Queen Charlotte Sophia (born in 1744), whom the City of Charlotte is named in honor of, was married in September 1761. She was quickly instructed not to meddle in political affairs by her husband, King George III (yes, that King George who went to war with his American colonies and later went “mad”). However, this Queen of England, and ultimately Queen of the United Kingdom, did keep herself concerned with the crown’s political appointments, in addition to carrying on with her personal interests. Queen Charlotte took great care to raise a large family with the help of children’s attendants and to decorate the impressive Queen’s Lodge. Across her 57 years on the throne, she would open numerous orphanages, plan the royal gardens, aid poor families, and lend a hand to struggling musicians.*
Fast-forward 261 years from the time that Queen Charlotte took her throne, we find that the Queen City still maintains her interests. Though Queen Charlotte never visited this city named for her, her love for botany and music has shown up in the naming of the city’s current Mayor, Viola. Viola…being both a blossoming plant in the violet family, as well as being a popular string instrument. In 2022 though, the second-term Mayor of the City of Charlotte is popularly known as Vi Alexander Lyles. Mayor Lyles may not sport an official crown like the Queen City’s logo; however, her pearl necklaces definitely let us know that she is on duty.
You may be seated now as we pay tribute to the woman whose political influence is known for uniting a major city of nearly 900,000 residents…and as we give our flowers to the woman behind this extraordinary title.
Viola Taylor was born in September 1951 to Robert and Mary Taylor. She was raised in Columbia, South Carolina. She was bestowed the name ‘Viola,’ her father’s mother’s name, and goes by Vi. In an interview with Carol McDonald for the book ‘Why I Run: 35 Progressive Candidates Who Are Changing Politics”, Viola described her paternal grandmother as ‘sassy, brassy, and regal.’
She was not short on education, though. Her degrees include a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Queens University. While pursuing her undergraduate degree there, Vi remained active in student government, community volunteerism, and political campaigns. She continues to champion causes near and dear to her and her fellow residents such as
Arts and Culture • Civil Rights and Social Action • Economic Empowerment • Human Rights • Politics • Poverty Alleviation.
She received a Masters of Public Administration from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. At Career Mastered Magazine, we have observed that she later received a Ph.D. in Life Experience. Her public service long preceded any elected position held. She was married to John Lyles Sr. from 1996 until his death in 2013. She has two adult children. Her daughter is also the namesake of Grandma Taylor. This working mother was a stand-out city employee long before her name appeared on ballots for a seat on the City Council in 2013. There she served from 2013-2017. Preparation for her mayoral position began with her election by vote of her council colleagues as Mayor Pro Tem in 2015. In 2017, the people spoke and she was voted as the City of Charlotte’s first Black Woman Mayor. Queen Charlotte, considered to be bi-racial, would be proud.
Vi Alexander Lyles has been quoted, and retweeted as saying, “I didn’t choose the life of a mayor, the life of a mayor chose me.” At Career Mastered, where Charlotte, North Carolina, is like a second home, we are grateful for the life and times of Mayor Lyles.
For Mayor Lyles, job creation is an important economic growth indicator, but workforce development is her personal passion. She is a champion for those who face barriers to employment, helping them develop their skills and talents, and ensuring that the city is committed to opportunities for all. Evidence of her commitment to economic development and growth is her 2021 declaration in the City of Charlotte of October as “Charlotte Women’s Small Business Month.” Vi Alexander Lyles received the Career Mastered Women’s History Month “Game-Changer” Award in 2018, and was named the Charlotte Business Journal’s 2021 Women in Business Lifetime Achievement Award winner… well-deserved.
“You have to give back. You have to make sure that the people that got you to the place that you are, that you are actually helping the next generation to be able to get where they are.”
Check the Twitter records and you’ll see why @CLTMayor is beloved across the aisle and around the city. Although she’s attained viral popularity modeling official City of Charlotte gear by the 704 Shop, Mayor Lyles is quite the role model. She regularly mentors and meets with various student groups, as well as the youngest of city residents.
“When I have little girls come to the office, moms bring them and they say, I just wanted her to meet an African- American woman that’s the mayor of Charlotte. And I always tell those little girls that I may be the Mayor, but you can be the Governor or you can be the President.”
While Mayor Lyles has not announced a run for President, she has announced her bid for a third term of mayoral service in the Queen City. Look for Mayor Vi Alexander Lyles and her signature pearls around town or find her at https://charlottenc.gov/mayor. You will also find a virtual glimpse of the Mayor at the Career Mastered Summit and Awards in Uptown Charlotte from March 22-23, 2022.
A global Pep Squad calls Tisha Hammond “The Small Business CheerleaderTM.” She is the author of ‘Daily Devotional for Entrepreneurs: Your Season to Grow,’ host of ‘Pep Talk LIVE,’ and a Storytelling. Coach. Entrepreneurs who want to attract media attention, attend her ‘Lights, Camera, Action’ events and group mentoring programs.