Kim Janey has made history as Boston’s first Black, and the first woman mayor. She was sworn in on March 24, 2021, after her predecessor, Martin J. Walsh was confirmed as U.S. labor secretary. As the city council president, she officially became “acting mayor” per the city’s governing charter.
This milestone comes at a crucial moment for the city as COVID-19 has only exposed some pre-existing racial disparities in Boston.
The Boston Globe Spotlight series reported that the median net worth of Black Bostonians is $8, compared with the median net worth of $247,000 for white households. No, that’s not a typo.
Another study conducted by the Walsh administration found that, over a five-year period, only 1.2% of city contracts went to Black- and Latino-owned businesses.
“We can do better,” Janey said during a virtual event at the end of her first day. “We are not going back to normal — we are going better … normal was hurting too many residents.”
She added the city must have a “more equitable, just and vibrant” recovery and that her administration will be focusing on getting workers back to their jobs and students back to school.
“I am excited to lead our great city,” said Janey.
Janey will serve as acting mayor through the November election, which will choose a new mayor for a four-year term. It’s not clear if she will run at this time.