Andrea Campbell on why Boston must do more to combat racism and COVID-19 disparities

City Councilor Andrea Campbell elaborated Sunday on how she thinks local leaders can do more to combat systemic racism and racial inequity in Boston amid the movement for racial justice and as the city reels from the disproportionate impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

Campbell is one of five city councilors who voted against the city’s $3.6 billion operating budget approved last week, saying the proposal from Mayor Marty Walsh didn’t go far enough in addressing those issues.

The councilor from District 4 — representing Dorchester and Mattapan, and parts of Roslindale and Jamaica Plain — has also recently criticized Walsh’s plan to launch an “equity and inclusion cabinet” within his administration.

Campbell, speaking on WCVB’s “On The Record” Sunday, said she does support Walsh’s effort to create a racial equity fund for the city, but officials must take further actions.

“I think the fund is a good idea, but leadership has to start with the city in terms of setting the plan, the goal, with respect to closing gaps,” the councilor and former council president said. “And we have to do more with that.”

Watch the interview: