Independent Leadership.
Collective Voice.
Meet Said Abdikarim
Thirty years ago, in the heart of District 7, Said Abdirahman Abdikarim was known as “the kid with the long name.” Over time, he became affectionately known as “the orange shirt man”, a nickname tied to the first shirt he received upon arriving in Boston. That bright orange shirt came to symbolize not just a fresh start, but the promise and opportunity he found, and now fights to protect, in the community he calls home.
For over 30 years, Said Abdikarim has proudly called District 7 and Boston home. He is a devoted husband, a committed father, and a graduate of the Boston Public Schools, as well as the eldest of ten siblings, a role that shaped his sense of responsibility from a young age.
Growing up, Abdikarim faced the hardships of poverty, cycling through four Boston public housing developments and multiple BPS schools. Along the way, he lost friends to gun violence, substance use, and the failures of the criminal justice system. These experiences continue to fuel his fight for equity and community healing.
Yet Abdikarim transformed his trauma into strength, finding refuge in community centers, art classes, parks, and playgrounds. These public spaces offered more than escape; they ignited his imagination and shaped a vision for a better future, one he remains determined to realize for himself and all of District 7.
Our Collective Voices
Said Abdikarim is a trusted advocate in District 7, serving as a nonprofit leader, a longtime resident, and an unwavering voice for the community. He brings his lived experience, independent perspective, and results-driven leadership to the fight for a more just and equitable Boston.
With relentless dedication, Abdikarim champions deeply affordable housing and pathways to homeownership for working families. He is committed to fully funding our public schools, preserving our parks and senior spaces, and strengthening the services that directly impact quality of life. From supporting small businesses to advancing racial and economic justice, his priorities reflect the real needs of our neighborhoods.
At this pivotal moment for District 7, we need bold, independent leadership rooted in community, not politics. Said Abdikarim has been delivering long before stepping into public office, and he’s ready to bring our collective voice to City Hall with clarity, courage, and purpose.
