Min Dale Edwards Executive Director Call and Post
Contributing Writer: Felicia C. Haney
RICHMOND HEIGHTS — In a moment rich with history, faith, and civic pride, three African-American leaders were sworn into office during Martin Luther King Jr. Weekend, marking a powerful new chapter for the City of Richmond Heights. Re-elected Mayor Kim A. Thomas, re-elected Council President Bobby Jordan, and newly elected Councilwoman Cherita Shaw took their oaths on Saturday, January 17, at the Richmond Heights Community Center on Highland Road, surrounded by their families, supporters, and a standing-room-only crowd.
Presiding over the ceremony was The Honorable Tonya R. Jones, Judge of the Court of Common Pleas, who reminded the newly elected officials—especially first-time councilwoman Cherita Shaw—that leadership is not ceremonial, but sacrificial, and that the people of Richmond Heights elected them to do the hard work of governing.
In a message sent to residents following their victory, the three leaders declared:
“This victory is not just ours. It belongs to all of us. It belongs to every neighbor who believed in the power of unity, every volunteer who served with heart and every voice that said, ‘We deserve better.’”
Their pledge was clear:
“Together, we will keep moving Richmond Heights forward.”
The moment was especially fitting as it unfolded on MLK Weekend, a time when the nation reflects on Dr. King’s fight for voting rights, justice, and equal access to democracy. As Amos 5:24 reminds us, “Let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like a mighty stream.” That spirit flowed freely throughout the room.
A Full-Circle Victory for Cherita Shaw
For Councilwoman Cherita Shaw, the journey to this moment was hard-fought and deeply personal. After an unsuccessful run two years ago for a Ward 2 seat, Shaw returned—stronger, wiser, and more connected to the community—to win an At-Large seat, making her accountable to all of Richmond Heights.
“This time around, I approached it differently,” Shaw said. “My mindset was different. I built more relationships and used these past two years to learn more—about my constituents and about myself. I’m better equipped now to be a successful city leader, and that’s what we plan to do—lead this city to success.”
She later reflected on the symbolism of being sworn in on MLK weekend:
“The fact that this ceremony took place during MLK weekend was an honor and a real full-circle moment for me. Voting rights was something Dr. King fought for, and the support we received from people of all races in Richmond Heights made this especially meaningful for me as an African-American woman.”
Family, Faith, and a Community That Wouldn’t Let Go
The ceremony drew a distinguished crowd, including Congresswoman Shontel Brown, State Senator Kent Smith, Warrensville Heights Mayor Brad Sellers, former Woodmere Mayor Ben Holbert, Warrensville Heights Council President Johnny Williams, Pastor Aaron Phillips, Bishop Orville Gainer, and many others.
In deeply moving remarks, Council President Bobby Jordan shared a painful and powerful personal testimony. During his campaign, his non-verbal autistic son lost 60 pounds and was later diagnosed with cancer. Jordan believed he would have to step away from the race—but the Richmond Heights community became his extended family, distributing his literature and carrying his name forward when he could not.
That is the essence of Galatians 6:2: “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.”
Mayor Kim A. Thomas, battling voice issues, asked her daughter Amira to read a heartfelt letter to those gathered. In it, the Mayor wrote:
“You didn’t just choose names. You chose integrity. You chose vision. You chose purpose… This moment is not about titles; it’s about responsibility. And we are ready—ready to work, ready to listen, and ready to lead with courage, honesty, and heart.”
A New Day for Richmond Heights
Across that packed community center, it was more than a political ceremony it was the fulfillment of faith, sacrifice, and democratic promise. On a weekend dedicated to Dr. King’s legacy, three African-American leaders stood under oath, committed to building a city where every voice matters and every family counts.
In the words of Proverbs 29:2, “When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice.”
On this day, Richmond Heights rejoiced—and stepped boldly into its future.
