The History (and Future) of Selma, Alabama with James Perkins, Jr.

This episode of the Amazing Cities and Towns Podcast sponsored by Bearing Advisors, Jim Hunt interviews Mayor James Perkins of Selma, AL.

 A candid conversation about race in America and the South.

The seldom talked about history or race in America and specifically the South

The past and future of Selma, Alabama

Why the conversation about race, history and the future are so important

The struggles of a majority-minority city

·       And, much more

 

7 Steps to an Amazing City:

 

1.     Attitude

2.     Motivation

3.     Attention to Detail

4.     Zing

5.     Inclusiveness

6.     Neighborhood Empowerment

7.     Green Awareness

 

Thanks for listening and look forward to having you join us for the next episode.

 

Links Mentions During Show:

 

·       www.AmazingCities.org

·       www.AmazingCities.org/podcast to be a guest on the podcast

 

About  Mayor James Perkins

James Perkins Jr. was elected mayor of Selma, Alabama first in 2000 and served through 2008. He is the first African-American to be elected mayor of historic Selma. In 2020, the citizens of Selma re-elected Perkins to serve as mayor.

Perkins is a native of Selma and product of the Selma City School System. He earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mathematics from Alabama A & M University and completed numerous graduate courses in the Master of Business Administration program at Auburn University at Montgomery. Perkins is a graduate of Leadership Birmingham, Leadership Selma, and Leadership Alabama.  

Perkins’ leadership is noteworthy and highly valued locally, nationally and internationally by his peers. The Alabama Conference of Black Mayors elected Perkins to serve as president during their 2022 annual meeting. During Perkins previous term as mayor, his peers elected him to serve as: 1) President of the National Conference of Black Mayors, a national organization representing over 650 African American Mayors across the United States; 2) Director on the National League of Cities Board, a national organization representing cities and towns across the nation in Washington DC; and 3) Vice President for Trade of the World Conference of Mayors., an international organization collaborating with mayors in Caribbean and Africa. His accomplishments and awards are numerous and he is sought after to speak on a broad range of political, social, and faith-based issues.

People who really know Perkins describes him as a “prayerful, passionate, persistent, and practical man who truly cares about people; a no non-sense guy who is about solving problems.”                

James Perkins, Jr. speaks of his accomplishments by saying, “For all successes, accolades, and advancements, I say, ’To God be the Glory.’  My daily goals are to put God first and just treat people right.  This is who I am and this is how I try to live my life.” 

 

About Your Host, Jim Hunt:

Welcome to the “Building Amazing Cities and Towns Podcast” … The podcast for Mayors, Council Members, Managers, Staff and anyone who is interested in building an Amazing City.

 

Your host is Jim Hunt, the author of “Bottom Line Green, How American Cities are Saving the Planet and Money Too” and his latest book, “The Amazing City - 7 Steps to Creating an Amazing City”

 

Jim is also the former President of the National League of Cities, 27 year Mayor, Council Member and 2006 Municipal Leader of the Year by American City and County Magazine.

 

Today, Jim speaks to 1000’s of local government officials each year in the US and abroad.

 

Jim also consults with businesses that are bringing technology and innovation to local government.

 

Amazing City Resources:

 

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·       Bottom Line Green: How America’s Cities and Saving the Planet (And Money Too)  https://www.amazingcities.org/product-page/bottom-line-green-how-america-s-cities-are-saving-the-planet-and-money-too

 

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A Special Thanks to Bearing Advisors for the support of this podcast:  www.BearingAdvisors.Net