Essential People Project, Episode One

In our first episode, Abner Bonilla, a mail carrier in Roslindale, tells high school senior Aunnesha Bhowmick about what it's like to deliver mail to more than 1,000 people during a pandemic, including his concerns about the lack of social distancing; his worry for his elderly customers; and the outpouring of gratitude he and other mail carriers have gotten.

"People I don't see all year, thanking me for coming out," Abner said. "I appreciate being appreciated."

The Essential People Project is designed to amplify the voices of the people considered too “essential” to our city to stay at home during the pandemic. These people have always been essential. Now they’re risking their health to support their neighbors. This project is our shout-out to them.

NOTE: Before this pandemic, Everyday Boston interviewed Abner about his love of spontaneous international travel. You can read that story here.