AKRON, Ohio — Moments after 2024 got underway, Shammas Malik was sworn in as Akron's 63rd mayor during a private event.
Now, nearly a week later, the community attended Malik's public swearing-in ceremony on Saturday at the EJ Thomas Performing Arts Hall, located at 198 Hill Street in Akron.
"Akron is facing many challenges and there is not a single thing that can stand in the way of our determination and energy if we do it together," said Malik during the ceremony.
3News streamed the event, which can be watched below:
The event featured Mayor Malik's inaugural address, along with speeches from notable local leaders and musical performances.
Throughout Malik's inaugural address, he highlighted his plans to make the city a safer place, a more likable place, a stronger place, and a stable, prosperous and thriving city.
Following the ceremony, a Community Celebration at House Three Thirty in Akron will take place. The event will give the public an opportunity to meet the new mayor, engage with the community, enjoy refreshments and watch surprise performances.
Earlier this week, Malik spoke with 3News' Neil Fischer to discuss his 100-day plan.
The No. 1 thing I can do is make sure people feel this is a safe community to live in," he said, adding his belief that things like business opportunities and infrastructure can be grown out from that foundation.
Malik, who attended the Akron Public Schools system and graduated from Firestone High School, has also put his focus on education, as well as the challenges students face, such as "inter-generational poverty."
"We have a lot of students who are homeless at any given time during the year," the mayor lamented. "We can support on that 'out-of-school time' piece — where our students are when they're not at home and not at school."
