MONROE, N.C. – “Unreal” was the first word Surluta Anthony, a Democrat, said out loud when she learned on Tuesday night that she will be the first Black woman to serve as mayor of Monroe.
Anthony’s win comes after being elected back to council in December 2023 for her second stint as a councilor. She previously served on council from December 2013 to December 2021. As such, she became the first Black woman to serve on Monroe City Council during two terms and also the first Black woman to serve as mayor pro tem.