Everyone wants to know why Dianne Wilkerson is getting back into politics.
She was the first Black woman to serve as a state senator in Massachusetts. She represented Black Bostonians for 15 years and resigned after she was caught accepting bribe money.
Wilkerson spent three years in jail and has since worked to regain the trust of the community by continuing to serve. She’s been involved in governance issues at the Boston Public Schools board, economic equity for the city’s Black and Brown residents, and the COVID-19 response.
It’s the latter that has inspired her to run for the Senate seat in the 2nd Suffolk District.
“We know we needed to have a place where our people would feel comfortable to go to get vaccine,” Wilkerson told me. “What I learned in the process is we were calling, doing wellness checks on our seniors. They said, ‘I have the vaccine. I don't have any food. I have vaccine. I don't, I don't have money for a copay. I lost my job.’
“And so we realized this was about more than COVID. It was about how the government with all of its resources still can't figure out ways to respond to our people. And when we went to the people who are elected to deliver those resources, we didn't get a response.”
This week on the Defining You podcast, Dianne Wilkerson gives her candid perspective on what went wrong when she was convicted of bribery, how she has sought to serve the community, and who is inspiring her today.
Listen to this episode to understand the Dianne Wilkerson story, her background and what motivates her to seek out public service, and how you might find a way to serve in your community, too.
And if you’re listening on Apple Podcasts, please head over to the reviews section and leave a 5-star review. It really helps others find the show. Thanks!
Episode links:
Dianne Wilkerson Campaign Site - https://wilkersonforsenate.com/
Dianne Wilkerson on Twitter - https://twitter.com/DW4Senate
Donate to Dianne Wilkerson - https://secure.actblue.com/donate/wilkerson-committee-1
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Credits:
•Music by Bernier Coulangers Jr.
•Audio produced by Bernier Coulanges Jr.
•Photo by https://www.instagram.com/ddesireephotography/