Mayor Randall Woodfin sworn in for 2nd term

Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin began his second term when he was inaugurated in Linn Park downtown at about noon on Tuesday, Nov. 23.

The inauguration began with a pre-ceremony celebration at Linn Park beginning at about 11 a.m. 

Woodfin said he was “humbled” by the opportunity to take the oath of office for another four years

He said he was dedicated to helping to make Birmingham “the great city...it can and should be.”

The Magic City is a place where “the commitment to equality and inclusion that is embedded in our civic DNA forwards us into transformative changes that make Birmingham a leader in defining what a successful American city will look like in the second quarter of the 21st century,” Woodfin said.

The city “can and must continue to learn from its history,” Woodfin said, referring to the city’s turbulent civil rights past.

However, “Our history is not who we are,” he said.

“Birmingham is about the future,” Woodfin said.

Among other goals, he mentioned a desire to create economic opportunity and access for all residents of the city.

In addition to the mayor and council, Woodfin said that neighborhood leaders, nonprofits and businesses all have a role to play in pushing the city forwards.

One more “essential ingredient” in the city’s progress is citizen involvement, the mayor said.

“Each of us is obligated to contribute in any way we can, in any way possible, to make sure Birmingham’s diverse web of talent, as well as skill and belief and aspiration, come to fruition,” he said.

The guests who took part in the celebration included Pastor Mike McClure Jr. of The Rock City Church, Pastor Thomas Beavers of New Rising Star Church, singer Yung Vokalz, singer Sharron Collins, poet Karima Moor, Miles College Choir, Putnam Middle School Band and DJ Slim Robb.

Among the dignitaries in attendance at the ceremony were former Birmingham mayors Richard Arrington Jr., Bernard Kincaid and William A. Bell Sr.; former U.S. Sen. Doug Jones; and U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell.

Residents were also invited to join Woodfin and other city and community leaders for a city-wide celebration of the inaugural at The Fennec on Nov. 23 at 6 p.m.