In November 2019, Steven Reed was sworn in as the new mayor of Montgomery, Alabama, officially making him the state capital's first ever Black mayor in its 200-year history.
Reed's inauguration was attended by over 3,000 people who came to witness the historical event along with over 20 notables from other cities across the country.
"Loyalty, faith and perseverance are the pillars that have built this community. Let us mark this day in remembrance of who we are and how far we've come," Reed said in his inauguration speech. "We have a duty to ourselves in this society. This is the meaning of living our creed."
Reed won the election with about 67% of the vote in last month's mayoral runoff against David Woods, who is a TV station owner. Reed replaces Todd Strange, who did not run for reelection.
It was not the first time Reed made history. In 2012, he became Montgomery County's first Black probate judge.
Reed's election win marks a milestone in the predominantly-Black city wherein about 60% of the 200,000 population is Black, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. The city is also known for the heroic stands and protests during the civil rights movement.
"This is why the son whose parents were not even served in a local restaurant just up the street, and whose father led sit-in protests for equal treatment under the law, can now take this oath and help write laws that apply equally to all," Reed said in his inauguration speech.
