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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsMeet the 18-year-old who just became the youngest Black mayor in the country
An 18-year-old college freshman is now the youngest Black mayor in U.S. history after beating out his opponent for the position in a small Arkansas town.
Jaylen Smith, a recent graduate of Earle High School, said although he was confident hed win the runoff election Tuesday, he was still shocked when he received news of the victory. He will be the mayor of Earle, a town of just under 2,000 people, according to 2020 census data, near Memphis, Tennessee.
I felt so grateful! I had the craziest facial reaction when I won! It was such a blessing, Smith told NBC News, adding that his parents are proud of him and have supported his campaign every step of the way.
Smith received 218 votes while his opponent, Nemi Matthews Sr., won 139, according to The Hill. Smith said he decided to run for mayor at the start of his senior year, with the encouragement of his fellow student government association members. He said he fully understands the historic significance of his win. It feels awesome. Generations and generations of people will read about this historical moment, he said.
Now, as mayor-elect, Smith said he plans to focus on transportation, public safety and bringing a major grocery store to the city. Increasing residents access to food sources is a cause Smith said hes especially passionate about.
We had one a long time ago, but it closed, Smith lamented about the now-closed grocery store. Our seniors dont have transportation to get to and from West Memphis to get food. So it would be better to have a grocery store here in town.
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/nbcblk/meet-18-year-old-just-became-youngest-black-mayor-country-rcna60644
Congratulations, young man! Proud of you!
bucolic_frolic
(43,443 posts)If he applies himself his potential is endless
childfreebychoice
(476 posts)Pres Obama has program for up and coming, young ppl.
niyad
(113,776 posts)uponit7771
(90,370 posts)Joinfortmill
(14,492 posts)littlemissmartypants
(22,852 posts)IcyPeas
(21,931 posts)Good things to fight for. Good luck to him.
MontanaMama
(23,366 posts)I just ran back to my 17 year old sons room to report this good news. Like most kids he doesnt get the gravity of this but he will. Wonderful!
3catwoman3
(24,092 posts)May he have many triumphs.
soldierant
(6,945 posts)I wish him, his parents, and the citizens of his town the very best.
Lucinda
(31,170 posts)electric_blue68
(14,996 posts)cilla4progress
(24,791 posts)heckuva special human!!
onecaliberal
(32,976 posts)calimary
(81,565 posts)Oh the places youll go, young man!