By: Alyssa Wilson

Tishaura Jones has made history as the first Black woman elected to serve as the mayor of St. Louis. 

The HBCU graduate is no stranger to historic fetes. 

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After serving two terms in the Missouri House of Representative, Jones was the first African American woman to hold the position of Assistant Minority Floor Leader. 

She was also the first African American woman to serve as the Treasurer of St. Louis. 

A Saint Louis that is aiming higher. A Saint Louis where everyone has a chance. That is my commitment to you, Saint Louis.

Chip in $15, $25, or even $100 at https://t.co/Gyz7jiIM6u right now to help us get this message to all of Saint Louis! pic.twitter.com/JepxnQRY3L

— Tishaura O. Jones (@tishaura) April 1, 2021

She received a degree in Finance from Hampton University and a Master’s degree in Health Administration from Saint Louis University. 

Jones is also a graduate of the Executives in State and Local Government program at Harvard University. 

During her time as the city’s Treasurer, she created the Office of Financial Empowerment to help residents have better financial literacy. 

Jones, a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., has received numerous awards for her commitment to public service. 

In this election, she defeated Alderwoman Cara Spencer with 51.7% of the votes, USA Today reported. 

In her victory speech, Jones said she is not turning a blind eye to the racism that has impacted the city. 

⁦@tishaura⁩ made it clear that in order to heal one can’t ignore the obvious elements that have hurt our STL’s growth. It’s clear that her style of politics is one of being Transformative. #TishauraWins #STLWins #STLProud pic.twitter.com/rwkdBLK39t

— Devil’s Advocate?? (@GentryTrotter) April 7, 2021

According to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Mayor Jones will face challenges stemming from the city jail conditions, where riots have taken place for the second time in two months. 

She will also have to combat crime in the city which saw a 2020 homicide rate 30% higher than any of the past 50 years. 

Jones will be sworn in on April 20. 

Congratulations to our next mayor, Tishaura Jones @tishaura. Throughout her career, Tishaura has been a strong leader with a deep personal commitment to the people of St. Louis.

— Darlene Green (@stlcomptroller) April 7, 2021

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