LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — North Las Vegas Mayor Pamela Goynes-Brown has deep roots in the valley and is making history as the first Black mayor in Nevada.
Goynes-Brown’s family home still stands in North Las Vegas, a place she said grounded her long before she entered City Hall.
“And it still is our family home,” Goynes-Brown said. “It’s still surreal even till today.”
In 2022, Goynes-Brown was elected mayor, becoming the first African-American mayor in Nevada history.
Family legacy in public service
Public service ran in the family, especially through her father, Theron Hulan Goynes, an Air Force veteran who went on to win seats on council, becoming the first African American to become Mayor Pro-tempore in Nevada’s history.
“They both started off as teachers, and they went into administration, and then my dad branched off into politics,” Goynes-Brown said. “And so that was pretty amazing at the time because you didn’t have very many people of color in those roles.”
Goynes-Brown followed in her father’s footsteps, working as an educator for 35 years before becoming mayor.
“I am honored, grateful, blessed, you know, that the citizens of North Las Vegas put their faith and their trust in me,” she said. “But it’s just to say, you know, I’m the first and I do not want to be the last.”
Father’s lasting influence
Her father lived in the family home until he passed away last year, but she said he was still alive to see her achievements.
“And then he was there at my swearing in ceremony and I had the Bible and I was holding his other hand,” Goynes-Brown said. “And I’m like, we got this. We’re in this together. We’re making history.”
Goynes-Brown said one of her goals is inspiring the next generation, especially young women, to see themselves in leadership. She said affordability in North Las Vegas remains a major focus, and she hopes to continue the work she and her father talked about for years.
Goynes-Brown said she’s proud of the growth in North Las Vegas, especially in economic development, and said she still says her father’s name every day to keep his memory close.
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