Carole Smitherman facts for kids

Carole Catlin Smitherman, born in 1952, is an American politician and judge. She currently serves as a Circuit Court Judge in Jefferson County, Alabama. In 2009, she was the 31st Mayor of Birmingham, Alabama. Before becoming a judge, she was a member of the Birmingham City Council for many years.

Early Life and Education

Carole Smitherman grew up in Birmingham, Alabama. Her grandmother, who taught at Lawson State Community College, raised her and her brother. She often mentions her childhood friendship with Condoleezza Rice. Ms. Rice later became a very important government official.

Carole graduated from Spelman College in Atlanta, Georgia, in 1973. She then studied law at Miles Law School. She finished first in her class in 1979, earning her law degree. She is married to Rodger Smitherman, who is an Alabama State Senator.

Political Career

Carole Smitherman was first elected to the Birmingham City Council in 2001. She was re-elected to the council two more times. She also ran for mayor in 2003, 2007, and 2009.

Serving as Mayor

As President of the Birmingham City Council, Carole Smitherman became mayor in October 2009. This happened after the previous mayor, Larry Langford, left office. She served as mayor for about a month. In November 2009, the new council elected Roderick Royal as council president. This made Mr. Royal the acting mayor.

Important Firsts

Carole Smitherman made history in several ways. She was Birmingham's first African-American female mayor. She was also the first African-American woman hired as a deputy district attorney in Jefferson County. Later, she became the first African-American female Municipal and Circuit Court Judge in Birmingham. She also worked as a prosecutor for the city of Irondale, Alabama.

Becoming a Judge

In 2012, Carole Smitherman was elected to her current job as a judge. She won against attorney Pat Thetford. This judicial position handles civil cases and disagreements involving more than $10,000.

Smitherman was re-elected to her second term in 2018 without anyone running against her. She did not run for re-election in 2024. Frederic Bolling was elected to fill her open seat.