Mayor Quitman Mitchell, Jr.
Throughout the city we have noticed flags flown at half staff, sadly due to the earthly passing of our own Quitman Mitchell.
Bessemer’s first black (African-American) mayor, Quitman Mitchell set sail spiritually October 20th, 2025, at the age of eighty-five.
From personal observation, for one who held such a title (the first to hold such a title) he never carried himself as braggadocious nor arrogant, yet quiet with a thinker’s air. ‘Mitch’ seemed miles ahead of the day’s times.
Known as a barber, ‘Mitch’ began his career years as a barber at Bessemer’s 20th Century Barbershop and would eventually become president of the Independent Barbers Association of Jefferson County Local Unit No. 1 with formal training at Dunbar High School and later being elected to the Jefferson County Barber Commission.
By the late 1980s, Quitman would win an at-large seat on Bessemer’s newly formed City Council.
Obviously a man set on making a difference, better change for others and way maker for other ambitious individuals, Mr. Mitchell would win the 1990 Bessemer mayoral election not only as mayor but the city’s first Black mayor, setting a standard and a title referred to by many now as a trailblazer.
We send heartfelt condolences to the Mitchell family as well to his extended family members, supporters and those who will remember and cherish his legacy.
We remember Mayor Quitman J. ‘Mitch’ Mitchell, Jr.