Former Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin believes nothing large and complex is achieved by one person, rather it’s achieved through a collaborative effort.
She says it was her goal to open the door for women and other people who have been on the outside of political leadership.
The longtime civic leader worked in city government for several years before making history as the first woman to lead Georgia’s capital city and the first Black woman mayor of a major city in the South.
Franklin served two terms as mayor of Atlanta from 2002 to 2010. But before winning the mayoral seat, she says she never dreamed of being the city’s leader. Franklin admits she struggled to find her voice on the campaign trail. However, leaders like longtime politicians Andrew Young and Maynard Jackson saw something in her and encouraged her to run.
In celebration of Women’s History Month, Franklin was a featured guest for a new limited series on “Closer Look” called “Piloting the Journey.” Franklin talked candidly with show host Rose Scott about leadership and her journey in the world of politics. She also shared how going to therapy helped her to overcome her fears.
