Carolyn Long Banks was the first African-American woman appointed and elected to the Atlanta City Council, serving the City of Atlanta from 1980 to 1997. Atlanta City Council Member Michael Bond honored Banks for her contributions with a reception and proclamation Monday at City Hall.
Banks was one of only two black women to serve as president of the National League of Cities. During her tenure she shaped the country’s municipal legislative agenda, testified before Congress, and met frequently with President Clinton and members of Congress. She was also president of the National Black Caucus of Local Elected Official and Women in Municipal Government. Annually, while in elective office, she counseled first-time elected municipal officials at Harvard University.
Banks also became the first African-American buyer for Rich’s Department Store.
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