To the Editor:
My name is Natalie Juba-Sutherland and I am a long time resident of Roxbury —a homeowner, actually, and a Boston resident for 25 years. I am a first-generation immigrant from Trinidad and Tobago. I migrated to America with a carry-on, $120, and big plans to live the American dream. On my journey I experienced homelessness, not having money or food and the fear and inability to ask for and access resources.
My father was a masonry trade instructor and my mother was a janitor at an elementary school. My parents also own a small business, so hard work and dedication is rooted in my DNA. I graduated from Bunker Hill Community College and went on to graduate from the University of Massachusetts in Boston with a concentration in accounting. I have 20-plus years experience in the private sector, specifically, small business lending. I’m also the mother of two boys, Raseed and Raul.
I’m running for Boston City Council in District 7 because I would like to use my experience to help my fellow community members fight homelessness and hunger and access vital resources. The core values of my campaign are honesty, transparency, and accountability.
My campaign will be focused on bringing well-paying jobs to the residents of district 7, which will include police officers and firefighters. Creating a simple path to homeownership, which also includes financial literacy as they go hand in hand. Purchasing a home is one journey; maintaining and keeping a home is another.
Also, on education. I will fight for the rightful resources each student needs to succeed.
Lastly, Nubian Square and Mass. and Cass. This is a citywide problem, therefore, we all have to work together to address this issue. We will begin this process by firstly, addressing their drug addiction with essential resources.
