Greensboro's African American Community Newspaper since 1967
Surrounded by smiling family members, friends and supporters, Greensboro’s newly elected and returning City Council members took their oaths of office Tuesday evening, marking the start of a new term filled with optimism and anticipation.
The ceremony opened with the swearing-in of returning council members, who used the moment to reflect on the work behind them and the promise ahead. Mayor-elect Marikay Abuzuaiter spoke enthusiastically about the city’s momentum.
“We’re going to have so many wonderful things going on in the city, and we’ve experienced a trajectory that you haven’t seen in decades,” Abuzuaiter said. “My philosophy is to build relationships, and that is what I will continue to do on this council.”
District 5 representative Tammi Thurm echoed that spirit of camaraderie.
“For this council, I am so excited to serve with you all and be among the ones to welcome the next generation of our city’s leaders,” she said. “I think that is such an honor.”
Hugh Holston, sworn in by retired Judge Paul L. Jones, acknowledged both his campaign team and the council veterans who shaped his experience. Holston was appointed in 2021 and has since been elected twice.
“I really have learned a lot from them in my time here on council,” he said. Looking toward his new colleagues, he added, “There’s so much energy, passion, uniqueness and creativity. Governing isn’t as easy as it looks… but I expect for us to work hard for this.”
A highlight of the evening came when Denise Turner Roth—recently the top vote-getter in the at-large race—was named Mayor Pro Tem. Roth, who served as Greensboro’s city manager a decade ago, described the moment as a meaningful return.
“I want to thank Marikay, whom I had a chance to work with early in my career, and it is a full-circle moment,” she said.
She also paid tribute to the late Yvonne Johnson, who previously served as Mayor Pro Tem and who Roth credited as an inspiration. Johnson’s daughter, Judge Lisa Johnson-Tonkins, administered Roth’s oath along with those of several other members.
Newly elected at-large member Irving Allen stepped onto the dais with emotion and gratitude, recalling years spent in the council chamber as an advocate.
“I have been in these chambers many times, speaking about different issues, and now I am looking forward to giving back more to the community and learning from each and every one of you,” he said, becoming visibly moved as he honored his mentor, the late Rev. Nelson Johnson of the Beloved Community Center.
District 1’s newly elected representative, Crystal Black, took her seat with a message of commitment to fairness and accessibility.
“I’m just proud to be sitting in this seat and to be able to serve the residents of Greensboro,” she said. “This is a new way to give back.”
In District 2, newcomer Cecile Crawford succeeds Dr. Goldie Wells, who retired from the council this year. Crawford expressed deep appreciation for Wells’ service and said she is ready for the responsibility ahead.
“This is going to be a large transition to come from organizing to being a city council person,” Crawford said. “I feel the responsibility of making sure I listen, show up in communities, and continue to hear from the people.”
District 3’s April Parker made history as the youngest African American woman elected to the council at age 42. A familiar face in community organizing circles, Parker celebrated the district’s “political imagination” and reaffirmed her commitment to equity.
“We were hard-working, highly ethical, and led with integrity,” she said of her campaign. “I plan on staying on that mission.”
District 4’s Adam Marshall, who succeeds longtime council member Nancy Hoffmann, described the opportunity to represent his hometown as deeply meaningful.
“I was born and raised right here in Greensboro. This is home,” Marshall said. “I cannot tell you how humbling it is to be elected by your hometown to serve.”
On Monday evening, the council held a separate meeting to honor departing members. Senator Ted Budd’s office delivered a letter of congratulations to outgoing Mayor Nancy Vaughan, who also received a historic water bucket and speaking trumpet from Fire Chief Jim Robinson. The Dudley Heights community recognized Sharon Hightower for her years of leadership and she was also recognized with a resolution commending her for her role supporting the city’s Minority and Women-Owned Enterprises (MWBE) program. Mayor-elect Abuzuaiter presented Vaughan with the prestigious Order of the Long Leaf Pine, a state honor conferred by the governor, which recognizes those who have given exceptional service to the state.
The new council will convene for its first regular meeting on December 9 at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall.
