Turner to lead the African American Mayors Association to tackle the 'needs of local communities, the tailored policies necessary to address them'

The African American Mayors Association (AAMA) has appointed Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner to president. 

Turner was virtually sworn into the position earlier this week, on May 11. 

"Congratulations Houston Mayor @SylvesterTurner on becoming the president of @OurMayors," Samir Becic, Houston's Fitness Czar said. "A well-deserved honor! I'm not surprised that you are being recognized as the leader that you are. I believe, although you are already extremely successful, that this is just the beginning." 

Turner takes over for outgoing AAMA President, Mayor McKinley L. Price, DDS of Newport News, Virginia. Turner also leads the Climate Mayors, a bipartisan group of more than 470 mayors dedicated to combating climate change. He serves as Houston's second elected black mayor where 60% of residents are Hispanic, black, or Asian American.

The AAMA is an organization that represents over 500 African American mayors across the United States. A quarter of the establishment’s contributors govern areas with over 100,000 residents, spanning mostly the south east of the country. 

As president of the AAMA, Turner hopes to voice concerns of race inequality among people of color by facilitating their voting access, policy reformations, expanding infrastructure reach and supporting black businesses, among other efforts. The organization’s PEACE Pact for Community-Centered Policing initiative will evaluate police bargaining contracts and prohibit the use of excessive force, such as chokeholds and no-knock warrants. 

“It was an honor to lead the African American Mayors Association,” Outgoing AAMA President Mayor McKinley L. Price, DDS said. “As I reflect on the past year, I am deeply proud of how our organization and mayors led on policing reform, support of HBCUs, COVID recovery and so much more. We speak on behalf of those who are often overlooked and marginalized and advocate for the change our nation needs to create strong equitable communities. I am excited to see Mayor Turner advance the organization even further.”

The public leader has years of community support experience under his belt, topped with over five years of city leadership after he was elected as mayor of Houston in 2015. He also contributes to climate change advocacy by leading the Climate Mayors. His main focuses include reforming city budgets, increased job availability and tackling homelessness.

“I am honored to lead the African American Mayors Association. The nation’s 500+ Black mayors play a crucial role in advancing our nation forward. We have a unique understanding of the needs of our local communities and the tailored policies necessary to address them. We are also deeply in tune with the challenges communities of color face and the support needed to overcome those obstacles,” Turner said. “As I look to the future of AAMA, I look forward to elevating our voices on the most pressing issues facing our nation. Black political leaders can and should be a driving force on climate change, voting rights and so much more.”