Bartlett’s new alderwoman took her seat on the board Tuesday night, making history in the process.

Monique Williams was sworn in at the regular bi-monthly Board of Mayor and Aldermen meeting, becoming the first Black person to serve as alderman or alderwoman for the city. She also is the only woman currently serving on the board.

“It feels awesome,” she said after the meeting. “I’m looking forward to learning and seeing how I can help the city.”

Bartlett board elects Monique Williams as new alderwoman

Williams was selected from a dozen hopefuls last Thursday at a special-called BMA meeting to finish the term of Bobby Simmons. Simmons stepped down from Alderman Position 4 at the end of July after 19 years because of ongoing health issues.

She will serve in an interim capacity through the end of next year. It is unclear at this point if she plans to run for the seat in next year’s election.

“I’m very community-driven,” said Williams, a resident of Bartlett for 12 years. “I honestly did not think I would be appointed. But I thought maybe my voice and some of the things I could bring to the table could possibly bring about some changes.”

“We’re proud to have you here and look forward to working with you,” Alderman Brad King said. Last week he cast one of the swing votes needed to give Williams the nod for the position, edging out the other finalist, Samantha Hammonds.

Alderman Kevin Quinn originally nominated Williams for the post last week.

“I appreciate ... the 12 candidates who went through it. It was grueling,” he said referring to the tough choices the aldermen made selecting from the diverse mix of applicants. “We look forward to the next 16 months or so.”

Williams, known locally as “Chef Mo,” opened her Biscuits & Jams restaurant at 5806 Stage Road in Bartlett in 2021. She is also a senior consultant and principal equity partner with Unison Consulting Group, and she was appointed to the Bartlett Station Commission earlier this year by Mayor David Parsons.

Bartlett had until the end of this month to fill the vacancy left by Simmons’ resignation. The city’s charter required the board to fill the vacancy within 30 days from the July 31 effective date of the resignation.

Williams’ first official BMA meeting will be Sept. 12.