The people of Earle, Arkansas, have elected the youngest black mayor in America. The 18-year-old Jaylen Smith beat Nemi Matthews in a runoff election on December 6th when people visited the polls.
Roughly 1,800 people live in Earle, according to 2020 census data. It appears only 357 people voted for Mayor. Smith had a total of 218 votes, and Matthews had 139 votes, according to Fox 13 Memphis.
Matthews, who served as a superintendent and worked over 40 years in the small town, congratulated Smith and wished him well.
Smith took to Facebook to thank his supporters and to say, “it’s time to build a better chapter of Earle, Arkansas.” Some things on his agenda will improve public safety in the small town. Also, he wants to tear down abandoned houses and open more grocery stores.
Jaylen Smith graduated from high school in May 2022.
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9 comments
Congratulations Jaylen
This is huge
Congrats Jaylen
Wow that’s incredible
Wishing you the best
Amazing victory
Congrats young man
Black history
Congrats Jaylen