Another historic feat!
Earlier this week Donna McDermott made history when she became the mayor of Charleston, Tennessee, making her the state’s first Black woman mayor, according to The Cleveland Banner.
McDermott will replace the late Walter Goode, Mayor of Charleston, who passed away last month after serving 28 years as mayor. She was voted in by fellow Charleston Commissioner, France McCartney, who will serve as her vice mayor to the small municipality’s 700 residents.
Meet Donna McDermott.
advertisementShe’s been the vice mayor of Charleston, TN for 20 years under the late Walter Goode.
McDermott says Goode was an inspiration to her and supported her mayoral running.
McDermott is now the first female & first black female mayor of Charleston. pic.twitter.com/fcGL0JmA8Z
advertisement— Sydney Edwards (@SydEdwardsNews) August 12, 2020
“I will do my very, very best,” she said to McCartney. “The people of Charleston mean a lot to me, and I’ll be humble, fair, and I’ll be here for everyone.”
After working on the county commission as vice mayor for 20 years, McDermott said she felt confident that she could make a difference in the community, especially with the former mayor’s previous encouragement. He’d told her prior to his passing that she should lead, saying “one day you know you can do this.” Chris Scoggins, the new public works superintendent, said this was a positive moment for the community.
“For such a small town, it’s progressive in that manner and you know people around here are happy about that.
She hopes to motivate others and inspire others and, while in office, grow Charleston and see it prosper.
“My hope and dreams is that young women of color can look at me and see that if I can accomplish it, that they can too,” McDermott told Fox Chattanooga. “I have dreams of it being a healthier community and a very active community.”