just transition
just transition
A vision-led, unifying, and place-based set of principles, processes, and practices that build economic and political power to shift from an extractive economy to a regenerative economy. This means approaching production and consumption cycles holistically and waste-free. The transition itself must be just and equitable. If the process of transition is not just, the outcome will never be. Just Transition describes both where we are going and how we get there. toward a regenerative and healthy city for our sake and that of future generations.
Safety comes from deeply resourced communities. Our communities are over-policed,
over-policed
Example: Black people make up 44% of residents in Boston and accounted for 70% of Boston Police Dept. traffic stops in 2019. and the policing budget keeps growing while we’re in the midst of a housing and climate crisis. Our schools are severely under-funded, and young people and their families struggle to stay afloat. We can’t have safe communities without first investing in meeting the basic needs
basic needs
Food, water, shelter, clothing, sanitation, education, and healthcare. Beyond these, basic needs should also include self-actualization, community actualization, and cultural perpetuity. of our people while also working to create ways of preventing, responding to, and healing from harm without police and prisons. As your city councilor, I will ensure our collective well-being and safety by addressing root causes, focusing authentically and in-depth on healthy youth development, and implementing community-based violence prevention and intervention strategies.
over-policed
Example: Black people make up 44% of residents in Boston and accounted for 70% of Boston Police Dept. traffic stops in 2019. and the policing budget keeps growing while we’re in the midst of a housing and climate crisis. Our schools are severely under-funded, and young people and their families struggle to stay afloat. We can’t have safe communities without first investing in meeting the basic needs
basic needs
Food, water, shelter, clothing, sanitation, education, and healthcare. Beyond these, basic needs should also include self-actualization, community actualization, and cultural perpetuity. of our people while also working to create ways of preventing, responding to, and healing from harm without police and prisons. As your city councilor, I will ensure our collective well-being and safety by addressing root causes, focusing authentically and in-depth on healthy youth development, and implementing community-based violence prevention and intervention strategies.
The LGBT+ community is an integral part of our district. However, the reality is that queer folks, particularly queer people of color, are disproportionately impacted by most systemic issues in our city. That's why we believe LGBTQ+ policy is housing; it is racial justice and community safety. Nationwide, up to 40% of houseless youth are LGBTQ+, and 22% of transgender people report being fired, denied a promotion, or not being hired because of their gender identity or expressions. In June, political platitudes and messages of support are not enough; we can build policies that protect, uplift, and support our most vulnerable communities. My commitment as your city councilor is to build an inclusive city for all of us.
Our economic model isn’t working. An economy that’s anchored in systemic racism,
systemic racism
A form of racism that is embedded within society, government, businesses, and organizations through policies and practices. the privatization
privatization
The transfer of a business, industry, or service from public to private ownership and control. of resources, and worker exploitation will never guarantee that all people have what they need. The best way to create a safe, enjoyable city to live in is to ensure all people have access to the resources they need to live with dignity. In a city where the net worth for African-American families is $8 versus $247,000 for white households, it’s even more imperative to change the way we think about our economy. The COVID-19 pandemic has made this reality visible by wreaking havoc on workers and small businesses all across the district, but we can build a solidarity economy.
solidarity economy
A value-based post-capitalist framework that emerged in Latin America and Europe in the 1990s. Among many things, it puts people over profit, protects workers, democratizes workplaces, and guarantees sustainable livelihoods so families can thrive. With the proper leadership, we can rearrange our values and put people over profit, protect workers, democratize workplaces, and guarantee sustainable livelihoods so families can thrive rather than just survive paycheck to paycheck.
systemic racism
A form of racism that is embedded within society, government, businesses, and organizations through policies and practices. the privatization
privatization
The transfer of a business, industry, or service from public to private ownership and control. of resources, and worker exploitation will never guarantee that all people have what they need. The best way to create a safe, enjoyable city to live in is to ensure all people have access to the resources they need to live with dignity. In a city where the net worth for African-American families is $8 versus $247,000 for white households, it’s even more imperative to change the way we think about our economy. The COVID-19 pandemic has made this reality visible by wreaking havoc on workers and small businesses all across the district, but we can build a solidarity economy.
solidarity economy
A value-based post-capitalist framework that emerged in Latin America and Europe in the 1990s. Among many things, it puts people over profit, protects workers, democratizes workplaces, and guarantees sustainable livelihoods so families can thrive. With the proper leadership, we can rearrange our values and put people over profit, protect workers, democratize workplaces, and guarantee sustainable livelihoods so families can thrive rather than just survive paycheck to paycheck.
Voting is the inherent right our country was founded on. And yet, at no point in our history has everyone had the right to vote. Although civic engagement goes beyond the ballot box, expanding the electorate and ensuring that everyone eligible to vote is engaged in the process is crucial to maintaining a healthy functioning democracy. As someone who has faced barriers to voting, I am deeply committed to removing these barriers and nurturing a deeper, more participatory democracy at every level of government.
Art is both culture and a tool for democracy. We are not appropriately investing in our artists or our cultural districts’
cultural district
Popular areas of a city where there are a lot of cultural facilities and programs. They help strengthen local economies and add to local culture. sustainability, nor are we integrating the arts into our democratic process. When we do, it’s often at the expense or exclusion of our most vulnerable communities. The COVID-19 pandemic has made these realities even more evident. One clear example of this is the shuttering of some of our most beloved venues without a city-wide discussion on how to replace these cherished spaces of creativity and connection. The arts are essential to a free and democratic society, a culture of coexistence, and strong local economies. Part of what makes our district so unique is our connection to one another through arts and cultural events. As an artist, I will ensure that our city supports creating cultural districts and integrating creative interventions into some of our most pressing issues.
cultural district
Popular areas of a city where there are a lot of cultural facilities and programs. They help strengthen local economies and add to local culture. sustainability, nor are we integrating the arts into our democratic process. When we do, it’s often at the expense or exclusion of our most vulnerable communities. The COVID-19 pandemic has made these realities even more evident. One clear example of this is the shuttering of some of our most beloved venues without a city-wide discussion on how to replace these cherished spaces of creativity and connection. The arts are essential to a free and democratic society, a culture of coexistence, and strong local economies. Part of what makes our district so unique is our connection to one another through arts and cultural events. As an artist, I will ensure that our city supports creating cultural districts and integrating creative interventions into some of our most pressing issues.
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