When newly appointed mayor of South Fulton, Carmalitha Gumbs, thinks about home, she pictures peace in her sanctuary where she can fully be herself. This is exactly the vision she carries for one of Georgia's fastest growing cities, South Fulton, now home to 115,000 residents and counting.
Earlier this year, Mayor Gumbs was sworn in as the first woman to lead the city of South Fulton since its founding. Her journey to becoming mayor does not begin with a childhood dream of becoming mayor, but a belief that “I could save the world,” she remembers. Beginning her career as a social worker, she quickly realized that saving the world might not be realistic, but she knew she could lead with her nurturing, calm spirit, as she describes it, like a “true Cancer.” While becoming mayor was not something she had planned for or even dreamed of, she knew her leadership experience and confidence would guide the city through a pivotal moment of change.
With the new title came new experiences for Mayor Gumbs, including public recognition, something this humble mayor was not familiar with. She admits she is still adjusting to being recognized in public spaces and has come to realize the responsibilities that accompany this visibility. She is aware that young women and girls look up to her, perhaps imagining themselves in her shoes one day. While she may not be able to go to the store in sweatpants as freely as before, she gladly embraces her role as a model of leadership for her community, especially for women who look like her.
Long before leading South Fulton, Mayor Gumbs grew up in what she would describe as “the best of both worlds,” spending summers in Brooklyn, New York, and experiencing farm life in rural Virginia. There, her uncle even raised pigs, and Mayor Gumbs found herself attached to one in particular. She appreciates her experience of both urban and country life. Her experience with both lifestyles enables her to understand the importance of making home a place where everyone feels a sense of belonging.
This perspective shapes how she sees the city of South Fulton. From the agricultural feel of District 4 to the family-friendly nature of District 2, each area has its own distinct character in the city. Mayor Gumbs also advocates for diverse housing, including affordable homes for residents at all stages of life, especially younger citizens who are just beginning to build their futures.
“In South Fulton, there’s something for everyone,” she says.
When asked what home means for South Fulton, Mayor Gumbs beams as she imagines a city where residents can work, play, and have a good time without needing to travel to Atlanta. With ambitious plans to expand public transportation and create more jobs, she envisions a future in which South Fulton residents can experience the city's beauty alongside an authentic sense of belonging.
For Mayor Gumbs, home is not about perfection but acceptance and comfort, where you can show up exactly as you are and feel safe. As she says it best, “Home is where your shoes are mismatched.”
“In South Fulton, there’s something for everyone,” says Mayor Gumbs.