⭐️ Today's Bright Leader is Jaylen Smith Jaylen Smith graduated High School in May, and now he is the newly elected Mayor of Earle, Arkansas population of 1,831. Smith will be the youngest Black mayor elected in the United States. Smith said his work in the student government in school made him "passionate and determined" to serve his community at a higher level. ✅ His goals are to rid the city of abandoned homes, create jobs for the youth, provide public transportation to grocery stores, and have the police department operate 24 hours. ✨ "I ran because I wanted to help my community and move my community in the direction that it needed to be moved in." Jayle told CNN To prepare to run, Smith asked for help from current mayors, who helped him along the way. Jaylen Smith will be sworn in the first week of January. 💬 We are so excited to watch Jaylen take office and be a bright leader for his city!! 🤸🏽‍♀️📚📦 #jaylensmith #brightleader #kidsbooks Let's start a conversation.... What does a mayor do? Why is it important to vote? Is it important that young people hold government offices? Locate Earle, Arkansas, on a map. If you were mayor, how would you want to help your city? Great work, Bright Littles; let's work on your leadership skills! Pick up a Leaders Journal today, and let's find your voice and passion!