Racial inequality in this country dates back hundreds of years to our founding. While we have made good progress toward racial justice under the law, systemic racism still exists throughout our society and we have a ways to go to reach true equality for all. Black Americans and People of Color have faced barriers to the economy, to housing, to education, and to voting access.  Massachusetts, and more specifically the 12th Plymouth district, is not immune to systemic racism and there are many unfair barriers that People of Color must overcome each and every day.

On Beacon Hill, I will advocate for and work to create a more equitable Massachusetts.  A study done by the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston ("The Color of Wealth in Boston", 2015) found that non-immigrant black households in our very own Boston have a median net worth of $8, while white households nationally have a median net worth of $247,500. We must work to bridge the wealth gap between black and white households, while understanding that the problem lay not with Black Bostonians, but with the systemic barriers they face every day. Increasing economic opportunities for African Americans means creating access to better, affordable housing as well as access to high quality education, both in elementary and secondary education as well as higher education.

I will fight to ensure that our ballot boxes remain open and available to all.  Many voter suppression tactics are aimed at keeping Black Americans away from the polls. Not only will I oppose all measures to suppress votes, I will support legislation that enhances voting rights and makes it easier for all legal citizens to vote in elections. Voting is the most fundamental right we have as citizens, and no citizen should be turned away for any reason.  On a personal level, I will be working to further educate myself on how systemic racism persists at many levels as I strive to become a better, more informed ally to the Black community, and will represent them with sincerity, honesty and integrity.