Kim Janey turned “Black Girl Magic” into history on Wednesday when she was sworn in as the first Black woman ever to serve as Mayor of Boston, WCVB reported.
Janey took over mayoral duties on Monday when her predecessor Marty Walsh resigned to join President Biden’s cabinet as Labor Secretary. Previously, she was Boston City Council president. Janey only began serving on the city council three years ago, and now she is the mayor of the city with all the powers and responsibilities that come with it.
She will serve out the remainder of Walsh’s term, which is coming up for election later this year.
According to Boston 25, Janey’s family’s roots have been anchored in the city for four generations. Her grandfather worshipped with Martin Luther King, Jr. while he was a student, and her father graduated from Boston Latin School in 1964. Janey was also part of history as a student during Boston’s infamous busing program to integrate the city’s schools.
The politician is making history in multiple ways. Janey is not only the first Black woman to take a seat as Beantown’s mayor. She is also the first woman and the first person of color ever to serve in the position. Boston’s former mayors have all been white men, mostly of Irish-Catholic descent.
During her swearing-in ceremony, Janey reflected, “To think that my teenage grandsons were born at a time when there never had been a black person on our city council. Today is a new day. I stand before you as the first woman and the first Black mayor of Boston — a city that I love.”
The “new day” Janey speaks of will include “bold, courageous leadership” that will continue to focus on COVID-19 recovery and safety, closing the achievement gap in education and working with police to ensure all communities are safe.
Three city council members have already declared candidacy to be seated as mayor in the 2021 race permanently.
Janey has not indicated as to whether or not she will run.
