Yolanda Lawson has made history by becoming the first Black woman elected as mayor of Pleasant Grove, Alabama. Her election marks a significant milestone for the city, which has experienced substantial changes in recent years, including a devastating tornado and ongoing political transformation. Lawson, who previously served as a city councilor, has outlined ambitious plans to develop a commercial district and enhance educational opportunities within the community.
Lawson was born and raised in Greenville, approximately 80 kilometers south of Montgomery. She graduated from Greenville High School and earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Alabama A&M University in 1993. After working as a tax compliance auditor for Birmingham from 2004 to 2011, she obtained her law degree from Miles College in 2009.
In 2016, Lawson initially pursued a city council seat but did not succeed. Reflecting on that experience, she stated, “I was bringing my knowledge and skills to the table, but I didn’t really have a clear concept of how to marry that to our community needs.” Despite the setback, she remained committed to her community, engaging with local residents to better understand their concerns.
Her dedication led to various community initiatives, including the establishment of a nonprofit organization that provides scholarships and youth programming. Lawson has served as the chair of the Lawson Family Foundation and has been actively involved with the Continental Societies, focusing on educational resources for Black girls. She currently participates in the Delta Sigma Theta political action committee, which aims to increase voter registration and engagement.
In 2020, Lawson became one of the first Black councilors elected to the Pleasant Grove city council. During her tenure, she successfully directed American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds toward local schools, demonstrating her commitment to improving educational outcomes. As mayor, she intends to continue her efforts to be a responsive leader for all residents.
Pleasant Grove has faced significant challenges, including a tornado in 2011 that left lasting scars on the community. In addition, a federal lawsuit brought by a current councilor addressed concerns about the city’s at-large election system, which was seen as diluting the voting power of Black residents. The lawsuit, filed by the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, highlighted a history of racial discrimination in the city’s governance. After a settlement in 2019, Pleasant Grove adopted cumulative voting to provide residents with a more equitable voting process.
Lawson has emphasized the importance of fostering economic growth without sacrificing the city’s small-town charm. She believes there is potential for Pleasant Grove to thrive economically by developing unused properties into a vibrant commercial district. “I want to create an attractive city that continues to bring people back at a higher rate,” she expressed. Her vision includes clean, walkable streets, ample green spaces, and a community that feels welcoming.
Educational challenges have also come to the forefront, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, which saw a decline in school enrollment and academic performance. Lawson plans to address these issues by continuing to champion support initiatives that have already begun to show positive results in student outcomes. “Now we’re in a position to apply for additional funding,” she noted, highlighting her proactive approach to securing resources for local schools.
Collaboration with neighboring cities is another priority for Lawson, as she seeks to enhance public safety and infrastructure. Recently, she applied for a grant of $700,000 with the support of U.S. Representative Terry Sewell, aimed at improving the city’s infrastructure.
Communication between residents and local leadership is vital for Lawson. She has proposed creating an online system to track the city’s response to various issues, ensuring that constituents remain informed about developments. “I want to make sure that my administration is a team that openly communicates and definitely follows up on these issues and concerns,” she stated.
As Pleasant Grove moves forward under Lawson’s leadership, her commitment to fostering an inclusive and proactive community is evident. With her background and vision, the city stands poised for continued growth and transformation.
