The City of Meridian will inaugurate its historic five-member council and mayor at 9 a.m. Wednesday, July 5, in the Temple Theatre.

Of the council, three have never served in political office, one’s public service began in the 1980s and the last will serve her second term.

Voters in Ward 1 first elected George Thomas as their representative in the ’80s. Thomas will be the sole Republican serving on the council since Barbara Henson, Ward 3, retired this year and declined to run for re-election.

Tyrone Johnson defeated three other candidates and will represent the interests of Ward 2 in the upcoming years. A former member of the military, this term will be Tyrone Johnson’s first foray into politics.

Ward 3 voters selected Fannie Johnson to fill the seat Henson vacated after her retirement. Fannie Johnson, also a former member of the military, oversees L.O.V.E.’s Kitchen as its executive director.

Kim Houston will return to serve a second term for Ward 4. Houston most recently served as council president and, together with Thomas, will assist the newest council members as they adjust to their new roles.

Weston Lindemann, the youngest elected representative in the state, will serve the voters in Ward 5 while attending school part time at Millsaps College. 

Mayor Percy Bland, elected for a second term, will be the first African-American mayor to lead a majority African-American council. Bland, Tyrone Johnson, Fannie Johnson, Houston and Lindemann campaigned together as Democrats.

The event is open to the public. The Temple Theatre is located at 2320 8th St.