History Maker: Meet the First Black Mayor of Linden, Alabama

Townsquare Media Tuscaloosa, 92.9 WTUG, Praise 93.3, 105.1 The Block, and the Tuscaloosa Thread are proud to present the 2024 Black History Makers of Alabama.

Yellowhammer State is filled with great African American leaders from the past, present, and future. We thank our West Alabama community partners, the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated, Delta Phi Lambda Chapter, and the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Eta Xi Omega Chapter, for their continued support.

Black History Maker of Alabama – Gwendolyn Rogers, Mayor, City of Linden

Gwendolyn Rogers is a native of Linden, Alabama. She was married to her late husband Larry for 31 years and feels blessed to be the mother of one daughter, two sons, and two stepsons. She is also known as “Love-Love” to her adorable grandchildren.

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In her early life, she felt that her parents instilled in me the importance of education, which continues to play an important role in her life. Following graduation from Linden High School, she continued her education at Concordia College, earning an Associate’s Degree in English Concentration.

Rogers transitioned to the University of West Alabama, receiving her Bachelor’s Degree in English Education with a Middle School Endorsement; in addition, she obtained her Master’s Degree in School Counseling and an Educational Specialist Degree in School Counseling. My desire to keep learning led me to the decision to return to school to obtain an administration certification in Instructional Leadership.  She is a proud United States Army Reserve veteran, where I served as a 91 Echo (Dental Assistant).

She proudly holds the title of the first Black Mayor of the City of Linden, Alabama, serving her in the fourth year of a five-year term. She applies one of her favorite quotes from Mary McLeod Bethune: "We can get better results by thinking together and planning together.”

“Black history is a reminder that the fight for justice and equality is ongoing and that we must continue to work towards a better future for all. It is a time to honor the legacy of those who came before us and to inspire future generations to continue the fight for a more just and equitable world.”

Believing in that principle, she desires to work hard to be a part of the “thinking together and planning together” that will get better results for the citizens of her community and the state of Alabama.

In addition to her role as the Mayor of Linden, she is with Linden City School System, where she has served as a middle and high school English Language Arts teacher, Professional School Counselor, System Testing Coordinator, and middle school principal. Currently, Rogers serves as Federal and Special Programs Coordinator for the district.

“Black history means a time of remembrance and celebration of the many contributions and accomplishments that Black people have made. It is also a reminder that we must not become complacent because there is still work to be done.”

Extremely active in her community, she is a member of many community organizations. Rogers is a member of First Baptist Church in Linden and is actively involved in the Youth Ministry.

She has served as the vice president and secretary of the local Alabama Education Association. A member of the Alabama School Counselors Association, National Education Association, Alabama Education Association, and the Board of Directors of the Alabama League of Municipalities.  In addition, Rogers has served on several school committees such as BBSST, RTI, School Leadership Team, ELA Chair, Curriculum Director, Building Testing Coordinator, and School Counselor Supervisor.

Also, she is active with the Beauty of Linden Chapter of the Order of Eastern Star, American Legion Post 340, Elite Lindenite Organization, Inc., Helping Hands Social Club, and a proud member of Nu Nu Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.

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