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Alyia Gaskins became Alexandria’s first Black woman to serve as mayor when she took the oath of office Jan. 2, marking a historic transition in the city’s leadership.

Gaskins was sworn in at Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall alongside an all-Democratic City Council: Vice Mayor Sarah Bagley and council members John Taylor Chapman, Canek Aguirre, Kirk McPike, Jacinta Greene and Abdel Elnoubi.

“I am proud to stand before you tonight as Alexandria’s first Black female mayor,” Gaskins said to thunderous applause. “Tonight I feel a sense of joy, I feel humility but I also feel a deep responsibility to deliver on the dream and the faith of my ancestors because I am here because of them.”

Clerk of the Court Greg Parks administered the oaths during a ceremony featuring the Joint Public Safety Honor Guard and members of the Samuel L. Tucker Elementary School choir.

Bagley highlighted the significance of the peaceful democratic transition.

“It is a serious but joyous thing we do tonight,” she said. “At a time when democracy can feel very fragile we come together to affirm our shared belief in democracy’s value.”

Gaskins’ first official act was presiding over Bagley’s election as vice mayor. Bagley qualified for the position after receiving the most votes among council candidates in the November election.

Gaskins succeeds Justin Wilson, who announced in 2023 that he would not seek a third term. Wilson addressed the incoming council during the installation, as did former Vice Mayor Amy Jackson, whom Gaskins defeated in the Democratic primary.

Wilson warned that the new council would inherit difficult issues shaped by its predecessors, saying there is “a very fuzzy line between legacy and blame.” He expressed confidence that its members had the courage and dedication to confront those challenges.

Gaskins was first elected to the council in 2021. She earned a degree in medicine, health and society from Vanderbilt University, a master’s degree in public health from the University of Pittsburgh and a master’s degree in urban planning from Georgetown University. She also holds a professional certificate in municipal finance from the University of Chicago.

“I am here because in November, you chose hope and progress,” Gaskins said. “I am here because of our shared vision for an Alexandria that is safer and more affordable and more accessible.”

Her inauguration adds another milestone to Alexandria’s history. Patsy Ticer became the city’s first female mayor in 1991 and served until 1996. Bill Euille became its first Black mayor in 2003 and served a record 12 years.