At 18, Jaylen Smith becomes the youngest African-American mayor in US history

“Shocked” but not unhappy with his victory: Jaylen Smith became the youngest black mayor in US history on Tuesday, December 7. Staccording to the American newspaper NBC news, the 18-year-old won the mayoral election in Earl, a small Arkansas town of just under 2,000 residents. A student at Arkansas Mid-South State University, he had decided to run for mayor early in his senior year of high school.

“It’s not the age that counts, but who cares more about the city”

Jaylen Smith said he was “confident” of winning the second round. He got 218 votes to 139 for his opponent, Nemi Matthews Sr. “I felt so grateful! I had the craziest facial expression when I found out I won. It’s such a blessing.”She said NBC news. Shortly before the results of the vote, the young man had declared that the important thing in these elections was not knowing “How old are you, but who cares more about this city”. Earl’s new mayor also reiterated his agenda for the city. He therefore intends to focus on transportation, public safety and opening a large grocery store in the city.

Historic mayor on many levels, Jaylen Smith also suffers from a mental handicap from which he claims to draw his strength. “This handicap does not detract from what I am able to do, he has declared. In fact, it motivates me more to accomplish great things Aware of the significance of her election, Jaylen Smith said she felt a “great feeling” at the thought of knowing “Generations and generations of people will read about this historic moment”. He also said he hoped his victory would inspire other young men to enter politics.

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