Dorcena Forry: `Idea of resistance' vital in Trump era
State Sen. Linda Dorcena Forry (D-Boston) joined Boston Herald Radio’s “Morning Meeting” show yesterday to discuss the changes she wants to see in the city, from race issues to the mayor’s race. Here are excerpts:
Q: What do you see as the most important changes to make in the city of Boston?
A: We really have to have a lens in terms of working to really lift folks out of poverty and really to give employment opportunities to all ... we know that education, vocation and training will really be a part of that. But how is it that we really support our families ... how are we giving them the intense support and wrap-around services to really support them and their children?
Q: Would you consider endorsing Tito Jackson for mayor, or do you plan on staying with Marty Walsh?
A: I think that this conversation around the mayor and this election is going to be quite fascinating.
I think we’re going to be able to hear vibrant and invigorating responses and conversations around real issues that are impacting people here in the city of Boston. (She did not endorse either.)
Q: Do you think the backlash from Donald Trump being elected will help minority candidates running for office in the state?
A: I’ll say this, with the president-elect, it’s very troublesome still ... just with some of the tweets and some of the conversation that’s taking place, it’s concerning. ... I think people are a little bit frightened of what may happen and what may come. ... Today, in terms of the (47th annual MLK Memorial) breakfast, I have to say this: Sen. Markey said ... this is the moment today where Dr. Martin Luther King’s idea of resistance comes through, where there’s issues that may come forth in the next four years, whether it’s dismantling opportunities for families, or dismantling health care ... we have to be able to stand up and when we see something going wrong, say as Americans, “We are not going to stand for this.”
Q: What are your thoughts on Marty Walsh’s campaign saying they are concerned that race is going to be used in a way that could potentially be troubling for the community, making potential issues that are not there?
A: I think it’s important to see that we are not in a postracial society ... the mayor has taken a step in really having the dialogue around racial issues and biases, and really trying to bring Boston together to have the conversation, and I think that’s something we can’t hide from ... we have to recognize that race does play a role in it, that race does play a role in everything.