By Cody Cole, Museum Guide

On July 2, 2018, the Lynchburg City Council elected Council Member Treney Tweedy to become Mayor, Lynchburg’s first African American woman to hold the office in the history of the city.

Tweedy was born and raised in Lynchburg, having grown up in the Rivermont neighborhood and graduated from E.C. Glass High School. She then served in the U.S. Navy as a journalist, and once she returned home, she graduated from Lynchburg College with a Bachelor’s Degree in English. Following college, Tweedy worked for various companies in town and as the Public Information Officer for the Lynchburg City School system.

Mayor Tweedy did not plan on a life in politics; rather, it evolved from her increasing involvement in the community over time. As a child, she often witnessed her parents selflessly help others through their church. She also saw other role models, such as her relatives, teachers, and political leaders like Mayor M.W. Thornhill, Jr., acting as servant-leaders for the community. This impressed upon her the importance of social and civic engagement from a young age, and helped steer her towards her current position.

Mayor M.W. Thornhill, Jr., Lynchburg Museum System Collection

Tweedy became more and more engaged with different aspects of Lynchburg through her work with the school system. Her experience in dealing with the needs in education is what she says ultimately led her to local politics. Serving in local government would not only provide her with the means to effect change in the city, but also give her a voice to share her experience and contact with many different groups, neighborhoods, and residents of the city.

Being elected mayor has not changed the dynamic of her relationship with City Council. She is still one council member with one vote, and can have conversations with the other council members to learn their viewpoints, assess issues and goals for the government, and collaborate together on ensuring that the city’s needs are met successfully. The mayor’s office also has given her a greater appreciation and understanding of the city’s different departments.

Concerning her legacy from her time in office, Mayor Tweedy hopes that it will be one of collaboration and innovation. Having put economic development and education at the forefront of issues, with a focus on urban centers and neighborhoods, her wish is that her work will have helped to create a better city for everyone. She also expresses a desire to see increased involvement in civic government from young people, and encourages them to participate in local civic programs like the Citizens’ Academy.

Photo by LuAnn Hunt, courtesy of City of Lynchburg

Treney Tweedy joins the ranks of Lynchburg’s other notable “first” mayors: M. W. Thornhill, Jr., first African American mayor (1990) and Joan Foster, first female mayor (2004). They remind us that Lynchburg is a diverse city, and any one of its citizens can become its highest civic leader.

Click here to visit Mayor Tweedy’s City of Lynchburg page or to learn more about Lynchburg’s Citizens Academy

Do you have any interesting photographs, stories, or artifacts related to Mayor Tweedy? If so, please share them with us! Add a comment below or email us.

Treney Tweedy: Lynchburg’s First African American Female Mayor

Lynchburg Museum System