Most challenging aspect of leading during two simultaneous public health crises?
As Mayor of Boston, I think the most challenging thing is trying to come up with a solution that’s not solvable by one person. That’s really what I’m grappling with right now. As far as COVID-19 goes, we’ve been able to do a lot of incredible things within a short period of time. And then with the murder of George Floyd and dealing with systemic racism, understanding as a leader that I can’t solve this problem alone, but I can help come up with long-term solutions.
What has given you strength/ are there any unexpected positives from this time?
What’s given me strength during COVID is watching people come together and rally around each other. It’s really amazing. Wearing masks, protecting themselves, protecting other people. What’s given me hope with a lot of the protests we have are the protesters and the people we have out there pushing for change. And also, quite honestly, a lot of people wanting change and wanting to be part of that -- that’s given me hope as far as moving forward now.
Who do you wear a mask for?
I wear a mask for my mother and I wear a mask for the people of Boston. My mother, she’s been the one I’ve been talking about protecting from the beginning of this. I also wear a mask for the people of Boston to understand that it’s important we all wear a mask to protect each other.
Martin J. Walsh
53 years old
Mayor of the City of Boston, MA