18-year-old Jaylen Smith becomes the youngest Black mayor in U.S. history

Jaylen Smith graduated high school in May. He is now the youngest Black mayor in United States history.

Jaylen Smith makes history

The 18-year-old was elected to serve as mayor over Earle, Arkansas, a rural community near Memphis. Smith beat his opponent, Nemi Matthews, the town’s street and sanitation superintendent by 218 votes to 139, reports The Hill.

Smith is among the youngest U.S. mayors and the youngest Black mayor in U.S history, according to reports.

“People looking at me, well I’m too young, he has no experience, he’s fresh out of high school,” Smith told Little Rock TV station KATV. “But I used to always tell people you have to start somewhere in life.”

According to NBC News, Smith decided he wanted to run for mayor during the beginning of his senior year of high school. He was encouraged by other members of the student government association.

“I didn’t run to make a name for myself,” Smith told CNN. “I ran because I wanted to help my community and move my community in the direction that it needed to be moved in.”

His plans as mayor

The college freshman said he plans to bring a major grocery store to the small city and increase residents’ access to food.

He also wants to focus on public safety and transportation, make aesthetic changes within the city and tearing down abandoned buildings.

“I feel my purpose from God is to advocate for the ones that are scared and afraid to advocate for themselves,” Smith said to The Hill. “The ultimate goal is to provide help, love and care.”

Congratulations Jaylen Smith!