Dr Valerie Ruby Ingram Proposed to Succeed Ald Jerrell Hargraves in Representing Council Ward 2

Editor’s note: The cover photo by Frank Gerratana.

Dr Valerie Ruby Ingram is being proposed by Council Republicans to succeed Ald Jerrell Hargraves on the City Council representing Ward 2.

Ald Hargraves unexpectedly passed away recently, leaving a vacancy on the Council in Ward 2. According to the City Charter, Hargraves’ successor is chosen by the Council and must be both a resident of Ward 2 and a member of the same party as the Council member being replaced.

So Ingram, who was Republican candidate for Council in 2021, would succeed Hargraves as a Council Republican.

The resolution proposing Ingram for the seat says that she is, “a respected leader, public health advocate, and community activist,” and that, “she holds a PhD in Public Health and has dedicated her career to addressing health disparities and supporting underserved communities through education, outreach, and engagement.”

The resolution goes to say that Ingram has had leadership roles in the NAACP, on the Board of Police Commissioners and on the Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities.

The resolution lauds her, “commitment to justice, accountability, and community trust,” and having, “been recognized for her impact and leadership within the community.”

The resolution is on the agenda of the April 22nd Council meeting.