The first Black mayor of Montgomery, Alabama, shares his story of making his way in a world that wasn’t built for him, drawing on his rich heritage as the son of a civil rights leader.
As a proud son of a civil rights leader, Steven L. Reed grew up hearing stories about how his father integrated Montgomery lunch counters and took advice directly from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Reverend Ralph Abernathy. However, it wasn’t until Reed was in the fourth grade and received a death threat against his father that he began to understand more fully the importance of the lessons his father was trying to impart. At this pivotal moment, his father explained, “My job is to prepare you to be a cross-bearer and not just a crown-wearer. Bigotry has no place in our household. It will only hold you down and make you small.” First, Best is an essential antidote to the perpetual dehumanization and distortions of Black men in our culture and media. By sharing the story of forging his own path, Reed offers an alternative narrative to Black men coming of age, catalyzing their hope and sense of possibility. Although Reed took a circuitous path to the office of mayor that began by forging his identity at Morehouse College, pursuing entrepreneurship and exploring the wider world, and serving as a probate judge, each step was guided by the values of his father’s generation. First, Best is not just about assuming the mantle of manhood or leadership, nor is it only about the expectation of greatness. Fundamentally, it’s about responsibility and preparation, serving others, and being willing to pay the price of leadership by carrying the weight of each decision. First, Best affirms the next generation of Black men and women by showing, through story and example, their power and potential in a world that doesn’t always root for them.
“From his conscious upbringing in Montgomery, Alabama where decades earlier a movement was born, to his trailblazing election as that city’s first Black mayor, Steven Reed knows a lot about the journey Black men must take not only to manhood but to excellence. Journey with him through this book and be both inspired and informed. His is an important voice as a new movement is waiting to be born.” —Senator Reverend Raphael G. Warnock, author of A Way Out of No Way
“Steven Reed's election inspired the nation and was a major civil rights achievement that began 65 years ago with a bus boycott. This is an important American story.” —Bryan Stevenson, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Just Mercy
“Mayor Steven Reed’s moving memoir is a reminder that leadership is a choice, and indeed, everyone can lead. Reed’s story begins with his dynamic childhood upbringing and culminates in his historic election as the first Black mayor of Montgomery, Alabama—the former capital of the Confederacy and birthplace of the modern civil rights movement. Mayor Reed’s chronicles of civil rights leaders and their lessons offer us deeply important insights as we navigate our own consequential times.” —April Ryan, author of Black Women Will Save the World
“Mayor Reed has taken on and is carrying out the struggle for equal justice. While I encountered roadblocks of segregation and had to leave home to study law and pursue my vision, Mayor Reed has been able to come home and openly pursue his vision. He, too, is paving a straighter and clearer path for the next generation.” —Fred D. Gray, civil rights lawyer and recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom
"This book moved my very soul. Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed presents a compelling, engaging, inspiring story that you won't want to put down. From the very start, you can't help but be drawn into his personal story...only to find yourself ready to join him in making those important choices that are often uncomfortable, but can lead to real change in our world." —The Most Rev. Michael B. Curry, presiding bishop of the Episcopal Church and author ofLove is the Way
Steven L. Reed is the first Black mayor of Montgomery, Alabama, the birthplace of the modern civil rights movement, where he was born and raised. He also has served as the youngest and first Black person elected probate judge, the county’s highest administrative position. Reed earned a bachelor of arts degree, cum laude, from Morehouse College and a master of business administration from Vanderbilt University’s Owen Graduate School of Management. He and his wife, Tamika, are the proud parents of three children.
View titles by Steven L. Reed
Fagan Harris is a social entrepreneur, writer, and researcher who has dedicated his career to advancing opportunities for underestimated communities. He currently serves as the chief of staff to the governor of Maryland, Wes Moore.
View titles by Fagan Harris
The first Black mayor of Montgomery, Alabama, shares his story of making his way in a world that wasn’t built for him, drawing on his rich heritage as the son of a civil rights leader.
As a proud son of a civil rights leader, Steven L. Reed grew up hearing stories about how his father integrated Montgomery lunch counters and took advice directly from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Reverend Ralph Abernathy. However, it wasn’t until Reed was in the fourth grade and received a death threat against his father that he began to understand more fully the importance of the lessons his father was trying to impart. At this pivotal moment, his father explained, “My job is to prepare you to be a cross-bearer and not just a crown-wearer. Bigotry has no place in our household. It will only hold you down and make you small.” First, Best is an essential antidote to the perpetual dehumanization and distortions of Black men in our culture and media. By sharing the story of forging his own path, Reed offers an alternative narrative to Black men coming of age, catalyzing their hope and sense of possibility. Although Reed took a circuitous path to the office of mayor that began by forging his identity at Morehouse College, pursuing entrepreneurship and exploring the wider world, and serving as a probate judge, each step was guided by the values of his father’s generation. First, Best is not just about assuming the mantle of manhood or leadership, nor is it only about the expectation of greatness. Fundamentally, it’s about responsibility and preparation, serving others, and being willing to pay the price of leadership by carrying the weight of each decision. First, Best affirms the next generation of Black men and women by showing, through story and example, their power and potential in a world that doesn’t always root for them.
Praise
“From his conscious upbringing in Montgomery, Alabama where decades earlier a movement was born, to his trailblazing election as that city’s first Black mayor, Steven Reed knows a lot about the journey Black men must take not only to manhood but to excellence. Journey with him through this book and be both inspired and informed. His is an important voice as a new movement is waiting to be born.” —Senator Reverend Raphael G. Warnock, author of A Way Out of No Way
“Steven Reed's election inspired the nation and was a major civil rights achievement that began 65 years ago with a bus boycott. This is an important American story.” —Bryan Stevenson, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Just Mercy
“Mayor Steven Reed’s moving memoir is a reminder that leadership is a choice, and indeed, everyone can lead. Reed’s story begins with his dynamic childhood upbringing and culminates in his historic election as the first Black mayor of Montgomery, Alabama—the former capital of the Confederacy and birthplace of the modern civil rights movement. Mayor Reed’s chronicles of civil rights leaders and their lessons offer us deeply important insights as we navigate our own consequential times.” —April Ryan, author of Black Women Will Save the World
“Mayor Reed has taken on and is carrying out the struggle for equal justice. While I encountered roadblocks of segregation and had to leave home to study law and pursue my vision, Mayor Reed has been able to come home and openly pursue his vision. He, too, is paving a straighter and clearer path for the next generation.” —Fred D. Gray, civil rights lawyer and recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom
"This book moved my very soul. Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed presents a compelling, engaging, inspiring story that you won't want to put down. From the very start, you can't help but be drawn into his personal story...only to find yourself ready to join him in making those important choices that are often uncomfortable, but can lead to real change in our world." —The Most Rev. Michael B. Curry, presiding bishop of the Episcopal Church and author ofLove is the Way
Steven L. Reed is the first Black mayor of Montgomery, Alabama, the birthplace of the modern civil rights movement, where he was born and raised. He also has served as the youngest and first Black person elected probate judge, the county’s highest administrative position. Reed earned a bachelor of arts degree, cum laude, from Morehouse College and a master of business administration from Vanderbilt University’s Owen Graduate School of Management. He and his wife, Tamika, are the proud parents of three children.
View titles by Steven L. Reed
Fagan Harris is a social entrepreneur, writer, and researcher who has dedicated his career to advancing opportunities for underestimated communities. He currently serves as the chief of staff to the governor of Maryland, Wes Moore.
View titles by Fagan Harris
