Mayor Michele Wu delivers her address at the State of the City at MGM Music Hall on March 19, 2025.
On March 19, Mayor Michelle Wu delivered the annual State of the City Address at MGM Music Hall in Fenway. The speech was an extension of the spirit that she brought to Washington, where she testified about the city’s immigration policies before Congress. She focused on the city’s strengths, dispelling accusations that a friendly environment toward immigrants leads to an increase in crime.
“Together, with our first responders, front line public health workers, faith leaders and partners in every neighborhood, we have made Boston the safest major city in the nation. Four years ago, gun violence in Boston had just hit a 10 year high. Every year since taking office, we’ve set new record lows.”
Scope reporter and photographer Asher-Ben Dashan attended the address to bring you these photos. Also, check out the full event coverage from our local media partner, The Bay State Banner.
Steven McNulty, a third-generation Boston police officer and West Roxbury native, sings the national anthem. (Photo: Asher Ben-Dashan)
Reverend Dr. Gregory G. Groover Sr. of Charles AME Church leads a prayer during the invocation alongside Father Brian Clary of Sacred Heart Catholic Parish, Reverend Mariama White-Hammond of New Roots AME Church, President and CEO Rabbi Mark Baker of Combined Jewish Philanthropies of Greater Boston and Executive Director Asha Abdullahi of the Somali Parents Advocacy Center for Education. (Photo: Asher Ben-Dashan)
Boston City Council President and Councilor at Large Ruthzee Louijeune delivers welcoming remarks. “Two weeks ago, as Mayor Wu masterfully testified before congress in defense of our city, Bostonians gathered at city hall chanting ‘Whose city? Our city. Whose city? Our city.’ Even as we face perilous times for our nation and our democracy, Boston remains a beacon of hope.” (Photo: Asher Ben-Dashan)
Mayor Michelle Wu takes the stage for her address. “In D.C., during the breaks to nurse the baby, I caught up on the scene unfolding back home. Hands joined in prayer across an interfaith circle at St. Paul’s. Bright letters illuminated on the old state house brick. Homemade signs held high among the crowds on City Hall Plaza. We stand with immigrants. You Belong here … Boston doesn’t back down.” (Photo: Asher Ben-Dashan)
“Together, with our first responders, front line public health workers, faith leaders and partners in every neighborhood, we have made Boston the safest major city in the nation. Four years ago, gun violence in Boston had just hit a 10 year high. Every year since taking office, we’ve set new record lows.” (Photo: Asher Ben-Dashan)
City and state-level politicians, including Governor Maura Healey, look on from the front row as Mayor Michelle Wu speaks. (Photo: Asher Ben-Dashan)
Mayor Michelle Wu lifts her 3-month-old baby Mira Wu Pewarski alongside her husband, Conor Pewarski and their two sons shortly after she finishes speaking. (Photo: Asher Ben-Dashan)
Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey and U.S. Rep. Ayanna Pressley of Massachusetts’s 7th congressional district pose shortly after Mayor Michelle Wu’s address. (Photo: Asher Ben-Dashan)
Mayor Michelle Wu answers questions from reporters. (Photo: Asher Ben-Dashan)
Mayor Michelle Wu embraces an attendee on the floor of the venue after delivering her address. (Photo: Asher Ben-Dashan)
