Most challenging aspect of leading during two simultaneous public health crises? 

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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. 

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What has given you strength/ are there any unexpected positives from this time?

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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.

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Who do you wear a mask for?

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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.