Charlottesville Mayor Nikuyah Walker Speaks to Students

We had a wonderful Speaker Series treat on Friday, December 7 as Charlottesville Mayor Nikuyah Walker came to share with the community about her path to becoming a member of City Council and Charlottesville's first African American mayor. She talked about the important community conversations about race and equality that she began even before the events of August 12, 2017 and how those conversations must and do continue. She answered many questions about her job as mayor, trips she has taken as mayor, and specific issues and votesthat have been important to her. It was an inspiring talk! Fun fact: Mayor Walker and TFS PE teacher Avis Fields went to school together.

From the City of Charlottesville website: "Nikuyah Walker was elected to Charlottesville City Council in November 2017 after years of working as an advocate for racial and social justice. Nikuyah’s commitment has been to authentic inclusion, equity, and progress. Her primary goal as a councilor is to help create a city that deserves its World Class designation. Nikuyah was born and raised in Charlottesville and attended Charlottesville City Public Schools. She graduated from Charlottesville High School in 1998 and went on to earn a BA in Political Science from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2004. She has three children. Nikuyah has spent most of her adult life serving those most oppressed and neglected in this community. She has worked in several non-profits in Charlottesville--as a Substance Abuse Clinician, an HIV Prevention Educator, and a Community Organizer. She is currently employed by the City of Charlottesville in the Parks and Recreation department."