Now, Monroeville is making headlines again: this time because of an historic first.
“Today, as I stand on the threshold of history, the shoulders of our parents and our foreparents, we are one people, one town and one team, all inclusive,” he said in a victory speech.
Andrews said he would dedicate himself to working for quality health care, safe neighborhoods and schools, industrial development and a diversified workforce, among other issues.
“I am looking forward to working with the city council, the police department, business leaders, my staff and everyone for the betterment of the town and its citizens,” he said. “There is no time to waste.”
Andrews has broken barriers before
State leaders congratulated Andrews on his achievement.
But breaking barriers is nothing new for Andrews.
CNN has reached out to Andrews for comment.
Despite Andrews’ political successes, he remembers a time when things were different.
“It didn’t strike me that we were sitting in the black section of the theater,” Andrews told the news site. “Being a child at the time, and being the first time going to the movies, I was kind of awestruck.”
But though his hometown has seen its fair share of racial injustices, Andrews told the news site that he believed things had changed.
“I think Monroeville, over the years, has grown past that,” Andrews said.
“One of the things I learned during my campaign is that there are so many people, a diverse group of people, and the biggest they want to do is not just have someone to talk to, but someone who will listen to what their concerns are,” he continued.
Andrews reiterated that sentiment in his victory speech, emphasizing that he would represent all of Monroeville’s residents.
“I am overwhelmed with gratitude as I accept the great honor of being the mayor of ALL the citizens of Monroeville,” he said. “I promise that I will represent all of you to the best of my ability, which includes those who voted for me and those who didn’t.”