Providence City Councilmember Nirva LaFortune (Ward 3) officially announced her candidacy for Mayor of Providence on Sunday at the Southside Cultural Center. Introduced by her sister and her 11 year-old daughter, LaFortune spoke about beginning her campaign for Mayor.

“I’m proud to stand before you today in the city that I love, in the place that started my journey, to announce my candidacy for Mayor of Providence – to fight for our city, our future and opportunities for all our families.”

Here’s the full video:

Leading the crowd to chant the campaign’s slogan, Our City, Our Future,” LaFortune spoke about Housing as a major issue.

“We need to make real investments in housing and create a housing stock across the spectrum,” said Councilmember LaFortune. “Affordable housing. Workforce housing. Housing for disabled, housing for elderly, housing or those who need continued care, housing for families and a pathway so that families can purchase their own homes…

”Our children and families deserve to be in healthy homes. There is no reason any child on our city should not have a safe roof over their heads.”

On education and the trouble Providence School system that is currently under state control, “I have a lot of hope, because I am a product of our public schools,” said LaFortune. “My children are in the schools.” She noted the hundreds of good teachers working in buildings in need of serious repair, and the need for quality education for the City’s children.

As a member of an immigrant Haitian family, she talked about the struggles many residents have faced in coming to this country and building a life in Providence. Speaking about her struggle with lead poisoning as a child Nirva highlighted that these hazards still persist today. If elected Nirva would be the first woman and first black person to hold the office of mayor of the city of Providence.

After her speech LaFortune spoke briefly with press, and talked about climate change with UpriseRI: