The Root 100 names Randall Woodfin one of 2018’s most influential African Americans

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Randall Woodfin
[Photo Credit: Randall Woodfin on Facebook]

Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin has been listed as one of the most influential African Americans in America by The Root 100.

The annual list, ranks innovators, leaders, public figures and game changers ages 25 to 45 who are breaking down barriers and paving the way for the next generation. The Magic City mayor took home the no.32 spot for 2018.

“This year’s list of honorees is a reminder of the beauty and brilliance of blackness, at a time when the political and cultural landscape has grown even more hostile to the idea of black achievement,” wrote The Root 100.

The list described the 37-year old Woodfin is “a shining example of the new progressivism sweeping the South.” Here’s a little of what they had to say:

On paper, Randall Woodfin wasn’t supposed to win Birmingham, Ala.’s 2017 mayoral election. He led a field of 12 candidates in contention against William Bell, a seven-year incumbent with more decades in politics than Woodfin had been alive. But the Morehouse grad and former school board president did win, with one of the earliest campaigns to embrace progressive ideas, which are quickly becoming the norm in political races across the country. And he did it by drawing in more than 11,000 voters who’d never cast a ballot in a municipal race before…

According to the list Woodfin scored:

  • Influence: 161.6 — overall score
  • Reach: 5/10 — the people they touch through media and Twitter followers
  • Substance: 8.5/10 — the impact of their work
  • Twitter followers: 20,447

Woodfin tweeted he was honored to be included on the list.

“I’m honored to be included among 99 other changemakers in . But that story couldn’t have been written without you – the scores of voters, supporters, friends and allies who pushed for a better Birmingham. I’m proud to lead that charge and to always put people first,” tweeted Woodfin.