By Blake Deshazo | The Selma Times-Journal

Sunday marked the end of an era in Selma and the beginning of a new one as Mayor Darrio Melton was passed the torch from now former Mayor George Evans.

“As we pass this torch, may God strengthen you to run this race with patience and wisdom,” Evans said. “Carry the city of Selma’s torch and allow your godly standards to be the keeper of the flames.”

Melton was sworn-in Sunday in front of a crowd of hundreds at the Riverfront Amphitheater, where he promised the birth of a new Selma for its people.

“That Selma understands the past is rushing boldly to the future. That Selma knows that if we don’t live together as brothers, we’re going to perish as fools. That Selma doesn’t see the worst in us, that Selma sees the best in us,” Melton said. “That Selma won’t get there just by me. That Selma won’t get there by you. That Selma will get there by working together.”

Melton was praised by mayors from other cities, including Tuscaloosa and Orrville.

“This afternoon I firmly believe that Mayor Melton will be building his own bridge to the future, forging opportunities for all. This journey will not be easy,” said Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox. “As a mayor, I can tell you it never is. There will be successes, and there will certainly be challenges; however, Mayor Melton’s vision and determination is always going to be forward leading.”

As Melton stood before hundreds, he asked them all to join in and take four responsibilities of the past, present, future and to one another in order for the city to change for the better.

“We are the Selma that brought the nation together for the common good,” Melton said. “We need to be more than a city that is too busy to hate. We need to make sure that our city is not too busy to love.”

Melton said Selma changed the world before, and it can change it again.

“Today as citizens of the 21st century, we continue that legacy of Selma’s contributions to the nation and in the world by continuing to cultivate a culture of transformation,” Melton said.

Mayor Melton pledged to digitize the city, create a sense of hope in people that have become hopeless and to make Selma a safe place for those who live here and for those who visit.

“I will be vigilant as your mayor to stop crime and protect our citizens. I will not be satisfying my responsibility as your mayor without also addressing the root cause of crime,” Melton said.

Melton officially took over as mayor midnight Monday.