Black Mayors Converge in Atlanta for AAMA Annual Conference
Atlanta – A dynamic assembly of Black mayors has convened in Atlanta from April 24 to 27 for the annual African American Mayors Association (AAMA) Conference. The event, held at the Omni Atlanta Hotel, welcomes Black leaders from both large metropolises and small towns, aiming to foster open discussions on significant issues impacting their communities.
A Gathering of Shared Experiences and Ideas
Nancy Young, the first Black and female mayor of Tracy, California, spoke of the value of the conference’s connectivity, indicating her ambition to garner insights on engaging larger businesses with SMEs. Her city, characterized by a small Black population, lies between San Francisco’s tech hub and Sacramento’s food manufacturing giants. She said, “I’m trying to find out new ideas and new ways to bring back home to our residents.”
This sentiment was echoed by Palmetto’s first Black and female mayor, Teresa Thomas-Smith. She was keen to learn from her peers’ strategies and experiences from around the country. The conference offered a platform to discuss challenges, successes, and ideas applicable to diverse community contexts.
National Figures and Crucial Dialogue
The AAMA conference has attracted high-profile mayors, including Baltimore’s Brandon Scott and New York City’s Eric Adams, in addition to Atlanta’s Andre Dickens and former Mayor Shirley Franklin. Participants shared their perspectives during the ‘State of Our City’ opening press conference, addressing central concerns for cities under the leadership of Black mayors.
Besides the speeches exchanged, the AAMA conference provides interactive opportunities through panel discussions covering social policy, justice, and civic engagement. The event underscores the importance of discussion and collaboration among mayors to effect change in their respective locales.
A Focus on Violence Reduction and Equity
Notably, the conference spotlighted the effective strategies employed by cities like Memphis and St. Louis to curb violence. St. Louis Mayor Tishaura Jones elaborated on a three-pronged plan incorporating prevention, intervention, and enforcement as essential factors in reducing homicide rates.
The conference also addressed the challenges posed by equity, inclusion, and diversity. Miramar, Florida Mayor Wayne Messam touched upon the extent to which DEI has been used to disregard and disrespect certain Black mayors.
The Symbolism of Atlanta as a Venue
Reflecting on the legacy of Maynard Jackson, Atlanta’s first Black mayor, attendees praised the choice of Atlanta as the conference venue. Echoing the sentiments held by many, Mount Vernon, New York Mayor and AAMA President, Shawn Patterson Howard, said, “You can’t move into the future until you understand the past and how the foundation was laid. Atlanta is who it is because of his vision.”
The conference marks a significant moment for the 641 Black mayors in the United States to discuss their experiences and outline future aims. In the words of Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed, they are “working hard to bring about the types of change all of the residents of our cities want to see.”
