San Francisco has long been at the forefront of the country’s civil rights struggle and our city’s African American residents have always been the leaders in that valiant charge. This month, we celebrate this proud history of fearless and courageous activism, while acknowledging that the fight for justice and fairness is far from over. 

I understand that recent political events and years of an unfinished agenda have caused pain and anguish within the city’s African American community. I want to assure our community members that I will make every effort to heal any wounds and continue to honor contributions from our African American leaders of the past, present and future. I vow to be a Mayor for all our residents and I will follow through on that pledge.

I look forward to partnering with the city’s African American residents, our civil rights advocates and our community leaders on ways we can move forward in our mission for equity. Black History Month is the perfect time to pay homage to the past and rededicate ourselves to the fight for equality for all.