District 8 City Councilor Kenzie Bok announced her endorsement of Henry Santana for an At-Large seat on Boston City Council.
“Henry Santana has a heart for service and an instinct to include everyone. He knows firsthand how public housing and great youth programming gave him the opportunity to thrive in Boston, and he wants to lay that same foundation for every other person in our city. I’m proud to endorse him for an At-Large seat on the Boston City Council, where his experience in city government and his passion for civic engagement will make him a great champion for all our communities.”
Santana is currently the Director of Civic Organizing for Mayor Michelle Wu. He previously worked as Councilor Bok’s Director of Operations and liaison to Mission Hill and the Fenway, where he helped serve constituents throughout the pandemic.
“When the pandemic hit, I saw how Henry served as a resource to his whole community,” said Councilor Bok. “He was the person who helped our office connect with Mission Hill families that were hungry during lockdown, and who Tobin School teachers asked for help delivering computers and reaching out to absent students. As a former director of the annual free summer camp in Mission Main, he has also been a mentor and role model to countless young people, whom he still connects to resources and opportunities. I know that the entire city of Boston would benefit from Henry’s strong work ethic and passion for helping others.”
“Henry also has a true talent for civic organizing and drawing new people into community activism. When my office was doing outreach about the redesign of a playground in Mission Hill, Henry made a point of reaching out to the local students who use the park. They advocated for a full-size basketball court to be included in the redesign; Henry made sure that their voices were heard, and now young people are playing on that new court every day. I know that as an At-Large City Councilor, Henry would find many more ways to get people from every corner of Boston involved and invested in city government.”
“I am honored and grateful to receive the endorsement of Councilor Bok, who has been an incredible advocate for our city,” said Santana. “I have learned so much from her, and we share a deep love for Boston’s public housing communities. With her support, I am excited to continue our shared mission of working tirelessly to make Boston a better place for all. Together we will continue to fight for equitable policies, sustainable solutions, and a brighter future for our city.”
Councilor Bok represents District 8, including the neighborhoods of Mission Hill, the Fenway, Back Bay, Beacon Hill, and the West End. At the end of the month, she will leave the City Council to lead the Boston Housing Authority (BHA).
Henry Santana grew up in BHA public housing, at the Alice Taylor Apartments in Mission Hill, after immigrating with his family from the Dominican Republic as a three-year-old. After graduating from Lasell University, he served as Field Director on Bok’s campaign in 2019 before going to work at City Hall. More information about Santana’s campaign can be found at: www.henrysantana.com
The municipal election for four At-Large Boston City Councilors will be on November 7, with a preliminary election on September 12 if more than eight candidates make it to the ballot.