MEMPHIS, Tenn — Mayor Paul Young and the new members of the Memphis City Council took their oaths of office Monday amid choir performances and remarks from local pastors.
On a day that marks a new year for Memphis, the new mayor is hopeful it can also mark a new chapter for the city.
Cheers erupted throughout a packed Cannon Center for Performing Arts as Young was sworn-in as Memphis’ 65th mayor. Taking the podium for his inaugural address, his message was clear.
“We are on a mission to save our city right now,” he said.
Mayor Young continued his mantra of “We not Me,” pledging to work with the new members of the city council to help build a better future for the city. He then extended the same offer to all those watching.
“We have the collective power to create that change,” the new mayor told the crowd.
Mayor Young acknowledged the situation the city is facing, saying it feels like it is in crisis as Memphians continue feeling the impact of crime.
“We know that the causes are many,” mayor Young said. “Poverty, blight, the lingering effects of the COVID pandemic. And the impact is real. Our city is hurting and our people are hurting.”
He also told those gathered that Memphians have the power to come together and lead the city into a new era.
“The largest black city per capita — we can make that America’s safest city,” mayor Young said. “We can make that America’s cleanest city. We can make that America’s city with the fastest growing economy.”
Mayor Young said that in his first 100 days, he wants to meet with community groups from each city council district, hold regular meetings with the Memphis Police Department, juvenile courts and the district attorney's office and activate a special public safety task force.
The mayor promised that together, they can write a new chapter for the city.
“This is a ‘We Thing’ y’all, and we are one Memphis,” Mayor Young said.
Mayor Young also made sure to pay his respects to his predecessor, former Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland.
Long-time activist and pastor Dr. Earle Fisher told ABC24 there was a different energy in Monday’s ceremony but said the key will be how that energy translates into action.
“I am excited about the opportunity that exists before us,” Dr. Fisher said. “I think that's the energy that you felt in the room — not so much where we are — but us collectively envisioning where we could be. I also appreciate Mayor Young being honest about the fact that he's not a savior, so it's not just about him.”