Vi Lyles Becomes Charlotte’s First African-American Female Mayor
A black woman just made history in North Carolina on yesterday’s 2017 Election Day. Vi Lyles, a 30-year public servant, mother, grandmother and Charlotte mayor pro tem [mayor in absence of the mayor], is now the city’s first African-American female mayor.
Lyles won with 58 percent of the vote, compared to 41 percent for City Councilman Kenny Smith.
Lyles celebrated her win with a message that read,
“It’s an incredible honor to be elected Mayor of Charlotte in such a historical election. As I’ve often said throughout my campaign, I can walk through any part of Charlotte, and I expect to be a mayor for all.”
Lyles previously worked as an analyst in the city’s budget department before becoming budget director. She was assistant city manager for the city from 1996 to 2004, according to CBS News.
Black girl magic in the flesh, congrats Mayor Lyles!
