In the midst of mourning and unrest, Ella Jones has managed to power forward and provide a moment in Black history. On Tuesday, Ferguson, Missouri elected Jones as its first Black mayor. She also makes history as the first woman to become mayor in the city’s history.
“It’s just our time,” Jones told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
“It’s just my time to do right by the people,” she added.
Ferguson, Missouri – which is a 67.4% Black majority city – just elected its first Black mayor-elect tonight: Ella Jones.
THIS is how change happens in America. pic.twitter.com/BevAMJsTCC
— Shannon Watts (@shannonrwatts) June 3, 2020
Jones defeated longtime councilwoman Heather Robinett by a vote of 56% to 44%. Robinett was seeking to become the first woman in the mayor’s office as well.
Ferguson is a popular place in the midst of nationwide unrest. In 2014, the city became a flash point for discussions on racism following the killing of Michael Brown. Noted for its historic discrimination and segregation, Black activists and community organizers took to the streets to protest. As events developed, a number of public figures such as J. Cole, Brandon “Jinx” Jenkins and others made their way to Missouri.
Six years after the events of 2014, the city moves forward with the election of its first Black mayor. Still, it has much further to go to achieve progress like the rest of the country.
