Special to the Times
Birmingham City Council President Roderick V. Royal entered City Hall 16 years ago, working as a committee assistant for former Councilman William A. Bell. He now exits City Hall after serving in one of the most powerful positions in the state as head of the city council of Alabama’s largest city.
Royal, who has represented City Council District 9 in west Birmingham for 12 years, decided not to seek a fourth term of office. Tuesday, as friends and colleagues bid farewell and applauded his work for the City and the citizens, Royal likened his exit to experiences of childhood, riding the bus to Century Plaza. His mother would allow him to pull the chord to let the driver know it was time to stop and allow riders to exit. “This is my destination. It’s time for me to get off. I’ll see you at the next stop, if I choose to get a transfer,” Royal said. “Thanks for allowing me to ride.”
In addition to serving most recently as council president, Royal served as interim mayor, following the resignation of former Mayor Larry Langford. Throughout his tenure of public service, Royal has forged opportunities, established policies and sought equality.
“I’ve enjoyed every level of my service. The people of Birmingham are very good people and deserve very good leadership at all levels. And I hope that going forward, they receive the kind of leadership that I certainly attempted to provide as member of council, certainly as council president and briefly as interim Mayor,” said Royal.
His colleges on the dais hailed him as a remarkable facilitator and leader during his tenure as council president. They honored him with a resolution and an oil-painted portrait. Council members, family and friends also gave accolades in a video shown during the Tuesday council meeting.
An unparalleled supporter of youth and senior citizens, Royal has instituted several social, educational, health and safety programs that improved the quality of life for residents. Of particular importance is the renowned free Prescription Discount Program, which garnered residents a 23 percent savings per prescription. He also brought much deserved historical prominence to Virgil Ware and Johnnie Robinson, the two young Black teenagers who also died on September 15, 1963, the same day as the four little girls.
His leadership has not gone unnoticed, Royal is the recipient of numerous awards including, the Thinking Outside the Box Award which was bestowed upon him by former Mayor Larry Langford for his creation of the Smooth Ride Street Resurfacing Initiative. This tremendous undertaking allows the city to pave the worst streets in an equitable manner.
