BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Carole Smitherman, a trailblazer in Birmingham’s legal and political spheres, has announced her retirement at the age of 70, complying with the mandatory retirement age for her profession. Over nearly half a century, Smitherman has broken significant racial and gender barriers, leaving a legacy of progressive changes in a city she has served extensively both in jurisprudence and in civic administration.
Reflecting on her tenure, Smitherman shares her mixed emotions about leaving a role that has been both a professional position and a personal passion. She recalls the early days of her career as a time when diversity in the legal field was scarce, noting that initially, she was one of the very few Black individuals in Birmingham’s legal system. Smitherman’s career is punctuated with historic firsts; she was the first Black woman to serve as deputy district attorney in Jefferson County and the first to be appointed as a municipal and circuit court judge in the city.
Her unexpected political role came in 2009 when, as the president of the city council, she briefly assumed the office of mayor following the conviction of the sitting mayor on bribery charges. This appointment marked her as the first and only Black woman to have held the mayoral office in Birmingham. During her short stint as mayor, Smitherman focused on stabilizing the city’s governance and implementing policies aimed at reassuring the community during turbulent times.
Looking back, Smitherman hopes her impact will be remembered for her fairness, availability, and continued involvement in community affairs. She emphasizes her love for the people of Birmingham and her commitment to living and working within the community that shaped her.
As she steps into retirement, Smitherman looks forward to dedicating more time to her family and continuing her engagement in local community projects. She views retirement not as an end, but as an opportunity to deepen her longstanding commitment to service, inspired by a belief in the potential of her fellow citizens and the importance of community leadership.
This chapter of Smitherman’s life speaks to a broader narrative of significant progress in diversity and representation in American legal and political systems, particularly in regions with complex histories regarding race and civil rights. It also underscores the importance of community-focused leadership in fostering trust and stability in civic administration.
As Smitherman transitions to this new phase, she carries with her the legacy of a pioneer who not only broke barriers but also forged paths for future generations in Birmingham and beyond.
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