Join the trailblazing mayors of Montgomery, Richmond, and Danville—and Mitch Landrieu, former mayor of New Orleans—for a conversation about historic elections and the future of the American South.
Thursday, April 16 at 6PM | The Paramount Theater
Cohosted by the Thomas Jefferson Foundation
Individual Tickets: $20 general admission, $10 for students
(TICKETS RELEASED 2/19 – STAY TUNED!)
Admission included with Tom Tom Patron Badge and Summit Badge
Over the course of the Civil War, there were three capitals of the Confederacy — Montgomery (AL), Richmond (VA), and Danville (VA). For the first time in history, all three cities have elected black mayors. Tom Tom is excited to announce a headlining conversation with mayors Steven Reed, Levar Stoney, and Alonzo Jones, moderated by former mayor of New Orleans, Mitch Landrieu. They’ll discuss their personal and political journeys, the legacy and future of the South, and their ongoing work for equity and justice.
Meet the Mayors
Steven Reed Montgomery, AL
As Montgomery County, Alabama’s first African-American mayor and youngest elected probate judge, Reed has expanded access to representation, improved facilities, and modernized the office to better serve the community. He has a long track record of fighting for the underserved through making drastic improvements to mental health services, standing up for marriage equality, and advocating for voter inclusivity. The recipient of the Dr. Martin Luther King Leadership Award for Governmental Service was born and raised in Montgomery and is deeply connected to his community on every level.
Levar Stoney Richmond, VA
Richmond’s youngest mayor is focused on building One Richmond, a welcoming, inclusive, and equitable city where everyone has the same opportunities. He previously served as Executive Director of the Democratic Party of Virginia, which helped elect Obama in 2008. As Secretary of the Commonwealth under Governor McAuliffe, he helped restore more civil and voting rights than any other state in the country. His current initiatives include organizing a commission to lead conversations about Richmond’s Confederate history, designating a LGBTQ+ liaison to help protect citizens from discrimination, and championing children through significant investments in public schools.
Alonzo Jones Danville, VA
Jones commitment to public service started in the United States Armed Forces and led him to serving the citizens of Danville and surrounding communities. A passionate advocate for youth, he established Danville’s first Youth Council to give young people a platform for expression and to further innovation. In addition to being the founder and president of One Accord Unlimited — which focuses on youth events — he is active on many local boards, including Danville Redevelopment and Housing Authority, Smart Beginnings, and College Bonanza.
Mitch Landrieu (Moderator) Lawyer, Author, Political Commentator
The former mayor of New Orleans gained national attention for his bold decision to remove four Confederate monuments in his city, earning him the prestigious John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award. Through his recent launch of E Pluribus Unum, he is fulfilling America’s promise for justice and opportunity for all by breaking down barriers that divide us by race and class. Prior to serving as mayor, he served two terms as lieutenant governor and as president of the U.S. Conference of Mayors.
This event will cap off the Summit’s Health Equity, Education Equity, and Criminal Justice Reform conferences. Tickets to this conversation — and full access to all conference tracks, exclusive networking events, and more — are included with the Tom Tom Patron and Summit Badges, on sale now.
Learn more about all the equity programming at Tom Tom Summit 2020 here: