John,

As we recognize Black History Month, I’ve been reflecting on the generations of Black leaders, healers, advocates, and public servants who fought to make this city — and this country — more just.

I’ve also been thinking about why this moment, and this election, matters so much.

Before serving as Chair of the McDuffie for Mayor campaign, I spent my career as a physician and public servant, including as Chief Medical Examiner here in Washington, DC. I was humbled to be one of only four Black Chief Medical Examiners leading a major city in the United States.

In that role, I saw something you can’t unsee: Real-life consequences of structural inequity.

I saw poverty shorten lives. I saw denied opportunity fracture families. And I saw systemic racism live not in rhetoric, but in health outcomes, public safety, and generational wealth.

Those experiences shaped me. And they’re exactly why I’m supporting Kenyan McDuffie for Mayor.

Kenyan doesn’t just talk about equity. He fights for it — and he delivers.

He led the creation of one of the country’s first Baby Bonds program, helping children from low-income families build wealth and access higher education, homeownership, and entrepreneurship.

He passed the Racial Equity Achieves Results Act, embedding racial equity into how our city’s government actually operates and makes decisions.

He ensured our children learn their full story through the African American and Cultural Studies curriculum in our schools.

He safeguarded our city’s legacy by creating a fund to honor and preserve historically Black cemeteries.

Past being prologue, Kenyan as Mayor will fight for equity in education, economic development, environment, housing, healthcare, and criminal justice. It's the future of this city that I am excited about. The future is about affordability, protection against totalitarianism in the White House, and access and safety for all Washingtonians!

His past sets the city up for the structural solutions of the future. If you don’t believe me, check out his record of delivering results on the DC Council.

After a lifetime working at the intersection of public health and justice, I know this: policy choices determine who thrives and who struggles.

Kenyan understands that — and he leads accordingly.

Black History Month reminds us that progress only happens when people step forward and lead with courage and conviction. Kenyan has done that his entire career. As Mayor, he’ll do even more.

I’m proud to stand with him. I hope you will too.

Join us. Volunteer. Spread the word. Let’s build a DC where equity isn’t a promise — it’s reality.

With respect and purpose,

Dr. Roger A. Mitchell, Jr.
Campaign Chair
McDuffie for Mayor