Alyia Gaskins made history when she was sworn in Jan. 2 as Mayor of Alexandria, becoming the first Black woman to hold that office.
Gaskins was sworn in at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall along with the Democratic slate of council members that included vice Mayor Sarah Bagley, John Taylor Chapman, Canek Aguirre, Kirk McPike, Jacinta Greene and Abdel Elnoubi.
“It is a serious but joyous thing we do tonight,” Bagley said in her remarks. “At a time when democracy can feel very fragile we come together to affirm our shared belief in democracy’s value. We take an oath to serve not only Alexandria and its citizens but the goals and vision of democracy.”
Clerk of the Court Greg Parks administered the oath of office in a ceremony that included the Joint Public Safety Honor Guard and a performance by members of the Samuel L. Tucker Elementary School choir.
“I am proud to stand before you tonight as Alexandria’s first Black female mayor,” said Gaskins to thunderous applause. “Tonight I feel a sense of joy, I feel humility but I also feel a deep responsibility to deliver on the dream and the faith of my ancestors because I am her because of them.”
Gaskins’s first official duty was to preside over the election of Bagley as vice mayor. Bagley received the most votes of council candidates in the November election, which garnered her the vice mayor position.
“I am here because in November, you chose hope and progress.”
— Mayor Alyia Gaskins
Gaskins succeeds Justin Wilson, who announced in 2023 that he would not seek a third term as mayor. He spoke at the installation, as did former vice mayor Amy Jackson, who was defeated by Gaskins in the Democratic primary.
“Every challenge that you will face is one that was created by a previous council, and there is a very fuzzy line between legacy and blame,” Wilson said. “And it requires courage and dedication to solve those challenges that are before this community, and I know this city council has it in them, and I look forward to sitting on the sidelines with popcorn and cheering you on as you take on these important issues.”
Gaskins was first elected to council in 2021. She is a graduate of Vanderbilt University with a degree in medicine, health, and society. She went on to earn a master’s degree in public health from the University of Pittsburgh and a master’s degree in urban planning from Georgetown University. She also obtained a professional certificate in municipal finance from the University of Chicago.
“I am here because in November, you chose hope and progress,” Gaskins said. “I am here because of our shared vision for an Alexandria that is safer and more affordable and more accessible.”
Patsy Ticer was elected as Alexandria’s first female mayor in 1991, serving until 1996. In 2003, Bill Euille became the city’s first Black mayor, serving for a record 12 years.
Mayor Alyia Gaskins is joined by her family prior to taking the oath of office Jan. 2 at Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall.