Breaking Barriers in Historic Jonesboro
Donya L. Sartor has made history as the first Black woman to qualify and run for mayor of Jonesboro, Georgia. Nestled just south of Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, Jonesboro is a small city with deep Southern roots and big stories—home to reenactments of the Battle of Jonesboro and connections to Gone With the Wind.
But the story of Jonesboro’s future is being written by leaders like Sartor, who represent its diverse and evolving population.
From Military Roots to Clayton County Leader
Born into a close-knit military family, Sartor moved to College Park, Georgia at age five and proudly identifies as a lifelong Georgian. After graduating from Emory University and giving birth to her son, she moved to Clayton County to be near her mother—and bought her first home in the Point South community, just north of Jonesboro.
“For as long as I can remember, I always dreamt of owning an old Victorian home,” Sartor recalled.
In 2005, she found that dream house—despite its rough exterior—while driving through town. Inside, it was beautifully upgraded, and it marked a turning point in her personal journey and growing connection to Jonesboro.
Representation Sparked the Flame
After moving into her new home, Sartor began attending city council meetings and quickly noticed something troubling: none of the elected officials looked like the majority of Jonesboro’s residents.
According to the 2020 U.S. Census, Jonesboro has a population of roughly 4,235 people:
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53% are Black or African American
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26% are White (non-Hispanic)
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20% are Hispanic/Latino, Asian, or multiracial
“People often ask if I always wanted to go into politics. The truth is no—I ran because no one on that council represented me,” said Sartor.
A Grassroots Campaign with a Big Message
In 2007, Sartor launched her first campaign for city council. Back then, votes were cast on paper ballots and tallied by hand at the old fire station.
“It was just me and my mother watching the vote tally,” she said. “I felt proud—but also embarrassed that I was the only Black candidate in a majority-Black city.”
She lost by only 48 votes, but the experience was pivotal.
“That night I promised myself: This will never happen again.”
Intentional Leadership Built Over Time
After the election, Sartor turned her focus to education, becoming a nationally certified educator and earning both a master’s and doctoral degree. With her natural communication skills, she also became a master trainer with McGraw-Hill, traveling globally and gaining insights about humanity and leadership.
“I learned that no matter where we live—city, village, mansion, or riverbank—we all share the same human essence.”
That worldview shaped her leadership approach and her commitment to inclusive representation.
Making History: Jonesboro’s First Black Female Councilwoman
In 2019, Sartor was sworn in as the first Black woman on Jonesboro’s city council. Her global experiences, educational background, and community focus made her an effective and relatable public servant.
“When I sit on that dais, I think about our shared humanity. That helps me make the best decisions for everyone.”
Priorities as Mayor: Civic Engagement, Equity, and Fiscal Responsibility
If elected mayor, Donya Sartor’s top three priorities are:
1. Civic Engagement
Sartor believes true civic participation is more than attending concerts at Lee Street Park.
“Thousands show up for events, but that’s not engagement. We must teach citizens how to get involved, join boards, and understand representation.”
2. Fiscal Responsibility
Sartor plans to initiate a human capital analysis to ensure city employees are paid fairly and supported equally.
“It’s time we invest in our workforce and ensure transparency in how public funds are used.”
3. Equitable Practices
She’s also calling for an update to the city charter, which still uses gender-specific language.
“We’ve had women on the council before. Why hasn’t the charter been changed to reflect gender-inclusive leadership?”
In addition, she aims to reform the procurement process to ensure small businesses have equitable access to city contracts.
A Leader Ready to Serve
Whether it’s serving on council or leading as mayor, Donya Sartor is ready, willing, and able to lead Jonesboro into its next chapter.
“As leaders, we must be both conscious and intentional. We must meet people where they are and serve with empathy, not ego.”
Get Involved in Jonesboro’s Future
📍 Live in Jonesboro? Make your voice heard at council meetings.
🗳️ Voting matters. Local representation starts with community involvement.
🤝 Support equitable leadership. Follow Donya Sartor’s journey and get involved in civic life.