Charlottesville, Site of Deadly White Nationalist Rally, Selects First Black Female Mayor

The city of Charlottesville, Va., on Tuesday night chose the first African-American woman to serve as its mayor, less than six months after a deadly white nationalist rally in the city made national headlines. 

The Charlottesville City Council voted 4-1 on Tuesday to approve Nikuyah Walker (I) as mayor, largely a ceremonial title in the college town. Before becoming mayor, Walker was the first independent to serve on the City Council since 1948, according to The Daily Progress. 

Walker, who has criticized the city's response to the August rally, will now preside over City Council meetings alongside newly elected Vice Mayor Heather Hill (D).