Winning the mayoral race in Anniston, Alabama, Ciara Smith has officially become the youngest and first African American mayor in the history of Anniston. The Spelman College alum, who also serves as the city’s second female mayor, makes history while fighting for equity and inclusivity.

Black female mayors hold a vital place in American politics, representing their communities, inspiring young Black women watching them, and challenging systems that have historically excluded them. Their leadership brings diverse perspectives shaped by the intersections of race and gender. With a deep commitment to social justice, they play a pivotal role in reshaping the world. They often advocate for necessary policies that prioritize affordable housing, police accountability, education reform and economic opportunity.

For many Black girls with political aspirations, seeing someone who looks like them in a city’s highest office reinforces the idea that leadership is possible. Here’s more about Ciara Smith and the political history she has enacted.

Who is Ciara Smith?

Ciara Smith made history on May 6, 2025, when she was sworn in as the mayor of Anniston, Alabama at just 26 years old. Born in February 1999, Smith has deep roots embedded through the city. She stands as a proud alumna of Anniston High School before graduating from Spelman College in 2020. She then went on to earn a Master of Public Administration from Jacksonville State University.

A Forbes 30 Under 30 Fellowship recipient, she began her political journey at the young age of 16 years old. She worked in Anniston’s Financial Department, gaining valuable firsthand experience in local governance. Many of her college classmates note her always being open about her political aspirations, unsurprised by her reaching the height of her goals. At the age of 21, Smith was elected as the council member for Ward 3 and served as vice mayor, becoming the youngest elected official in Anniston’s history.

Surrounded by her husband, mother, and extended family, Smith’s inauguration felt like a much larger celebration of historical progression and shattered glass ceilings. The oath of office was administered by Ms. Gloria Floyd, Calhoun County’s first Black female attorney, which only deepened the significance of the moment.

Are There Other Black Female Mayors?

Luckily, Smith stands in good company. There are plenty of other Black female mayors around the country, from California to Georgia. Lula Davis-Holmes made history by becoming the first black female Mayor of Carson, California. Kim Janey, the mayor of Boston and Muriel Bowser, the mayor of Washington D.C., both stand as trailblazers who have dismantled outdated political paradigms. Here are more notable names who made their own history.

Shirley Franklin – Atlanta, Georgia

Elected in 2002, Shirley Franklin became the first Black woman to serve as mayor of a major Southern city. With a deep sense of passion, she focused heavily on infrastructure reform and fiscal responsibility during her two terms.

Lori Lightfoot – Chicago, Illinois

Lori Lightfoot made history in 2019 as the first Black woman and first openly gay person elected mayor of Chicago. It was a major step not just for the Black community, but for the queer community, as well. Her time in office focused on police reform, equity initiatives and managing the pandemic.

Karen Bass – Los Angeles, California

In 2022, Karen Bass became the first Black woman elected mayor of Los Angeles. A former U.S. congresswoman, Bass brought a wealth of experience to her leadership, particularly prioritizing the city’s homelessness crisis.

Keisha Lance Bottoms – Atlanta, Georgia

Serving from 2018 to 2022, FAMU alum Keisha Lance Bottoms became a major figure on social media due to her empowering leadership during the George Floyd protests and Black Lives Matter movement at the early stages of the 2020 pandemic.

LaToya Cantrell – New Orleans, Louisiana

Elected in 2017, LaToya Cantrell is the first woman to serve as mayor of New Orleans. Her administration has largely dealt with climate resilience, infrastructure recovery and pandemic management.

Vi Lyles – Charlotte, North Carolina

As the city’s first Black female mayor, Vi Lyles has led Charlotte since 2017. Lyles uses her platform to champion affordable housing and racial equity in the fast-growing Southern city.