In a contest between two St. Louis Democrats, City Treasurer Tishaura Jones defeated Alderwoman Cara Spencer to become the city’s first Black female mayor. A Hampton University graduate, Mayor Jones faces multiple challenges.
“Making history as the first Black woman mayor is not lost on me,” Jones said. “I’m also looking at how little girls will look at this going forward and see that they have a mayor that looks like them.”
Like everywhere, St. Louis is enduring tense times. With COVID-19 variants a troublesome X factor, public health is an immediate priority. Yet this doesn’t put rising violent crime- the city just suffered its highest homicide rate in 50 years– a precarious economy as well as chronic racism and xenophobia on a shelf. The city needs a steady hand and Jones intends to provide that.
On paper and in action Jones is certainly qualified. After Hampton she earned degrees from Saint Louis University’s School of Public Health and Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government. In 2002 she was appointed committeewoman for St. Louis’ Eighth Ward. Next came two terms in Missouri’s House of Representatives, and in 2013 she became City Treasurer.
Policing remains fraught. Even if the Ferguson protests’ smoke has cleared, problems persist. Jones’ 13-year-old son told her now that she’s mayor he’ll be safe.
“It struck me like a ton of bricks,” Jones said. “He shouldn’t have to feel that way. It’s just led me to want to transform and reimagine public safety.”
With $500 million pledged to St. Louis from the American Rescue Plan Act, Jones will have funds for things like mortgage, rent and small business relief. She also has the education and experience to meet the city’s moment, earning the voters’ confidence that she will do so.
