Later today at 12:00 PM, a monumental occurrence will take place in the capital city of our Commonwealth, Boston. On this day, at that time, the city will swear-in Kim Janey as its first Black and first woman mayor in its 200-years since incorporation. We send our warmest congratulations to Ms. Janey as she assumes this role and our best wishes to her new team as they work together to meet the challenges that lay ahead.

Symbolically, this is an historic moment. Substantively, it is a pivotal one. For the first time in the annals of the city’s treasured and troubled tale, its chief executive officer will not need a crash course on understanding the lived experiences of over half of its population. As a Black person, a woman, and a native of Roxbury, Mayor Janey will bring to the corner office of City Halls’ fifth floor the perspectives of the majority that have for too long been ignored, unheard, or overlooked.

We greet this news with excitement and hope for our immediate future, but we are not blinded by it. It is not lost on us that this ascension will not in itself absolve the city of centuries of abuse against, exclusion of, or false promises made to communities of color. This Administration is not afforded the luxury of time to redress the history of repeated injuries inflicted on these populations that, in many instances, continue to this day. However, this moment beckons to us all, offering an opportunity to begin anew the building of a city and a Commonwealth that work for us and with us.

The challenges mentioned earlier — navigating the ongoing impacts of a global pandemic and ensuring an equitable economic recovery — cannot be faced alone. When the applause for this transition ceases, our hands will be ready to work in partnership with the Janey Administration to create a more inclusive economy that gives Black residents opportunities to sustain generational wealth. We hope you will join us in fulfilling this pledge, *|FNAME|*.

“History, despite its wrenching pain, cannot be unlived,” said Maya Angelou. “But if faced with courage, need not be lived again.” On the pulse of this morning, and every morning hereafter, let us stand ready to face our history with courage to ensure the future health, safety, and prosperity of generations of Black residents to come.