Jaylen Smith, an 18-year-old student, became the youngest black mayor in the country. According to the BBC, Smith was elected to a position of authority in the remote town of Earle, Arkansas, after beating his opponent by a margin, winning 235 votes to 185. In May 2022 , Jaylen Smith graduated from Earle High School. In an interview with NBC News, he admitted that while he was “confident,” he was still flabbergasted by the news of his victory:
“I was so excited! When I won, I had the weirdest expression on my face! It was a real gift.”
The newly elected mayor added that his parents are proud of him and support him on his journey. Smith will serve as mayor of Earle, Arkansas, which has a population of less than 2,000 according to the 2020 census.
Jaylen Smith has a plan to improve the town.
Jaylen Smith revealed to NBC News that he hopes to open a new grocery store in the neighborhood after the current one closed years ago. When asked what his intentions were, he explained:
“Our seniors need transportation to and from West Memphis to get their meals.” So it would be better to have a grocery store in the city.”
The 18-year-old has campaigned for mayor, promising to improve the city’s sewer system, community engagement and police force, and take care of abandoned properties. Jaylen Smith, president of his school’s student government organization, revealed that he decided to run for mayor at the beginning of his senior year, with the support of his fellow student union members. that.
“It feels great, and future generations will read about this momentous occasion.”
During the campaign, he received advice from Frank Scott Jr., the mayor of Little Rock, Arkansas, a city of 200,000 people, who congratulated the fledgling mayor by saying:
“I’m so excited for Jaylen and the entire Earle community as he becomes the youngest African-American mayor in the nation.” I admire his courage in accepting public service at such a young age, as well as his lofty ambitions for the city.”
According to The Hill, Smith has a learning disability, but that doesn’t stop him from running, as he put it:
“This impairment does not reduce my abilities; rather, it makes me reach for greatness.”
Jaylen Smith will continue her studies at Arkansas State University Mid-South while serving as mayor, with the goal of one day becoming a prosecutor. Smith told NBC News that he plans to enjoy and celebrate the occasion with friends and family over the weekend.
Categories: Entertaintment
Source: newstars.edu.vn