A Pivotal Moment in History
In a city steeped in the nation’s civil rights legacy, Steven L. Reed etched his name in the annals of history by becoming the first African American mayor of Montgomery, Alabama.
His victory in 2019, secured with a resounding 67% of the vote, marked a significant milestone in the predominantly Black city’s 200-year journey.
Reed’s connection to Montgomery’s past is deeply personal. His father, Joseph L. Reed, was a prominent figure in the civil rights movement, participating in the 1960 sit-in at the Montgomery County Courthouse’s segregated restaurant. This legacy inspired Reed to pursue a path of service and progress.
“To see things come to where they are right now, when you think of what took place in this country — from the first enslaved Africans being brought here [to Virginia] in 1619, to this city being founded in 1819, to the city electing its first black mayor in 2019 — the significance of it is also found in the possibilities that we are now afforded, and the hope it has given people that we will progress to a New South,” Reed told TIME.
A Visionary Leader with Ambitious Goals
As mayor, Reed prioritized public safety, quality healthcare for all, and economic growth, setting the stage for a vibrant and equitable future for Montgomery’s residents. His commitment to progress extended beyond the city’s boundaries when he assumed the presidency of the African American Mayors Association (AAMA) in 2024.
Through AAMA, Reed aims to tackle critical issues like gun violence, affordable housing, and educational disparities, leveraging his deep understanding of the challenges faced by communities of color and his data-driven approach to solutions.
A Role Model for the Next Generation
Reed’s journey from the corporate world to the political arena is a testament to his unwavering determination and commitment to service.
With a strong educational foundation from Morehouse College and Vanderbilt University, he has become a role model for young Black Americans, demonstrating that barriers can be broken and that progress is within reach.
Forging a Path Towards an Equitable Society
As the first Black mayor of a city inextricably linked to both the horrors of slavery and the triumphs of the civil rights movement, Reed’s leadership represents a powerful symbol of hope and resilience.
His dedication to fighting for an equitable society ensures that Montgomery’s legacy will continue to evolve, embracing its past while forging a path towards a more just and inclusive future.
