I love this community, and I’ve dedicated my life to addressing the needs and challenges faced by people in the 5th and across our city. I got my start as a social worker right here in Richmond working directly with people who were impacted by homelessness, gun violence, and a racially disparate criminal justice system and economic landscape. 

Since being elected to City Council last year, I’ve translated those experiences into action by championing legislation to create more opioid treatment facilities and to establish an empowered citizen police citizen review board, by rejecting reckless re-development proposals, and by directing critical relief funds to housing and eviction diversion initiatives. 

We have accomplished a lot together in a short time, but the last few months have laid bare the ongoing systemic injustices in Richmond. Our city is facing a dual economic and health crisis-- a severe budget shortfall, struggling local businesses, thousands out of work, and an ongoing pandemic that is disproportionately affecting Black residents. We’re also in the midst of a prolonged period of reckoning with our City’s racist history, and our existing inequities in policing, housing, schools, and economic development. 

Together, we’ve made real progress in the past year, but we need re-double our efforts to bring our community together to tackle these issues in the years to come, and I am committed to continuing to fight that fight with you.