Abdikarim For Boston City Council District 7

My name is Abdikarim Said and I’m running for the Boston City Council District 7 because our community deserves a transformative leader with proven skills to implement solutions that center equity, justice, and opportunity for all.

District 7 is the heart of Boston—a district rich in culture, history, and resilience—. Still, it faces systemic challenges like housing instability, economic inequity, and underinvestment in public health and education.

I’ve lived through many of these challenges myself. As a young Black boy growing up in Boston’s public housing, constantly moving between developments and attending multiple Boston Public Schools, I witnessed the painful realities of losing friends to gun violence, the criminal justice system, and substance abuse.

Yet, I found refuge in community centers, art classes, and playgrounds—places where I could momentarily escape my trauma and imagine a better future.

These experiences shaped my passion for service and fueled my decision to leave a successful career in the tech industry. I chose instead to work in the nonprofit sector, focusing on policy, civic engagement, and community advocacy—directly serving the communities that shaped me.

I’m running to ensure every resident of District 7 has access to the opportunities and resources they deserve. I’ll work to strengthen our schools by improving standardized testing and expanding STEM education, ensuring our students are prepared for a competitive future.

I’m dedicated to increasing affordable housing options to combat displacement and provide stability for working families. This can be achieved by partnering with leadership at every level of government. I’ll also fight to promote economic opportunity by creating pathways for residents to succeed in today’s evolving economy. We have many minority-owned businesses in District 7 that need our support.

Additionally, I’ll work to improve and expand our community centers, art programs, senior facilities, and parks—places that provided me with vital resources, and support, which helped me imagine a better future. These spaces are essential to strengthening our neighborhoods and ensuring that every resident has the opportunity to thrive, just as they did for me.

This campaign is about fighting displacement, dismantling racial inequities, strengthening economic opportunities, and bringing vital resources back to District 7 that will allow every family to succeed. I believe in community-driven solutions and will prioritize collaboration with residents, local elected officials, community organizations, and community leaders to ensure their voices shape the policies that impact their lives.

Together, we can build a District 7 and a Boston that reflects the strength, resilience, and potential of its people. It won’t happen overnight, but with a shared vision and collective action, I am confident we can create lasting transformation and ensure that everyone has an opportunity to thrive. With your support, you can help me achieve that goal.