Noel C. Taylor (1924-1998)

Noel C. Taylor became the first African American mayor of Roanoke, Virginia. He held office from 1976 to 1992, and was the city’s longest serving mayor. Taylor was widely considered one of the most influential leaders in the city’s history.  A Republican, he was elected mayor in 1976 after … Read MoreNoel C. Taylor (1924-1998)

Marilyn Strickland (1962- )

On November 3, 2020, Marilyn  Strickland won the open seat in Washington’s 10th Congressional District, becoming the first Black Representative from the state of Washington, and first woman of Korean American descent elected to Congress.  Previously on November 3, 2009, Marilyn Strickland was elected Tacoma, … Read MoreMarilyn Strickland (1962- )

Severiano de Heredia (1836-1901)

The first mayor of African descent of a major European city, Severiano de Heredia, was born in Havana, Cuba, on November 8, 1836. He was the son of prosperous mulatto parents, Henri de Heredia and Beatriz de Cárdenas. Registered as a “mulatto born free” in the parish of Jesus del Monte, some … Read MoreSeveriano de Heredia (1836-1901)

Sylvester Turner (1954- )

Politician and lawyer Sylvester Turner was born in the Acres Homes community in northwest Houston, Texas on September 27, 1954. He was elected mayor of Houston in 2015 thus becoming the city’s second African American mayor. Turner was raised among eight other brothers and sisters by his mother, a maid, … Read MoreSylvester Turner (1954- )