Louise Alexander was born on April 4, 1960, in Bessemer, Alabama, to her loving parents, Herman and Flossie Alexander. Growing up during the era of the Freedom March, she witnessed history firsthand as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. marched past her childhood home on Ninth Avenue, then a simple dirt road. Her parents’ tireless fight for freedom taught her the values of faith, resilience, and community, showing her at an early age the power of perseverance and service. Raised in the New Jerusalem Baptist Church under the leadership of Dr. Woodson Fallin Sr., Louise learned the importance of respect, love, forgiveness, and turning the other cheek — lessons that continue to guide her today.

Her childhood was filled with cherished memories of attending J.S. Abrams High School, enjoying May Day celebrations at Dunbar Elementary, skating, playing basketball, and plaiting the maypole with friends. Those experiences instilled in her a deep sense of community, and she believes today’s youth deserve the same opportunities to grow, connect, and thrive. Guided by her parents’ principle of trusting God with all her heart and putting Him first in every decision, Louise has carried these values into her roles as a mother, business owner, veteran, and public servant. Even when faced with challenges, including a false indictment in 2010 during her time on the City Council, she stood firm in her faith and integrity and was fully exonerated by a jury. Inspired by trailblazers like Judge U.W. Clemon, the first Black federal judge appointed in Alabama, Louise has drawn strength from examples of perseverance and justice throughout her career. She wants every resident of Bessemer to feel that she is someone they can trust, rely on, and count on to address the issues that matter most.