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. Before becoming a judge, Smitherman was the 31st Mayor of Birmingham, Alabama in 2009. She also spent several years as a member of the Birmingham City Council.

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. Smitherman has often shared that she was childhood friends with Condoleezza Rice, who later became a United States Secretary of State.

Smitherman attended Spelman College in Atlanta, Georgia, graduating in 1973. She then went on to study law at Miles Law School. In 1979, she earned her law degree, graduating at the top of her class. Smitherman is married to Alabama State Senator Rodger Smitherman.

Political Career

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

Serving as Mayor

As President of the Birmingham City Council, Smitherman became mayor in October 2009. This happened after the previous mayor, Larry Langford, left office due to legal issues. Smitherman served as mayor for about a month. In November 2009, the new city council elected Roderick Royal as their president. This made Royal the acting mayor, and Smitherman left the position. She later ran in a special election for mayor but was not elected.

Breaking Barriers

Carole Smitherman has achieved many "firsts" in her career. She was the first African-American woman to serve as mayor of Birmingham. She was also the first African-American woman hired as a deputy district attorney in Jefferson County. Additionally, she was the first African-American female Municipal and Circuit Court Judge in Birmingham. Smitherman also worked as a city prosecutor for Irondale, Alabama.

Judicial Career

In 2012, Smitherman was elected to her current position as a Circuit Court Judge. She won against attorney Pat Thetford. This judicial role handles civil cases and disagreements involving amounts over $10,000.

Smitherman was re-elected to her second term as judge in 2018 without anyone running against her. She did not seek re-election in 2024. Frederic Bolling, a Democrat, won the open seat, defeating Republican Douglas Roy.