The new mayor of St. Louis is calling for the city to be a leader in addressing racial inequity as thousands of people protest the acquittal of a white former police officer in the fatal shooting of a black suspect.
But Lyda Krewson, who is white, faces criticism from those who want her to do more and others who want strong support for police or insist racism is not an issue.
Krewson won the Democratic mayoral primary in March after dominating on the city's mostly white south side. Three black candidates split the vote on the predominantly black north side.
Democratic state Sen. Jamilah Nasheed says Krewson so far has responded well to the demonstrations and will ultimately be judged on her actions to combat institutional racism.
