Mayor Scott James Matheson, center, joins Councilmembers Nick Harden, Council At-Large; Tim Carroll, District 5; Sandra Tooley, District 2; Vivian Miller-Cody, District 1; Mayor Pro-Tem Andy Gibbs, District 6; and Eric Howard, District 4, to honor Ruth K. Council, the first African American Valdosta City Councilmember, and Sonny Vickers, the city’s first African American mayor. They gathered for a memorial photo featuring framed portraits of the two trailblazing leaders as a tribute to their lasting impact. The photo was taken at the heart of downtown, at the corner of City Hall. (Submitted photo)

Mayor Scott James Matheson, center, joins Councilmembers Nick Harden, Council At-Large; Tim Carroll, District 5; Sandra Tooley, District 2; Vivian Miller-Cody, District 1; Mayor Pro-Tem Andy Gibbs, District 6; and Eric Howard, District 4, to honor Ruth K. Council, the first African American Valdosta City Councilmember, and Sonny Vickers, the city’s first African American mayor. They gathered for a memorial photo featuring framed portraits of the two trailblazing leaders as a tribute to their lasting impact. The photo was taken at the heart of downtown, at the corner of City Hall.