Roles: MA Attorney General, Boston City Councillor, Legal Counsel
Tell us a little about where you grew up?
I grew up in Boston, in the beautiful neighborhoods of Roxbury and South End. Sadly, at a young age, both my biological parents would pass away. My brothers and I bounced around–living with relatives and sometimes in the foster care system when our grandmother struggled with alcoholism. Without the help of relatives, high-quality public housing and public assistance, and community support, I would not be where I am today.
How did that experience shape you as a person/how did that impact the path that you followed in life?
Despite the trials and tribulations, I relied on a deep sense of faith to persevere and count it as a blessing that I’ve had relatives, teachers, mentors, and community there for love, support, and generosity. My experience has instilled in me a passion for uplifting others and ensuring that everyone, regardless of their circumstances, has an opportunity to heal, grow and prosper. In my current role as Attorney General, I get to champion that cause every day by fighting for equal opportunity, equity, and economic justice, including access to affordable housing.
Why is affordable housing important now?
Housing is an essential tool to build wealth, including closing the racial wealth gap, and directly relates to one’s ability to access high quality schools, a healthy environment and safe community. We are not only prioritizing access to housing that is affordable and high quality for these reasons, but also because affordability is the No. 1 issue residents are concerned about and want us to address with a sense of urgency.
Without the help of relatives, high-quality public housing and public assistance, and community support, I would not be where I am today.
