Stockbridge swears in youngest mayor in city history

Stockbridge swears in youngest mayor

History was made in Stockbridge on Friday afternoon when Mayor Jayden Williams was sworn in as the youngest mayor in city history. 

STOCKBRIDGE, Ga. - History was made in Stockbridge on Friday afternoon when Mayor Jayden Williams was sworn in as the youngest mayor in city history. 

What we know:

Twenty-two-year-old Jayden Williams defeated a two-time incumbent in November, making history while also pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science at Clark Atlanta University. Following his election, Williams said his victory reflects a desire for change among Stockbridge residents.

The lively ceremony included walk-up music, dancing and lots of laughter. 

There was an energetic vibe throughout the ceremony. Mayor Williams was sworn in before a standing-room-only crowd of 250 to 300 onlookers. 

Council members Lakeisha Gantt and Antwan Cloud were also sworn in, but most of the people in the crowd came to see Mayor Williams make history as the youngest person to ever hold this office in the history of Stockbridge. 

The CAU graduate defeated a two-time incumbent and used Young Jeezy’s "Put On" as his walk-up music before taking his oath. 

What they're saying:

"I really want to see us grow into something where every single resident feels accommodated," Williams said after the election. "When I say that, I’m referring to new residents, young professionals, our working families, our teachers. We have an influx of teachers and seniors that live in Stockbridge. How can we accommodate them to make them feel like they are home?"

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Stockbridge's youngest mayor to be sworn in today

The youngest person to be elected mayor of Stockbridge will be sworn in today. Jayden Williams is 22 years old and beat a two-time incumbent in November for the job. 

He paid tribute to his late great-grandfather, who once feared for his family’s safety in Henry County. 

"In a moment he could only have dreamed of, I was sworn in on his very Bible. If he could see me now, I know he'd be grinning ear to ear, knowing his great-grandson is leading as mayor in one of the very cities he was worried about his family's safety in. This history matters," Stockbridge Mayor Jayden Williams affirmed. 

What's next:

The Honorable Judge Holly Veal administered Williams' oath. 

The GenZer took his oath on his great-grandfather's Bible, with his parents, siblings, grandparents and great-grandmothers present as well as a room full of supporters.