By D. Kevin McNeir
Special the The AFRO
Black mayors from across the country met in Washington, D.C. on April 9 and 10 for the 12th Annual American Mayors Association (AAMA) Conference.
The leaders came together to discuss best practices related to municipal management and to encourage their colleagues during these unprecedented days under the Trump regime.
During the conference, Baltimore Mayor Brandon M. Scott was sworn in as the new AAMA president.
Scott spoke one-on-one with The AFRO about his vision for the AAMA and the issues he continues to face and address in this, his second term in office as the mayor of the City of Baltimore.
“I’m honored to lead the AAMA and to stand with Black mayors across this country as we fight for our residents’ futures,” Scott said, adding that AAMA members continue to excel in “driving lasting, equitable change for those we serve.”
Scott, elected in 2020 as the 52nd mayor of the City of Baltimore and reelected in 2024, said he’s determined to push the narrative that Black mayors are making historical progress despite these being the darkest times in recent history for city leaders and Black communities.
“Black mayors are setting the tone in cities like Atlanta, Mobile, Chicago, Oakland, Philadelphia and yes, in Baltimore,” he said. “When you look at cities where crime has been significantly reduced and where major housing policies and projects are underway, many of those cities are being led by Black mayors.”
“As members of AAMA, we are family, often talking to one another every day,” Scott continued. “Truth be told, it’s hard to be a Black mayor – it’s even harder for Black women.”
Scott expressed his respect and gratitude for the Black men and women who paved the way for today’s generation of leaders.
“I stand on their shoulders and I take my job seriously because it’s such a big honor. Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake gave me my first position in City Hall. As a first generation Baltimorean from a family of educated and proud people, that is not lost on me,” Scott said. “But I also celebrate the contributions of leaders like the late Elijah Cummings and Kweisi Mfume – two men committed to advancing our cause as our representatives in Congress. Even more, they focused on preparing Black youth so they could follow in their footsteps and do an even better job.”
African Americans have made significant strides in local politics since 1967, when Carl Stokes and Richard Hatcher became the first Black mayors in America, representing Cleveland, Ohio and Gary, Ind., respectively.
Today, their numbers have grown to more than 641 men and women with leaders who continue to confront the status quo and find creative solutions to problems plaguing their cities – from public safety and economic development, to quality health and affordable housing.
As of 2026, records show that Black mayors have led all four of the country’s most populous cities, including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago and Houston. Of the nation’s 50 most populous cities, 14 are currently led by Black mayors.
Stacey Abrams urges Blacks to join her on the battlefield
Aside from mayors, the conference included the voice of former Georgia House Minority Leader Stacey Abrams, who delivered the address to kick off the conference in a conversation entitled, “Leadership Beyond the Moment.” Her interview was led by AAMA’s outgoing president, Mayor Van R. Johnson II, of Savannah, Ga., who delivered his farewell speech later in the day.
Abrams said her first opportunity in politics came after former mayor of Atlanta, Maynard Jackson, offered her a job.
“I was a freshman at Spelman College in 1992, the year that the Rodney King decision came down and many Blacks were angry – so angry that some turned to violence,” Abrams said.
“I led a series of peaceful student protests and openly criticized the mayor for not effectively leading the city or taking youth seriously during a panel on which we both served. When I returned to campus in the fall of my sophomore year, he offered me a job in the newly-created Office of Youth Services. So, it was a Black mayor who changed my life and who heard my pleas on behalf of young adults.”
Abrams said Black mayors remain essential in thwarting the plans of those who support authoritarianism in America. She said Black leaders are committed to taking action against efforts to destroy democracy.
“African-American mayors have been fighting against authoritarianism since we broke the glass ceiling in the 60s, even though many state leaders often refuse to recognize local leadership,” she said. “Black mayors are the antidote we need. They know the tactics and have developed the skills required to survive in their jobs. People don’t care about politics, they care about having a reasonable and fair quality of life.”
Abrams said Black mayors are also vital in getting their respective residents to the ballot box.
“Black mayors are uniquely equipped to tell it the way it is and people will believe them,” Abrams said. “So, get your people registered to vote and aware of the candidates and issues on their local ballots. Voter fraud is a lie. But voter suppression – that’s real.”
Mayor Scott echoed Abrams’ sentiments about encouraging the Black vote as Black leaders.
“Voting in every election matters and we must show our people how those who are elected and the issues on which voters approve or reject have a profound impact on their daily lives,” he said. “Either you are at the table or you will get eaten. Black folks aren’t new to this. The stuff we’re seeing today is a repeat of history. We’ve been here before and we have survived. We cannot allow folks to take us backwards to the 1700s.”
