FAMU Grad and Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms Won't Be Running For Reelection
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Posted By: Kennedy Williams on May 10, 2021 In a press conference held on Friday Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms made a "very difficult" announcement to the citizens of her city. According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Bottoms said that she was actively trying to avoid breaking out into an "ugly cry" while trying to share the news that she would not be seeking reelection next year. During the conference, Bottoms said that she initially wrote two letters: one announcing she would be, once again, running for mayor, and one saying she would not. She ultimately made the decision to share the later letter with Atlanta residents. “My love for the city was the love planted in my heart moments before I was formed in my mother’s womb,” Bottoms said. “In the same way that it was very clear to me almost five years ago that I should run for mayor of Atlanta, it is abundantly clear to me today that it is time to pass the baton on to someone else.” Over the past few years, Atlanta has seen a lot of turmoil. From severe police misconduct and shootings, intense social justice protests, a global pandemic, a ridiculous lawsuit from the state's Governor, a widespread cyberattack, and an increase in crime rate, Bottom's job has definitely not been an easy one. “The last three years have not been at all what I would have scripted for our city,” she said but insisted that the difficulties she has faced over the past few years were not the determining factor for stepping down. “I started dealing with pressure when I was eight years old, and I saw my father being led out of our house in handcuffs,” Bottoms said. “I’ve never had it easy at City Hall, and I’ve never cowered from a fight.” The news served as a surprise to Atlanta residents as Bottoms is the first mayoral incumbent to not seek reelection in more than 20 years. Former Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed said of Bottoms: “We are thankful for Mayor Bottoms’ service to the City of Atlanta. I know that she will continue to make a positive difference, just as she has throughout her career in public service.” If you enjoyed this article, Join HBCU CONNECT today for similar content and opportunities via email! |
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Kennedy Williams
From Loganville, GA Spelman College class of 2020 Member Since July 2016 |
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