On Monday (March 22), Kim Janey became the first woman and first Black person to take office as the mayor of Boston. Janey came into the role as Boston’s previous mayor, Marty Walsh, resigned to take his place as the US Secretary of Labor within Joe Biden’s administration.
“History will be made tonight, Walsh said, per a report by The Huffington Post. “We’re an extremely diverse city from different backgrounds and different nationalities and different skin colors. I think it’s a good thing for our city. I think it’s a great thing for our city.”
On Twitter, Janey posted her support of Walsh following his confirmation as labor secretary.
“Congratulations on your confirmation, Secretary Walsh,” Janey wrote. “You are a proud son of Dorchester who will bring our city with you. The working people of America will benefit greatly from your passion.”
“Now, we look ahead to a new day –– a new chapter –– in Boston’s history,” she added.
Janey is currently serving as mayor on an interim basis until a general election takes place in the fall. The list of candidates running for a full term includes several women and people of color.
Janey is a Boston native and reportedly began her political career advocating for education equity for children in the city. She won a seat on the city council in a 13-candidate race in 2017, becoming the first woman to represent her district and eventually rose to serve as the president of the city council.
Though Janey hasn’t officially announced if she’ll be running in the fall election, she’ll be sworn in as acting mayor in a ceremony on Wednesday (March 24).
Photo Credit: Getty Images