Atlanta Mayor makes historic appointment of trans activist to city’s Review Board
The Mayor of Atlanta Kasim Reed has made a historic appointment to the city’s Atlanta Citizen Review board.
Mayor Reed appointed an out trans person to the board, praising their “lifelong” activism.
The appointment is believed to be the first time a trans person has served on the Board openly.
“I am pleased to appoint Tracee McDaniel to serve on the Atlanta Citizen Review Board,” Mayor Reed said in a written statement.
“As a lifelong advocate for the transgender community, Ms. McDaniel will bring an important perspective and a lifetime of experience to this role.”
Reed added that he thought the appointment would be useful amid tensions between police and Atlanta residents.
“Giving them a role on this body, I think, amplifies that voice and informs us,” said Reed.
The Atlanta Review Board was originally created during allegations that the city’s police force had used excessive force.
“The citizens review board is very important and I think a lot of people are talking about it as a national model,” Reed added.
The LGBT community in the city celebrated the move.
Cheryl Courtney-Evans, executive director of Transgender Individuals Living Their Truth told 11 Alive that the appointment is “more than just window dressing”.
McDaniel has previously served on the LGBT advisory board for the Atlanta Police Department and is a vetted trainer for the United States Department of Justice.
