What the first Black mayor sees for the future of Irondale

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James D. Stewart, Jr. was born and raised in Birmingham and has spent the last 36 years calling Irondale home.

And Irondale has spent the last 5+ years calling him mayor after he was elected as the city’s first African-American mayor in 2020.

We sat down with Mayor Stewart to learn how he found himself blazing a trail in this growing municipality, the importance of helping the African-American community find equity and what excites him about what’s next for all citizens of Irondale.

See how his deep love for the City of Irondale is the common thread that ties it all together—for Black History Month and beyond.

How Irondale fosters a sense of community + celebration today

_{Irondale residents at a recent Black History Month event at the city’s Senior Activity Center. (City of Irondale)}

In addition to honoring its former and current residents, the City of Irondale is paving the way for future growth. We’ve recently shared some of the city and Mayor Stewart’s plans for the year ahead, but we also checked in with some of Irondale’s Black residents, creators and business owners about how they feel welcome and celebrated in Irondale all year long, by all residents:

“I feel incredibly blessed as a Black small business owner to have the support of people of all ages and races. Not too long ago, this would’ve been rare. Mayor Stewart, his wife and the entire council and administration have really worked hard to establish a loving community for all people. I love Irondale!”

_{Stacey Bugaj, owner of Stacey’s Style Studio}

“Irondale is an amazing place to live. Mayor Stewart has been a positive catalyst for change and a visionary for meaningful growth. He has focused on each aspect of the community while being intentional about immediate action. The library, the ballpark, the cultural events and the new shopping opportunities tremendously contribute to our quality of life.

_{Dr. Nathaniel Rutledge, Jr, retired Bessemer Police Chief, longtime Irondale resident + voice of the Shades Valley Mounties}

“Being a Black business owner in Irondale has been a dream these past 5 years. Irondale is a small town, but absolutely filled with the most supportive and encouraging people. My patient base is so diverse, and I’ve never felt anything but right at home. I’m thankful to those who have paved the way before me and for those who continue to support me.”

_{Dr. Andrea Wiley, owner of Grants Mill Dentistry}

*TIP: Mayor Stewart hosts a regular podcast, “The Mayor’s Desk,” that highlights different city issues and potential solutions. Keep an eye on the city’s Facebook and YouTube pages for new free episodes.

Honoring the “Forgotten Architects” that enrich Irondale’s history

Though Mayor Stewart’s plate is plenty full (Costco’s coming to town, after all), he’s currently pursuing a doctorate degree.

He aims to leverage his real-life experience as a mayor, minister and accountant to help eradicate the wealth gap in the African-American community by teaching financial management from a biblical perspective.

He’s also making sure future generations recognize the “Forgotten Architects” of Irondale, African-American community members and leaders who will be recognized at an upcoming city council meeting and will have Irondale streets named after them:

• Dr. Simpson Berry: A pioneer educator + Irondale’s first African-American city councilor
• Pastor James Parnell: Faith leader at Mount Hebron Missionary Baptist Church, the oldest African-American congregation in Irondale
• Mrs. Bernice Kelley: Spent decades providing unwavering service at the Golden Rule Barbecue

With a population that hovers around 30% African-American, Mayor Stewart is well-aware of what it means to serve as the city’s first Black mayor.

“I would love for that to be my legacy when I leave this place. That I did all that I could to make sure that I gave the generation behind me a leg up.

When you’re the first in our community, there’s a lot that comes with it. I understand that I can’t mess up, because you don’t get a do-over.

Every day, I make sure that I represent not only myself and our family, but also represent a whole community of people that are cheering for Irondale to be successful as we continue to move forward.”

_{Irondale Mayor James D. Stewart, Jr.}

The City of Irondale has many ways to honor its entire community throughout the year via free programming, celebrations and ways to come together. Visit their site to stay in touch with this thriving fellowship.

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