History is being made throughout the state of Minnesota with newly elected mayors. Roslyn Harmon defeated Gillian Rosenquist, making her the first black Mayor elected to the office of Golden Valley. A long-standing resident of Golden Valley, Harmon received 50 percent of the votes to defeat Rosenquist who received 49 percent of votes in the hotly contested race. Harmon celebrated the historic night with Nadia Mohamed of St. Louis Park, Minnesota. Mohamed has become the first Somalian mayor elected. Golden Valley and St. Louis Park are suburbs west of Minneapolis.
In Harmon’s speech, which she posted on Facebook, Harmon thanked the residents and community for their support. She thanked everyone for all the hard work they put into her campaign, and she is excited to serve the community, city staff, and leaders and to take Golden Valley to the next level.
Harmon has credentials that should make her successful in her new role as mayor. She is the vice chair for the Golden Valley Police Employment, Accountability, and Community Engagement Commission. She is also the executive director of the Dispute Resolution Center in the Rondo community. She also has over 20 years of experience as an educator, mental health professional, ordained minister, restorative practice coach, leader, and motivational speaker.
Also, St. Paul, Minnesota, has elected Cheniqua Johnson and Anika Bowie to its city council. Johnson will take the seat as Ward 7 council member, and Bowie will be in Ward 1. Johnson had a very close race, while Bowie won her race by a large margin. This election is also a historic moment for St. Paul, Minnesota because the council is now all women and racially diverse. Johnson is a very passionate philanthropic leader and entrepreneur. Bowie is a young and articulate civil rights leader who is poised and ready to make significant changes in the community she calls home.
Newly elected mayors and city council members will be sworn in at the beginning of 2024.
