Selma mayor dies at 78 – .

George Evans was an elected official in Selma, Alabama, who was the city’s first Black city council president, first Black school board superintendent in Dallas County, and was a two-time mayor of Selma. 

George Evans’ legacy 

Evans grew up during the era of segregation. His home of Selma, Alabama, was deeply divided by racism, and soon became an epicenter in the national fight for racial justice. Evans was in college in Dodge City, Kansas, when Selma was the site of social and political upheaval in 1965, and ended up educating his fellow students about how dire the situation was there. After earning his Master’s, he returned home and entered public service, beginning in education before later delving into politics. 

Evans became Dallas County’s first Black school board superintendent, where he helped shape local policies around education. He later ran for and won a seat on the Selma city council, later becoming the council’s first Black president in 2000. During his 16-year tenure, he established a reputation for fiscally responsible policies. 

In 2008, Evans was elected mayor of Selma, a seat he held for two terms. There, he hosted President Barack Obama for the 50th Anniversary of Selma’s “Bloody Sunday” march, and he often worked with U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-07) to bring federal resources to the city. Sewell called him “a strong voice and a tireless fighter for the people of Selma.” 

Notable quote 

“We will continue to work together so we can all succeed.”—Re-Elect George Evans Campaign 

Tributes to George Evans 

Full obituary: Montgomery Advertiser 

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