Photo credit: Joshua Komer
More political history was made on Monday night when Vi Lyles was sworn in as the first African American woman mayor of Charlotte, North Carolina.
During her historic campaign, Lyles, who worked in the city’s budget office and served as an assistant city manager for almost 30 years, introduced a 7-point plan to create a more equitable Charlotte, her very first point stating: “Build upon a culture of trust, respect, and cooperation between CMPD (Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department) and Charlotte citizens.”
Lyles was sworn in by Superior Court Judge Yvonne Mims Evans in front of her family and a packed City Council chamber.
“Yes I am the first African American woman as mayor, but I want to be known as the best mayor in Charlotte to create opportunities for all of us, for all of us,” Lyles said during the Oath of Office Ceremony.
Congratulations, Mayor Lyles! Thank you for blazing a trail and being an inspiration to us all.