MEIGS- As Black History Month comes to a close, the city of Meigs took time to recognize its first African-American Manager, Rhonda Brown. 

A native of Pelham, Ga., Brown is currently the first African-American Mayor Pro-Tem for her hometown, while also serving as Meigs’ City Manager.

Brown said she was originally approached for the job as City Manager by some of the council members, who had a deep appreciation for the changes she had made in Pelham. 

“The things I did in Pelham made me a go-to person for advice and government matters in the City of Meigs,” she said. 

After heeding her advice on numerous occasions, the City officially asked Brown to consider taking the position of City Manager, after the former City Manager resigned. 

Brown said she took some time to think about it, as well as pray over the matter. 

“I always feel like God’s leadership is the most important in my life,” she explained. 

After countless prayers, Brown was approached again by the members of the City, asking once more if she would consider it. This time, Brown agreed to join the staff of the City of Meigs, as their City Manager on certain terms. 

“I made my proposal with the city, and based on my proposal they were in agreement with it, and I took on the position,” she said. 

Brown made it clear during her meeting that if she wasn’t chosen as the person for the job, she was more than willing to work for free with the incoming City Manager to help make Meigs a better place for all. 

“Meigs has been struggling for so many years, and for so many years I think people have taken advantage of Meigs,” she recalled. “They were in a vulnerable position.” 

With a love for helping people, Brown’s only goal was to get Meigs to a better place than she found it. 

“When you mention the name, Meigs, people initially have a bad thought, but I wanted to step in and make it so where when you hear the name Meigs, you think of good thoughts and good people,” she said. 

Brown said her ultimate goal is for people to see Meigs as a prosperous, thriving city to raise a family in. 

To achieve that goal, Brown has had to balance her time between her civic duties in Pelham and Meigs, along with her full-time job. 

Somehow, she has managed it, though, and attributes it all to her love for the work she’s doing. 

“I have such a passion for helping the community,” she said. “This is what I love, and when I do this, it’s one of the best feelings.” 

Brown referenced the common quote, “When you do what you love, you’ll never work a day in your life,” before sharing that her only “real job” is full-time. Beyond that, it’s all an act of love to serve her community. 

“I feel like it’s my calling,” she said. “I’m not working, I’m just fulfilling my calling.” 

As the first African-American female to fulfill this calling, Brown said she feels truly humbled. 

“I feel so passionate about this and the people are so appreciative,” she said. 

Brown said since her start, she has had many community members reach out and tell her “Thank you.” 

“When they see that a person of color has taken on a position to help them after they’ve been beaten down for so long, they feel relieved,” she said. “I feel relieved that they see someone who has their best interest at heart.” 

As Brown continues to look for ways to serve Meigs, she hopes others will take inspiration and see how they can help their communities.