GREENWOOD, Miss.–The past few days have brought political change to several Delta cities, the most notable being Greenwood and Clarksdale, with new mayors sworn in, along with council members.
In Greenwood Mayor Kendrick Cox was sworn in this weekend as the first Black male mayor.
“I stand on the shoulders of legends. I am the product of your hard work, your hard lessons, triumph, your triumph and your tribulations,” he said in a speech immediately following his inauguration, which was Saturday.
“I am here because of your love, your votes and most of all your prayers.”
In Clarksdale an almost entirely new Board of Commissioners was sworn in Monday, along with new mayor, former state Rep. Orlando Paden.
“Thank you Clarksdale for being unique and distinctive,” he said in a short speech just after the swearing-in of the board. “We’re here to serve. We’re here to work together. I can’t do this job without you and the help of the Lord.”
His colleague, Rep. Willie Bailey, stood for a speech just before the ceremony.
“I want you to see that Orlando has people behind him who are serious about change,” said Bailey, after asking all present members of the state legislature to stand.Bailey also encouraged members of the audience and Clarksdale residents not to “raise hell” for things city government couldn’t do anything about.
