The site of brutal “race riots” in 1917, St. Louis, Missouri is all too familiar with confronting the violence of racism in its communities and institutions. Turning over a new leaf in its fight against systemic racism, police brutality, and inequality, the city has elected its first Black female mayor.
Running on a progressive platform, Tishaura Jones has committed to the “reimagining” of public safety, stricter gun control, and the closure of one of the city’s pretrial detention centers accused of inhumane conditions.
Listening to Black voices and elevating these voices in positions of power, like mayorships, is key for tackling inequalities, especially deep-rooted racism, in areas where marginalized communities are historically underrepresented and unheard.
In an interview with NPR, Jones said, “We have not had the opportunity to have those difficult and tough conversations about the systemic racism that permeates every policymaking decision in our region and in our city.”
Jones will be sworn into office on April 20, 2021.
Image source: NBC News
