Mary D. Waters facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Mary Waters
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| Member of the Detroit City Council from the at-large district |
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| Assumed office January 1, 2022 |
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| Preceded by | Janeé Ayers |
| Member of the Michigan House of Representatives from the 4th district |
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| In office January 1, 2001 – January 2007 |
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| Preceded by | Edward Vaughn |
| Succeeded by | Coleman A. Young II |
| Personal details | |
| Born | August 27, 1955 Alabama, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Education | Detroit Business Institute University of Michigan (BA) |
Mary D. Waters, born on August 27, 1955, is an American politician. She is currently a member of the Detroit City Council, representing the entire city. She started this role in 2022. Mary Waters is part of the Democratic Party. Before joining the City Council, she served in the Michigan House of Representatives from 2001 to 2007. During that time, she made history as the first Black minority leader in the House, serving from 2003 to 2006.
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Early Life and Education
Mary Waters was born in Alabama on August 27, 1955. When she was in elementary school, she helped pick cotton in Greenville, Alabama. As a teenager, she moved to Detroit because her father found a job in the car industry there.
Mary Waters attended the Detroit Business Institute. Later, she went to the University of Michigan. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree, where she studied how people communicate and behave.
Public Service Career
Mary Waters has dedicated many years to public service. She has worked to represent the people of Michigan and Detroit.
Serving in the State House
On November 7, 2000, Mary Waters was elected to the Michigan House of Representatives. She represented the 4th district from January 10, 2001, until 2006.
From 2003 to 2006, Mary Waters served as the Minority Floor Leader for the state House. This was a very important role. She was the first African-American woman to be a Democratic floor leader in that chamber. She had to leave office in 2006 because of term limits.
While in the Michigan legislature, Mary Waters worked with Gretchen Whitmer. Gretchen Whitmer later became Michigan's governor. Mary Waters often reminded her colleague to focus on issues affecting people in poverty. These issues included job training and fair insurance practices in Detroit. She also helped Whitmer connect with Black church groups in Detroit during her campaigns.
In 2010, Mary Waters ran for State Senator for District 1. However, she was not successful in that election.
Working for Detroit City Council
In 2021, Mary Waters won a seat on the Detroit City Council. She represents the city "at-large," meaning she serves all residents. While on the City Council, she has suggested creating gun-free zones in downtown Detroit. She also spoke out against selling city-owned houses that people were already living in. She believed this put "profit ahead of people."
In January 2022, Mary Waters wanted to become the president of the Detroit City Council. However, the council members chose Mary Sheffield for that role. In October 2023, she proposed a plan to remove all property taxes in Detroit.
Running for Congress
On February 8, 2024, Mary Waters announced she would run for United States Congress. She is seeking to represent Michigan's 13th Congressional District. During her campaign, she has spoken about the conflict in Gaza. She has called for a ceasefire and for the release of hostages.
