Another glass ceiling shattered!
Tishaura Jones just made history as the first Black woman to become mayor of St. Louis, Missouri, CNN reports.
Jones got her start in 2002 when she was appointed as the Democratic committeewoman of Ward 8 in St. Louis. She went on to serve two terms in the Missouri House of Representatives, becoming the first Black woman to hold the title of Assistant Minority Floor Leader. She then became the first Black woman to be elected as St. Louis treasurer, where she has served for the last 8 years. Now Jones has just been elected as mayor, becoming the first Black woman to hold the title in the city’s 257-year-history.
Saint Louis, thank you for saying yes.
Let’s get to work. pic.twitter.com/rYWc470Ioi
advertisement— Tishaura O. Jones (@tishaura) April 7, 2021
This was Jones’ second mayoral run after losing her first campaign in 2017 to current Mayor Lyda Krewson, who recently announced her retirement. Jones’ defeated Alderwoman Cara Spencer by 2,280 votes, running a campaign of progressive values and an oath to reform and revitalize the city.
“This campaign can unequivocally say that we’ve begun breaking down the historic racial barriers and the racial divides that exist, and have existed for generations in our city…As a city, we’ve been surviving. We’ve suffered disinvestments, decades of violence, broken promises from our city’s leaders, who have bowed to the will of special interests and insider dealings. It’s time for St. Louis to thrive,” Jones said in her victory speech.
This year was the first that St. Louis shifted to its new nonpartisan voting system, allowing residents to vote for as many candidates as they want in municipal primaries, allowing the top two to move on to the general election. Jones has a lot on her plate when she takes office including the current COVID-19 pandemic, addressing issues with the city jail and reforming city policing, and dealing with an increase in violent crime.
Jones has also promised to distribute the more than $500 million expected from President Biden’s economic stimulus package to organizations that need it the most “with an eye towards equity.” Her plans for the federal funds include rental and mortgage assistance, expanding small business grants, setting up emergency shelters, increasing vaccination clinics, investing in treatment for substance abuse and mental health and increasing social service funding among other things.
She’s being lifted up by her community and peers on social media already!
Congratulations, Mayor-elect @tishaura Jones! We’re all rooting for you and St Louis. https://t.co/PiTVPYsHSd
advertisement— Muriel Bowser (@MurielBowser) April 7, 2021
This photo gave me life. Mayor @tishaura Jones talking to press at city hall today! pic.twitter.com/stFNpKGXi7
advertisement— Rep Rasheen Aldridge. Jr (@RepSheenBean) April 8, 2021
Congratulations to Mayor Elect @tishaura Jones !!! This is a great & historic achievement! https://t.co/bShVY3saXs
advertisement— Jaime Harrison, DNC Chair (@harrisonjaime) April 7, 2021
Congratulations to our next mayor, Tishaura Jones @tishaura. Throughout her career, Tishaura has been a strong leader with a deep personal commitment to the people of St. Louis.
advertisement— Darlene Green (@stlcomptroller) April 7, 2021
Extremely proud of my sister @tishaura the next Mayor of St. Louis! Have no doubt in my mind that you will take St. Louis to higher heights! You know I’m here for anything you need.
advertisement— Brandon M. Scott (@MayorBMScott) April 7, 2021
For nearly two decades, @tishaura has served her community with an unwavering commitment to justice, accountability, and equity; championing progressive issues that have improved the lives of countless working families. https://t.co/JeVFEr6S4A
advertisement— Stefanie Brown James (@StefBrownJames) April 7, 2021
#wcw “Throughout this campaign, my team & I have laid out a bold agenda to move our city forward, to prepare us for the realities we are facing in the 21st century, and to restore peace, security, & prosperity to every neighborhood in our city.” -Tishaura Jones, Mayor-St. Louis pic.twitter.com/jfiZLrkc6r
advertisement— Regina King (@ReginaKing) April 7, 2021
Congratulations Mayor Jones!
Photo Courtesy of KSDK News