Little Rock Mayor Frank Scott, Jr. elected president of African American Mayors Association

Little Rock Mayor Frank Scott, Jr. was sworn in Friday (April 29) as the new President of the African American Mayors Association (AAMA).

Scott takes over for outgoing AAMA President, Mayor Sylvester Turner of Houston, Texas.

“I am honored to be the African American Mayors Association’s incoming president. As laboratories of good governance, cities are at the forefront of efforts to improve quality of life and eliminate disparities across a host of life outcomes including economic security, public safety, affordable housing, and more,” Scott said.

“As Black mayors, my colleagues and I hold a unique role in the policymaking process because we understand the challenges communities of color face in their pursuit of success. The pandemic exacerbated odds that have been stacked against people of color for far too long. As AAMA’s next president, I look forward to collaborating with my colleagues and our partners to dismantle the barriers currently making it impossible for everyone in our communities to thrive,” Scott added.

Scott, age 38, will be the youngest-ever president of AAMA. He said his priorities include elevating Black mayors’ voices on critical policy challenges, particularly those that disproportionately impact communities of color. He said he will advocate for efforts to improve public safety and police accountability, increase Black entrepreneurs in technology and innovation marketplaces, support equitable access to technology, bolster Black and minority-owned businesses, expand voting access, and support efforts to create more sustainable communities.

“From climate justice to criminal justice, I am proud of the remarkable work we’ve accomplished together over the last year. Our mayors in large and small cities across America combined forces to ensure that the success of our residents is a top priority for leaders across the government, business, philanthropy, and advocacy sectors. I look forward to continuing to help usher in a new paradigm for cities, with equity at the center, under Mayor Scott’s leadership,” said Outgoing AAMA President, Mayor Turner.

The African American Mayors Association (AAMA) is an organization exclusively representing over 500 African-American mayors across the U.S.

Scott is running for re-election as mayor of Little Rock in 2022.