What Black History Month Means for Councilmember Berdetta Hodge

Two WFWP HerStory Awardees; Nishia Slater, Owner of Star Life Wellness Group, LLC, and Anjanette Foster, Founder of SISTALUV and a certified life coach and mentor, sat down with current Councilmember Berdetta Hodge, the first Black woman to be the council member for the city of Tempe, Arizona and the Tempe educational school board. Listening to her story, sharing her experiences and celebrating these remarkable “firsts'' we've learned about the challenges of overcoming injustices, what Black History Month means to her and the impact that her role as councilwoman is making within the Tempe communities. 

Councilwoman Berdetta Hodge 

Berdetta Hodge has been a resident of the city of Tempe for over 40 years. She was raised in Tempe and had the privilege of raising her sons here, too. She is a graduate and parent of Tempe schools, a leader in Tempe charities, and a lifelong contributor to our city through public service and a passion for community-building. In July of 2022, she was sworn in as the first Black woman to serve on the Tempe City Council, the most progressive and diverse council in the state of Arizona. 

In the interview, Councilmember Hodge shared reflections on her historic position on the city council, her personal culture and tradition and what honoring Black history month meant to her. 

Councilmember Hodge’s culture and tradition were shared by personal stories and how history has affected her life. She states: BLACK HISTORY IS HISTORY! Celebrating Black History Month Councilwoman Hodge related many of her experiences growing up as a young girl experiencing injustice; she was curious about the “where are the other black figures” and wanted to teach her Black community about the accomplishments and achievements of many other Black role models. She is very passionate about being a strong voice in the community and is highly focused on building a community of Black leaders for generations to follow.

Growing up, her parents taught her to always respect elders and has taught her sons to live by that standard. That is part of Black history and our family history. That is a culture she wants to continue to follow. 

Councilmember Hodge will always stay true to herself and wants to leave a great legacy of service for the next generation of young, black women to continue. Honoring Black History Month should be celebrated each day where we honor each other each day of the year! Not just 28 days of February.

Nishia Slater was deeply touched and left the interview with eyes filled with tears knowing that there is a woman in public office, willing to make a BIG difference in the lives of her Tempe community. 

It was an honor interviewing Councilmember Hodge during Black History Month, a passionate woman with a heart to serve her family and community. 

Councilmember Hodge in the blue shirt and Nishia Slater and Anjanette Foster representing Global Women’s Peace Network Arizona. Councilmember Hodge showing them pictures of her diverse leadership responsibilities and important Black people in history.

Anjanette Foster, Councilmember Hodge and Nishia Slater. 
Interviewed conducted by Nishia Slater; recorded by Anjanette Foster; pictures by Cepand Alizadeh (Council Aide)