TOWN OF NEWBURGH – In a ceremony marked by pride, reflection, and hope, Dr. Mary L. McLymore was sworn into office on Saturday, an event widely hailed as a historic moment for the community she now serves – becoming the first Black woman elected to the town council.
Supporters, family members, colleagues, and local leaders gathered to witness the occasion, filling the room with applause as Dr. McLymore took her oath from Supreme Court Justice Eddie Loren Williams.
The swearing-in ceremony was more than a procedural milestone; it represented years of perseverance, public service, and commitment to change. As Dr. McLymore raised her right hand, many in attendance reflected on the broader significance of the moment. Her achievement marks a turning point, demonstrating progress and expanded representation in leadership at a time when many communities are calling for inclusive and visionary governance.
Dr. McLymore, a respected professional and longtime advocate, has built a reputation grounded in service, education, and integrity. Throughout her career, she has been recognized for her ability to bring people together across differences, listen to community concerns, and pursue solutions rooted in fairness and opportunity. Those qualities were echoed in speeches delivered during the ceremony, as speaker after speaker praised her dedication and trailblazing spirit.
In her remarks following the oath, Dr. McLymore expressed gratitude to those who supported her journey and emphasized the responsibility that comes with making history. She spoke candidly about the challenges ahead, while also sharing an optimistic vision for the future. “This moment is not just about me,” she said. “It is about what is possible when we believe in service, equity, and the power of community.”
While recounting a trip along the Appalachian Trail, she realized that “everybody’s walk is not your walk,” and that she is exactly where God wants her to be at this point in time in her life.
The audience responded with thunderous applause, underscoring the sense of collective pride surrounding her historic victory. For many young people in attendance, Dr. McLymore’s swearing-in served as a powerful example of what can be achieved through determination and education.
As the ceremony concluded, attendees lingered to offer congratulations and take photographs, aware that they had witnessed a meaningful chapter in local history.
Dr. Mary McLymore’s swearing-in stands as a symbol of progress and promise, setting the tone for a new era of leadership in the town and inspiring future generations to pursue paths once thought out of reach. Photo Gallery
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