HBCU Alum Ed Gainey Inaugurated as Pittsburgh’s First Black Mayor
Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Ganey
Black people continue to knock down barriers in the political world, giving us more opportunities to make decisions that empower our communities. We’re off to a great start in the new year as the first Black politician, Ed Gainey, has become Pittsburgh’s mayor. Also a Morgan State University alumnus, Gainey was officially sworn into the office as Pittsburgh’s 61st mayor.
On January 3rd, Democratic candidate Gainey was sworn in during his inauguration ceremony. This moment is historical for Pittsburgh as there has never been a Black mayor. Gainey defeated former Mayor Bill Peduto during the primary election in May 2021 and later won against retired police officer Tony Moreno in November of that same year, as reported by Tribe Live.
Gainey, who many Black Pittsburgh residents believe is a sign of hope for their city, plans to uphold his promises to his people. Some of Gainey’s top-line priorities include rethinking policing, addressing education inequities, increasing affordable housing and reinventing its transportation system.
During his inaugural speech, Gainey reassured his supporters that he would keep the promises he made during his campaign.
“My promise to you is that we will work to make Pittsburgh the Pittsburgh you voted for—a city where economic opportunity is abundant for everybody, a city where affordability isn’t a luxury, a city that is prepared to lead into the future,” Gainey said.
Gainey’s administration plans to focus on their mission, a “Pittsburgh for all,” to bring the city of Pittsburgh to new heights and create economic opportunity that has never before been seen (via Action 4 News).
“As I heard stories of families all across Pittsburgh, I came to understand that we cannot forget that our real power is not necessarily to change the world. That’s not our real power. Our real power is not to change the world, but it’s to make a world of change in the people we encounter every day,” he said.