By NICOLE LOGGINS / Staff Writer

Harpersville – Harpersville Mayor Theoangelo Perkins has played many important roles over the years, from teacher and school bus driver to city council member and pastor. But the most historical role is the one he has now, as Shelby County’s first black mayor.

“When I first ran for mayor, I didn’t even think about it and I didn’t know,” Perkins said of the significant achievement. “It was my goal to become mayor to make a difference, and that was just an added bonus.”

Perkins is not only the first black mayor in the county but also the first black mayor of Harpersville.

“It spoke well for Harpersville and Shelby County because the town is 78 percent white,” he said.

Perkins said the time he spent at Vincent High School gave him valuable exposure and built relationships when it came time to run for mayor. Perkins served on the Water Board, Planning Board and the City Council for two terms before running for mayor.

“Mr. Bill Kelley recruited me,” Perkins said. Kelley encouraged Perkins to start his political career by joining the boards.

“I think it’s been a good thing for the community to see me in this position,” he said.

Perkins was honored as a grand marshal and keynote speaker at the Martin Luther King Parade in Montevallo.

Mayoral elections are coming up this year, and Perkins said that it’s too early to begin campaigning, but he is “praying about” running again.

“It’s been a great experience. I think I’ve tried to be a unifying figure for this community, and I hope that’s something that people have seen. For me personally, it’s all about bringing people together,” he said.