"Today is the beginning of change!"

Mayor James Young says that change not only involves the election of Philadelphia's first African American mayor but also increased efforts to include all sectors of the community. Such was the case during the ceremony today when not only the head of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians and the Choctaw Princess were featured speakers, but for the first time the Choctaw Flag was presented along with the U.S. and Mississippi as well.

"We are very happy to be a part of this historic day and we know that he will do a good job, an excellent job," says Miko Beasley Denson with the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians.

With hundreds of people, including some from the national media surrounding the courthouse, water and fruit was available for those who needed it. However, for people like Larry Frazier who says he moved to the north from Philadelphia more than forty years ago, he says the swearing-in of Young was enough.

¶"When I grew up these streets in Mississippi were so racists and everybody was so divided. Blacks were on one side of town. We didn't have equal rights. We didn't have no rights. We didn't even have the right to vote so no way that I could envision that this would ever happen," Larry Frazier.

¶"I think Mr. Young's going to do a good job. I've known him for a long time. He's a well respected individual for the whole community. So, I think he is going to do good," says Philadelphia business owner Barbara Edwards.

"I want to take the position today that I will represent Philadelphia proudly, honorably and righteously."

Now with the swearing-in over, Mayor Young says the honeymoon is coming to an end and it's time to get down to business.