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Smith named Monroe’s vice mayor
Published January 13, 2010
MONROE — In 1994, Jerry Smith was the first black preson elected to the City Council.
Last week, the second district councilman was appointed vice mayor by the rest of the Council — the first time a black councilmember has reached the post in the city’s history.
“Things have really changed,” the 63-year-old Marine veteran said. “The city really has grown.”
Smith grew up during a time when a black man living in the city faced many obstacles. But now, Smith said the city has erased some of its racial divides, the proof being his longevity on Council and the tenure of his fellow council members Rita Scott and Denise Dixon, both of whom are also black.
“It has truly been an honor and a privelege to have served with Jerry Smith for the past 10 years,” said Mayor Greg Thompson. “He truly exemplifies the spirit of community involvement and commitment. This honor by his colleagues is just further evidence of his commitment to the city of Monroe."
Smith says his biggest accomplishment on the Council was getting sidewalks put in on Perry Street. He hopes to get more street lights put in the city’s north end in the future.
Smith left the Marines with two Purple Hearts after being wounded in Vietnam. When returning home, he worked his way from a stockboy to manager of Piggly Wiggly. The 1964 graduate of Carver High School retired from the U.S. Postal Service in 2007. Smith has been active with the NAACP and marched for racial equality in Monroe. He is a member of American Legion Post 531, a deacon at First African Baptist Church and a Mason.
He is married to Carrie Robinson Smith and has two children, Renee Smith and the Rev. Jerome Smith.
“It really hasn’t hit me yet,” Smith said of being named vice mayor. “It’s a joyful thing — something I really wanted to hear. I’m proud the Council and the citizens appointing me to that office.
“I’m ready. Ready to see the city move up and move forward again.”
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