The city council in North Carolina’s capital city, Raleigh, has chosen its first Black councilwoman to fill a seat on Tuesday, which was reportedly vacated after another council member resigned.
What We Know:
- Stormie Denise Forte, 49-year-old attorney and community radio host, was chosen from among 54 candidates to fill the position that represents Raleigh’s District D covering the southwest portion of the city.
- Based on several news outlets reports, she received six out of seven votes, and her first meeting as a council member is Aug. 18.
“I can honestly say I am a little emotional thinking of the historical impact of being selected,” Forte said. “Being Black and being female and being a person within the LGBTQ community — all those things make up the person I am.”
- Raleigh Mayor Mary-Ann Baldwin stated that Forte made a great candidate due to her exceptional experience as an attorney, her work in the criminal justice system, and her understanding of government along with community involvement.
- “She will also bring a unique and needed perspective as an African-American woman and as a member of our LGBT community,” Baldwin said.
- The Raleigh City Council also announced Tuesday that the previous vacant seat in District D belonged to former member Saige Martin, who recently resigned due to accusations of sexual misconduct.
- According to ABC11, Wake County District Attorney Lorrin Freeman said she will not pursue charges against Martin on Monday, citing insufficient evidence after attempts to speak with those accusing Martin of the misconduct.
- Martin resigned from the city council in June following allegations published by the News & Observer. It was reported that four men accused Martin of sexual misconduct in the newspaper’s article; two claimed that he sexually assaulted them.
Congratulations to Forte for her new role as Raleigh councilwoman.
