BETHLEHEM, Pa. - Bethlehem City Council made history on Tuesday night when the governing body welcomed the first African American woman to serve on council.
Dr. Wandalyn Enix is filling the seat vacated by William Reynolds, who resigned earlier this month when he was sworn in as mayor.
Enix, 74, is professor emeritus at Montclair State University. Her family has lived in Bethlehem for more than a century, and in 2019 she told her family’s story to the Black Bethlehem Project, a partnership of Lafayette College and Bethlehem Area Public Library.
Her story of being raised in Bethlehem is available to read and hear on the Black Bethlehem Project’s website.
She spoke briefly after taking her oath.
“It is an honor to sit in this seat. I stand on the shoulders of giants. Thank you very much,” said Enix.
Enix has said that she thinks the city’s most pressing need is to create affordable and entry-level housing.
She will serve on council through the end of 2023.
