Election night on November 7, 2023, marked a significant moment in Erie County, New York, as voters in the Town of Amherst and the Town of Cheektowaga made history by electing their first Black leaders. These victories reflect a broader trend towards increased representation in local governance.
In Amherst, residents elected John Davis to the town board, making him the first Black person to hold this position. Davis, who works as a senior energy project manager and also serves on the Amherst planning board, expressed his excitement to the gathered crowd. “Oh my gosh, this is amazing. I did not prepare anything. I was just so focused on winning, but Amherst Democrats made it plain and clear. They are ready for progress,” he stated. His victory is particularly notable as he becomes the first Black councilman in Western New York.
Meanwhile, in Cheektowaga, Tiffany Lewis made her mark by being elected as the first Black woman on the town board. Following her win, Lewis addressed her supporters, saying, “I just want to say that I am super honored to stand here as the first Black woman ever elected in Cheektowaga.” In a subsequent interview with Channel 2’s Claudine Ewing, she described the election win as “overwhelming and powerful.”
Lewis emphasized her motivation to run for office, highlighting a desire to make a difference in the community and inspire young people. She stated, “I wanted to run to make a difference in our community and also to allow young people to have hope so that they can see the power of unification and also a Black woman to break glass ceilings.” Her commitment to ensuring that all voices are heard in the town resonates strongly with her constituents.
As the founder of the Confident Girl Mentoring Program, Lewis aims to provide resources that help residents thrive. “I want to ensure that the residents get the resources that they need to thrive, to heal, to connect,” she said.
These historic wins in Amherst and Cheektowaga represent not only a significant step for the elected officials but also a broader movement towards diversity and inclusion in local governance. Voter turnout and engagement in these communities reflect a desire for progressive change and the need for representation that mirrors the demographics of the towns.
As both Davis and Lewis step into their new roles, the impact of their leadership will likely influence future elections and encourage a new generation of leaders in Erie County. The results from this election night have set a precedent that could inspire more individuals from diverse backgrounds to seek office and advocate for their communities.
