And that's just getting warmed up.

Good evening.

Welcome to Columbus City Council Chambers.

We think of this building as the People's House.

And if that be true, this room that we gather in this evening is the People's Living Room.

The people houses where the voices of our neighbors are lifted and their needs are centered.

It's where solutions are forged through service, thoughtful debate, and an unwavering commitment to the people of Columbus.

Tonight, this chamber carries an even deeper sense of purpose and possibility as we gather to witness a truly momentous occasion.

The swearing in of a longtime public servant and the newest member of Columbus City Council, Councilmember Tierra Ross.

This is a moment not only about a change in office, but about continuity of service, about the values we hold, the responsibilities we carry, and the trust placed in us by the people of this city.

Councilmember Ross comes to this moment as a person of deep faith and quiet humility.

Someone who has not primarily sought the spotlight, but has consistently chosen the work.

Her faith is not performative, it is practiced.

It shows up in her commitment to justice, her compassion for others, and her unwavering advocacy for those whose voices too often go unheard.

Scripture reminds us in Micah 6 8.

What does the Lord require of us but to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?

Those words describe not only a calling, but a life already lived.

Thiara has spent her career standing with those seeking justice, speaking up for those who cannot speak for themselves, and doing that with humility, integrity, and grace.

That is the kind of leadership that Columbus so desperately needs right now.

And that's the kind of leadership that they elected in Tierra Ross.

Before we before we proceed, we greatly are grateful for the presence of so many faith leaders who have chosen to be here tonight, thought it not robbery to stand in community with their daughter, their sister, their niece, their loved one, and Tierra Ross.

There are, well, let me just say, can we please give it up for Bishop Jerome Ross?

Because I can hear that uh powerful voice over to my left.

Could you also give it up for Bishop Timothy Clark?

Let me stop there because I see a whole faith.

If you are a member of the faith community, if you're a faith leadership, would you stand to be recognized?

I see uh Dale Tucker is here in my past.

Well, I would also like to acknowledge if you are a community leader.

I see uh neighborhood leaders, if you are a neighborhood leader, area commission leader, would you please stand to be recognized?

We have air commissions recognized, representing the House.

And we have a host of elected officials who thought it not robbery to be here.

Would you help me uh celebrate our Congresswoman Joyce Beatty?

Our mayor Andrew Ginther, prosecutor Sheila Faber, City Attorney Zach Klein, Judge Laurel Beatty.

And before I work to keep my seat and represent and repres uh acknowledge the folks behind me, are there other elected officials?

I see uh Clerk Tayak.

Would you please stand to be recognized?

Where's my judge at?

Judge Gwynne is here.

Judge, would you stand to be recognized?

The judges are here.

State rep uh State Representative Meredith Lawson Row is here.

Would you please recognize?

And the way that I get to keep my seat is making sure that my colleagues behind me are well recognized.

Would you please help me recognize Councilmember Nick Bankston?

Councilmember Barossa de Padilla.

Councilmember Nancy De Alco.

President Pro Tim Rob Dorrans.

Councilmember Melissa Green.

Councilmember Emmanuel Reamy.

And Councilmember Chris White.

And now it is my honor to ask.

No, you know, many of pastors have served on City Council.

We've had uh Deacon uh Herschel Craig, we've had Deacon, uh Priscilla Tyson, we even have a sitting count uh reverend right here, but none other stacks up to our own resident triestone deacon uh city attorney Zach Line.

Good evening, church.

Thank God that there's no organ.

I just say I can feel it.

We're gonna start, we're gonna start it.

I know we'll get into it shortly.

Thank you, Council President Harden.

Uh I'll tell you what, this event so far, uh, Councilmember Ross.

If it was uh a red carpet of political events, I feel like we're uh we're hitting our stride here.

There's a an amazing room of faith community uh elected leadership here to honor you and for all the right reasons.

Um today marks not just the beginning of a new chapter for Councilmember Ross, but it's the continuation of a deep and abiding commitment to the city and the people of the city of Columbus.

And for years, Councilmember Ross has served the residents as an assistant city attorney in the city attorney's office with me, bringing integrity, diligence, and a profound respect for public service to her work.

And she understands the city inside and out.

I can be the first to attest to that, having witnessed it firsthand.

She knows public policy and how public policy meets the law.

She knows how to work with people and get stuff done.

Uh you know, when I became city attorney uh in 2017, one of the very first calls when I got elected in 2017 was to Tier Ross, which I think you were in Scotland on vacation.

Uh, and I said, You gotta call me uh because I want to build a world-class team to serve the city in the city attorney's office.

Uh and she was kind enough to leave her cushy private sector gig uh to come serve the people because I think that is her heart.

And I've seen it time and time from 2017 to the day that she puts her hand on the Bible and becomes a member of City Council here in 2026, her love and admiration for the city of Columbus, each and every one of you, uh, that she works for every day.

I know when water was busting from pipes on Christmas Day.

Who was there to help people evacuate?

Tara Ross.

You know, who was there at Colonial Village when people were taken advantage of and they needed real-time assistance?

Tiera Ross.

I know that she is gonna hit the ground running and be an excellent member of Columbus City Council.

Now that doesn't mean I'm not gonna miss you a lot, uh, but you're off to really great big things.

And I'm proud of you.

Uh and you, I want you to know, don't cry.

Uh I want you, I want you to know that you will always have my support, and that I believe in you, and you have great things to come.

So love it or hate it, I'm your master of ceremonies.

All right.

Uh so we're gonna cut right to the program.

Uh so please welcome national recording artist Quan Howe, who will be accompanied by uh Kellen Williams, acoustic guitar, that will be singing the national anthem, so we'll all please rise for that.

And after which, Miss Lika Lisa Slocum, a childhood friend of Council Member Ross, will lead us in the singing of the black national anthem.

So please stand for that as well.

The bombs burs through the night that a flag was that bring every voice sing till earth and he rings rings with the berth rejoice singes let it resound sound nest or link seeing full of the faith that the tar past has taught usong full of the hope that the present has brought us facing the right single day let us march on till victory is that was incredible.

Well, at this time I'd like to take a moment to share a little bit about the spirit and structure of today's program.

So those of you who know Council Member Ross know that her foundation is firmly rooted in faith.

Raised in the Baptist Church by her grandparents, Bishop Jerome Ross and Lady Patricia Ross, uh she learned early on the power and the importance of prayer, the importance of community, and the belief that service to people is service unto God.

In that tradition, today's ceremony reflects that familiar and sacred rhythms of the black church service, beginning with prayer, guided by both A and B selections, and closing with a benediction.

This is intentional, Bishop.

It's an homage to the God Tierra credits for bringing her this far.

The God that has protected her from all her hurt, harm, and danger, who has made ways out of no way, who has surrounded her with a loving family and the all-important village to carry her.

The same God that's encouraged her and believed in her and has prepared her for this moment of service.

So as we move through today's program, we do it with gratitude and reverence, trusting that the same faith that guided her life will also guide how she serves the community.

And I have no doubt that'll be the case.

So we'll now be led in prayer by our own city's bishop Timothy J.

Clark of the First Church of God, followed by an A selection by our celebration choir.

Would you bow your heads in the word of prayer with us?

Great and gracious God, thou who art the giver of every good and perfect gift, from whom comes life and light and love.

We gather in this space, made special because of the work here, and we gather tonight in this special space to give you honor as we recognize this is the Lord's doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes.

We thank you that from time beginning.

Government and order.

You did it through kings and prophets and priests.

You did it even through your son and those disciples.

You set things in order.

Paul tells us that the powers that be are of God.

And so even on this night, we gather as a new member of our city council steps to her place, her position in this chamber.

And we believe it is not just by the vote of the people, but it's by the will of God.

And for that we say thank you.

We come to celebrate tonight, not a victory of person, party, or politics, but really a victory of principles as deep as strong as faith and family and fortitude.

All of them are in our new council member.

All of them are in TT.

She could have given up.

But strong bonds of love in her home and her church buttressed her amid all the storms of life.

And we stand now to see what you can do through a life dedicated to you at birth and surrendered to you throughout the living of her days.

We pray now that unusual grace, that wonderful, powerful presence will radiate in her life, and that every decision she makes will be ordered by you.

We thank you.

You cover her.

We thank you that the blood covers her, and we thank you that she prevails because the blood still works.

And so we give you thanks and praise, and we stand with tiptoe expectation of what you're going to do in this young lady's life, and we give you now the adulation, the adoration and exaltation that belongs only to you.

In the wonderfully sweet but still very, very strong name of Jesus, we pray, and all the people said amen.

We lift our voice to mercy for goodness and your mercy.

We lift our voice to say for your goodness.

And your mercy sworn us for this and your mercy and your blessing.

Swordness Incredible performance.

I know there are a lot of people here that could stand up and give testament to how wonderful of a person Tira Ross is.

But we're limited to three.

So at this time I want to introduce the three speakers.

So Dr.

Nathan.

Good evening.

My name is Dr.

Olivia Nathan, and I am so proud to be here tonight to celebrate Columbus's newest city councilwoman, Tiara Nicole Ross.

But before she was councilwoman Ross, before the campaign, before the yard signs, and before running with Ross.

Tiara has always been my sister.

My encourager, my protector, my truth teller, my covering.

Our bond didn't start in adulthood, it actually started in childhood.

We grew up taking annual girls' trips with Bishop Ross, shopping, laughing, being spoiled, but even more, we were witnessing something sacred.

A man serving people faithfully in the pulpits and beyond, in season and out of season.

And for two little girls, that was the greatest leadership lesson of all.

We learned dedication, sacrifice, and that service is something you live.

It's all we knew.

And somewhere between church and choir rehearsals and dreaming big dreams, with the help of my daddy, we formed our own singing group.

Two.

And we were fire, y'all.

And even then, it was never just Tierra and Olivia.

It was always Tierra with Olivia and Olivia with Tierra.

Two voices of bond God kept weaving tighter year after year.

From very early on, it was clear that Tiera had a heart for justice.

I remember when we were little, she thought that my grandmother was in trouble.

Without hesitation, she said, hold on, I'm gonna come get all y'all out of jail.

That was Tiera, a fighter, a protector, someone who believed even as a child that truth and justice should belong to everyone.

So when I stood beside her during this campaign for city council, my support did not come from obligation or loyalty alone.

It came from firsthand knowledge.

I was not watching her become someone new.

I was watching her step fully into who she has always been.

The same leader who listened deeply as a sister is the same Tierra who listens deeply as a leader.

Because Tiera is at her core, a really, really, really good person.

She's a brilliant neighborhood attorney, the one who answers the call, the one who stays late, the one who believes that problems are meant to be solved, not ignored.

Tiera has always had the ability to fix what is broken.

And when something cannot be fixed immediately, she does not walk away.

She stays.

She works, she plows forward, she does everything in her power to make it right.

We were all excited about this race.

Candidate forums filled with aunties.

This campaign was not done for the community, it was done with the community.

She invited us into the process.

She brought us along.

And she reminded us what democracy can look like when it is rooted in respect and purpose.

She worked every pole stand, every forum, every door knocked, every conversation held.

And in every moment of fatigue, she chose to keep going.

She worked so hard because she loves this community that she cares for deeply.

And we've always had this manual for life.

And that manual is the word of God.

Scripture tells us exactly what that kind of labor means.

Let us not grow weary in well doing.

For in due season, we shall reap if we faint not.

And yes, there were challenges.

There were smear attempts to diminish her worth, attacks meant to shake her confidence.

But instead of crumbling, she stood firm.

Ross and resilience.

She walked with integrity, stayed grounded in purpose, and remembered the words that God is our refuge, and he is our strength.

A very present help in the times of trouble.

She remained faithful because God was preparing rooms long before doors ever opened.

And as Hebrew 12 teaches us, she ran with endurance.

Eyes fixed forward, not distracted by the noise.

Now Columbus gets the leaders that I've known my whole life.

Her leadership will be rooted in love, respect, justice, and progress.

So tonight, I don't just congratulate my sister, I affirm her calling.

Councilwoman, Tierra Ross.

You were prepared, protected, and positioned for this.

And District 7 and the City of Columbus will be better because of your leadership.

And in the words of Pastor Nikki Hampton, Tierra, you came just in time.

And you will always be right on time in your service on City Council and beyond.

I love you and I am so proud of you.

Hi folks, I'm Steve.

I used to work with Tierra.

So you know, you heard Zach go, yeah, I called her in Scotland, said, Hey, you gotta come over.

So I gotta call sometime not too long, like, we got a new guy.

Come meet her.

Um, and so I come meet her, and it just you buried I'm here, I want to help people.

I had a I don't have a bad thing to say.

I enjoyed Chase, but I want to help people.

So cool, cool.

We walk out.

I'm like, great, another one.

Um, in my line of work, you hear, I want to help people all the flipping time.

Um, usually what that means is yeah, I do genuinely want to help people.

As long as I don't have to work too awful hard doing it.

Um, as long as no one's really gonna hold me accountable if I don't do that great of a job doing it.

Um but open mind, here comes Tierra Ross.

So um it didn't take long, obviously, to realize she's different.

I mean, even just the easy stuff, right on, taking notes about everything, asking questions about everything.

Um just in the right questions, and just digging in to the right issues.

Um very cool, very early on, very, very impressive.

Um, not running out the door.

Listen, look at the parking garage before five o'clock over here.

She it wasn't her.

Um early mornings, late nights, weekends, without me pushing it.

That just that's her nature.

Um she spent a lot of time in the community, a lot of time with the police, a lot of time in the office, a lot of time with our other clients, learned a lot.

Um, and then you know, the bit the first really big case that we've talked about a few times, and we should, it's a big deal, is Colonial Village.

Um it's 500 plus units, uh, West Side, Livingston Court, or I'm sorry, East Side, Livingston Courtright-ish.

Um it is in the middle, if you've not been by there, amazing transformation, mostly because of her work at the time.

All right.

Um at the time, rough, rough, rough, violent, violent, violent crime, horrible living conditions.

Um, she just kind of dug into it on her own.

I said, I got this great idea, we're gonna do this big apartment thing, and we're gonna take care of the whole world.

And she's like, okay, I'm just gonna go do this one now.

Um, and she did.

She did it really, really well.

She spent days and nights in the office with police in substations in the middle of the night, community meetings, tenant forums, building her case.

She canceled a vacation and camped out on the couch of one of the other attorneys just so they could literally work around the clock to get the thing up and running.

That ain't normal.

Um, and then they flew in.

So it's it's these these guys from New Jersey, they do this all the country.

So they they fly in this guy, real piece of work, big money lawyer from out of town, guy's pants probably cost more than my car.

Tara handsome as ass, sends up right back to the airport.

I apologize.

I don't normally curse, I do not normally curse, I slip just there.

Um yeah.

I'll do better.

Um, folks, if you want to help people and not just like, yeah, I help people.

You want to help people and like do it in a manner that it's the right people who need the help that just are in really, really tough spots due to little to nothing of their own fault.

Um, you want to do that.

You want to do that day after day, month after month, year after year.

You want to do that in a way that like actually moves the needle for those folks.

Like there's the model right there.

I am telling you right here, Tierra Ross does it in a way very, very, very few people do.

So some of you are thinking, well, no, I do that already.

Cool, Tierra Ross, that's me, same guy.

Um like hold on, we'll come back to that.

So random aside.

So uh 2025, last year Tiera's in our office.

It also happened to be the the year we sent our our first my oldest son went to college.

And just random thing, I'm reading a book, has nothing to do with anything we're talking here, but the author's like, I thank my blah blah blah.

It was I thank my wife and kids.

We wrote this book the last year we all lived under the same roof.

And just it was one of those like simple phrases, like, man, that's sad, you know.

And so I'm thinking of my son at the last.

I am not kidding, this is not shtick, I made up for this.

Like I went right to you after that.

And I just think it's like, man, that's true.

And so you know.

You and I will always be close now.

We will never have the same relationship that we did when we lived under the same roof.

Like, truly, I am deeply in my gut sad as I think about that.

Um so back to those of you thinking, oh yeah, she does a great job, helps people, works hard.

Me too.

Um, or maybe I want to someday, even if I'm not there now.

Um, that's the person to emulate, but let's do a quick gut check.

I mean, just like, yeah, I do the same thing.

Here's what you gotta be ready to do.

You gotta cancel your vacation, go sleep on a coworker's couch so you can work around the clock.

Let's spend a week or two every day after a full day in work, in court, going to a rec center where a bunch of people who just got vacated from Sawyer Towers, not the happiest crew in the world, are camped out.

Spend three, four hours with them before you go home at night.

Do that to the point you are so stinking tired.

You get into your car to go home, drive 10 miles the wrong freeway.

She went up to Polaris with you, was in like, oh my God, Steve, I got like you get ready to do that.

Um, you get ready to, in the middle of a hearing, leave the courtroom to go hold the hand of a woman who is going through withdrawal, dry wretching in a flipping conference room that you could hear it throughout for hours, truly hours.

You get ready to go on a trip, end up in New York, New Jersey, have a flight canceled, instead of, well, shoot, didn't work, were you there?

Didn't work out for that one, rent a flipping car when everyone else on the East Coast was trying to find a car, drive through the flipping night to go to Wedgwood, one of the toughest places in town, to get there in time for a back-to-school backpack event for kids.

Like 48 hours, zero sleep.

She rolls and spends the whole day there.

That ain't normal.

Um by the way, like that same place, she is spending evenings in that place, literally in a building, a wall she is leaning against, gunfire rattling off the other side.

That's the bar.

Easy, huh?

Do that.

If you truly want to show up and do something, don't just say, I help people, do that.

I dare you.

Um, you don't know how good you are.

Like, just flat out you don't.

And again, you might, well, yeah, because everyone tells me you probably have a room full of like best person in Columbus trophies.

But like I'm telling you, you don't.

And you know, I hate to think it, but just the way you are, I worry like, man, she may never.

It just because I feel like you don't let yourself go there.

Not anywhere near there.

Um, so I'm gonna ask you a favor, dead ass you ask you a favor.

Not now, just at some point.

Um, just let yourself go there.

Just some random thing.

You're at your own place, you're alone with yourself, you're alone with your thought.

Just take a breath in like no hum ever, I think you said we're using humility, no humility.

Just sit there and think, my goodness, I am different, I am better, I am exceptional, truly, truly, truly.

And then get over yourself.

Get back to work because you have so much to do.

Thank you, folks.

This is not in my my notes, but um the sentiment that things will never be the same as they were when we were under one roof, it rings true.

Because when my time came to leave you, I thought you were gonna lose your mind.

But I knew I was in good hands because Tiara had come along.

And just like that, you found a new work wife.

And I found a new work husband.

Good evening, everyone.

Tonight is a powerful moment for the City of Columbus at a time when trust and government is being tested across this nation.

Moments like this matter.

They remind us that leadership can still rise from communities, that service still has meaning, and that integrity has a place in public life.

I am especially proud to stand here today as Tierra steps into this new role, not only as a member of Columbus City Council, but as my successor in this work and serving the people of Columbus.

I have had the privilege of working alongside Tiera and witnessing her leadership up close.

I've seen her fight for this city, not because it's easy, but because it's personal.

When hundreds of our neighbors were suddenly displaced from Sawyer Towers overnight in the middle of December, Tierra was there.

I watched her stand shoulder to shoulder with tenants fighting to stay in their homes, advocating for fair housing with the fierce belief that stability and dignity are not a privilege.

They are rights.

And I have seen her approach public safety, not through fear or through force, but through thoughtful, principal leadership that centers people.

Tierra does not just talk about service.

She lives it.

She shows up for community, not only in policy but in practice.

That is the kind of leadership this moment demands.

And let us be honest about this moment that we're in.

Across this country, people are feeling uncertainty, frustration, and fear about the future of our democracy, about justice, about whether government still serves them.

In moments like this, the people need courageous leadership.

We need leaders willing to speak when it is uncomfortable, to act when it is inconvenient, and to stand with those who have been told to wait their turn.

I have been thinking a lot this week about Dr.

Janelle Green Smith, who dedicated her life to saving black mothers and babies, and tragically passed away while giving birth to her own first black child.

A woman who spent her life protecting others, yet was not protected herself.

I also think about the moments I fought for more resources to support the critical work that is purely dedicated to black maternal and infant mortality, and even the advocacy around the Crown Act dedicated to combating hair discrimination, which still remains outstanding at the state level.

Together, these stories remind us the hard truth.

Justice does not move forward because it's convenient.

It moves forward because someone is brave enough to insist that every life, every voice, and every community matters.

And even when it is uncomfortable, controversial, or comes at a cost.

Tierra has the ability to be that kind of leader.

She brings not only experience and skill, but character, conviction, and a deep sense of responsibility to the people she serves.

As the only black woman on Columbus City Council, she stands on the shoulders of black women before her, who led, who organized and fought for equity long before it was welcomed or rewarded.

Women like Mamie Moore, who organized for civil rights right here in Columbus, women like Anne B.

Walker, the first woman and black journalists to cover the Ohio State House and Columbus City Council.

And speaking of Columbus City Council, women like Les Wright, Charlita Tavares, Priscilla Tyson, and Giza Page.

These women carried our stories into City Hall and turned our real life experiences into policy.

Trailblazers like Congresswoman Joyce Beatty.

And Treasurer Cheryl Book Sullivan, who didn't wait for doors to open.

They showed us that it is about bringing the voices of neighborhoods, our seniors, our children, and our workers into the halls of power.

Audrey Lord once said, when I dare to be powerful, to use my strength in the service of my vision, then it becomes less and less important about whether I am afraid.

Tiera, as you take this oath today, I want to offer you this charge.

Lead with courage and humility.

Remember who you are, whose you are, where you come from, and why you chose this path.

Because you will be tested, and there will be resistance.

But you were called to this moment for a reason, and you are ready for it.

Today you may be taking the oath of office as one, but after you stand as many.

You represent every single resident who was hoping for leadership that may not say the popular thing, but says the right thing.

That is the courageous thing, no matter how fearful it may be.

And you represent a city that believes in justice, fairness, and opportunity for all.

Congratulations.

Okay, so now for the moment, while we're all gathered here, the oath of office.

So we're gonna have we're gonna have the song selection followed by the administration of the oath by Judge Laurel Beatty Blunt of the Ten District Court of Appeals.

Proverbs three and five simply says, trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lead not to your own understanding and in all of your ways, acknowledge him, and he will direct thy path.

Trust me I'll fight your will.

Thank you for having me.

I will be true to the law.

You know, we don't use adjectives, we only use adjectives to describe like something how egregious it was, or something like that.

So I will just keep it simple and say congratulations.

So happy to be I dear Ross.

I tear a rust.

That I will support.

That I will support the charter.

The charter and ordinances and ordinances of the City of Columbus.

Of the City of Columbus.

And that I will faithfully and that I will faithfully.

Honestly, honestly.

And impartially.

And impartially discharge the duties.

Discharge the duties of the office.

Of the office.

Of member of Columbus City Council.

Of member of Columbus City Council.

To the best of my ability.

To the best of my ability.

So help me God.

So help me God.

Congratulations.

All right.

Good evening, everyone.

To the church of the people's house.

Praise the Lord, everybody.

Uncle Timmy, this is the Lord's doing.

And it is marvelous.

In my eyes.

Certainly want to begin by thanking Council President Harden.

Thanking the entire council team.

Thanking my team for the extraordinary care and intention you put into creating a ceremony that truly reflects the love that I intend to serve with.

Thank you.

To the faith leaders, elected leaders, certainly want to again thank our great mayor, Mayor Andrew Ginther, our Congresswoman, Congresswoman Joyce Beatty, my city attorney, City Attorney Zach Klein, and all of our elected officials, community leaders, supporters, and friends.

My heart is overflowing with gratitude and joy.

And my spirit is fortified for the journey ahead.

To City Attorney Zach Klein.

The impact of your mentorship, your leadership, and your friendship is quite frankly hard to reduce to words.

Every lesson, every opportunity, every vote of confidence that you have placed in me has shaped the leader that I stand before all of you as today.

Without you, this moment would not be possible.

Thank you for your belief, your trust, and your unwavering investment in my growth and in my service.

To Steve Dunbar.

Takes a rare person to walk alongside me for nearly a decade.

But I knew after our very first lunch at Market Sixty Five.

That you were someone I would connect with deeply.

You have supported me, challenged me, entrusted me with work that matters, and shown me what it truly means to lead with boldness, vision, and compassion, not only for those you work with, but the community we work for.

Thank you.

To prosecutor Shayla D favor.

Always use the D.

You are the embodiment of a principled leader.

You are a mentor.

You are a model and a friend.

I stand squarely on your shoulders.

Thank you for trusting me as a partner and advocacy that will be remembered as among the most consequential housing work this city has ever seen.

Your unwavering support, your sisterhood, and your belief in me are gifts I will carry with me for a lifetime.

To my sister, Dr.

Olivia Nathan.

There are no words sufficient to capture what you mean to me.

Your steadfast friendship has saved my life.

I am endlessly proud of the woman and leader you are becoming, and I love you beyond measure.

To Bishop Clark, who I affectionately call Uncle Timmy.

There are only a few men who serve as the spiritual foundation upon which I stand.

You have been there for me for all of my life.

Loving me, guiding me, covering me, and showing up without question.

Thank you for pouring into me and for caring for me as if I were your own.

You are truly one of God's best.

To Judge Laurel Beatty Blunt, thank you for your leadership.

Thank you for administering the oath.

I wanted someone to administer the oath.

Someone who checked on me when no one was checking.

Someone who's very funny at 6 a.m.

in the morning.

Someone whose leadership I admire.

Thank you for your service.

Thank you for being here.

To my family.

To my mother.

It's been a long time.

But I wouldn't be here quite literally if you had not decided that I was worth more than the struggle of having me.

Thank you, mom.

To my grandparents, y'all know.

My very best friends.

Thank you for sharing up the gap.

To my uncle, he's with the food.

Please eat.

Everybody, please eat.

Thank you.

I don't know my dad.

But I know you.

Thank you.

To my aunt, to my cousins, to my friends, to my church family, my pastor, my first lady, my youth pastor, my reverie pastor.

Thank you to the Pat team.

Work you do changes lives every day.

Keep working hard.

And to the residents of this great city.

Thank you for entrusting me with the profound responsibility of serving our community.

I am unabashedly proud to be a resident of the city of Columbus.

I am proud to serve this city.

And while we are not perfect, we are a city with leaders who care deeply.

Leaders who work relentlessly to ensure that opportunity is not just reserved for the few, but extended to the many.

We are living in a critical moment in history.

This moment demands leaders who are bold enough to name and justice wherever it shows its face.

Leaders unafraid to denounce inhumane and irresponsible stewardship of human lives.

Leaders who are more than words, but leaders willing to roll up their sleeves to get their hands dirty in the work of community.

Leaders who will listen closely, identify real solutions, and deliver solutions that move the needle for the people who need it the most.

Those of us who have with those of us who have not.

To ensure that the promise of Columbus is not just a slogan, but a lived reality.

A city where everyone can live out their dreams, their culture, their love, and their faith without fear of retribution.

A city where every person has the dignity of work.

A safe place to call home.

Access to health care.

Quality education.

Safe streets.

And transportation that doesn't break the bank.

A city that moves forward together in a way that everyone can feel.

Give me something that I can feel.

And so, as my grandfather prepares to pronounce the closing blessing, I will repeat what I said as election night came to a close.

Let us not lose this community.

Let us keep it.

Grow it.

Share it.

And as we move Columbus forward, let us do it in a way that honors the promise of hope, of dignity, and opportunity for all.

And may God bless the city of Columbus.

Help me celebrate our councilwoman George Bailey, please.

Thank you for your presence.

Appreciate you.

I've given Benedictions.

And my granddaughter said to me, I want her to give my favorite one.

And so I'm going to give my her.

Blessed is the man.

Stand in the way of sinners.

Sit in the seat of the scraw.

But his delight is in the law of the Lord.

And in that law that he meditate.

Day and night.

He shall be like a tree.

Planted by the rivers of water.

That bring forth his fruit in his season.

His leaf also shall not wither.

And here's the promise.

And whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.

But the ungodly are not so.