The Stockbridge City Council made history recently. After the ceremonial swearing-in for the new mayor and two returning council members at the Jan. 8 regular meeting, the city has an all-black council for the first time ever.

Anthony Ford became Stockbridge’s first black mayor after winning election in November following a four-year term as a councilman. LaKeisha Gantt won re-election to another council term at that time, and Alphonso Thomas returned to the council after a two-year hiatus with a win in November. Other council members now at the midway point of their terms are Elton Alexander, John Blount and Neat Robinson.

About the Author

Featured

Amy Bielawski, who runs Hare-Brained Productions, prepares to work at a Fall Festival in Stone Mountain on Oct. 4, 2025. Bielawski is worried she may not be able to afford health care through Georgia Access when subsidies expire. (Arvin Temkar/AJC)

Credit: Arvin Temkar/AJC