Meet Roderick Royal

By Christopher Peeks March 21, 2024

Earlier today I sat down with a long time prominent, public figure in Birmingham former councilman and interm Mayor Roderick Royal. A number of years have passed since I spoke with Rod and I enjoyed speaking with him today and hope to do so again in the future. I have always respected his insight.

Rod, born to serve the people, has had a remarkable career. Rising to class President in both elementary and high school, he later went on to get a degree in political science and public administration. Feeling a military background vital to one with political ambitions, Rod joined the army as an officer earning the distinction of becoming a combat veteran with his service during Desert Storm. Afterwards he worked as a law enforcement officer. To further add to his achievements he has taught African American history for 28 years at Miles College and the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

With an impressive resume Mr. Royal got elected to the city council in 2001 inspired by his mentor former longtime Mayor Richard Arrington. Roderick has a populist nature. He got major initiatives passed for the citizens of Birmingham. Too many kids rely on school meal's as their only source of nutrition and he enacted a breakfast bar so no child would go to school hungry. The other, that I found even more revolutionary being someone who has spent a fortune at the dentist, is that he got a program passed that every kid gets a dental check up. Royal also led in getting a prescription drug plan for the city's senior citizens as well as repaving over 110 miles of the Magic City's roads

He seemed most grateful that he got the opportunity to preside over the city as interm Mayor. Rod, still a young man at 59, may seek office again in the future but for now he spends a lot of time taking care of his mother. Ensuring that she has her meals on time. Another testament to his devotion of serving other's when duty calls.

I hope Mr. Royal returns to office one day. Rod is a man of integrity who puts the people first and does not get caught up in partisan divides. Outspoken and opinionated he offers the kind of leadership so desperately needed.

I don't know if he will ever seek office again but if he does I will be the first in line to help his campaign in any way possible. I am very glad that I have had the opportunity of knowing Roderick Royal and I am even more happy to call him my friend.

Chris Peeks

Reporter and Columnist

Alabama Political Contributor