Mwilambwe be sworn in Saturday as Bloomington’s mayor, Normal and Peoria leaders take their oaths next week

Posted on May 1, 2021
Mboka Mwilambwe will be sworn in as the first person-of-color to lead the city. (Photo courtesy: City of Bloomington)

By Heart of Illinois ABC

BLOOMINGTON – History will be made in Bloomington Saturday morning when the city’s next mayor officially takes office.

Mboka Mwilambwe will be sworn in as the first person-of-color to lead the city. He replaces Tari Renner who chose not to run for a third term.

Bloomington’s ceremony is being held before newly-elected leaders in Normal and Peoria take their oaths of office.

Also taking oaths on Saturday are Bloomington Alderman Jamie Mathy in Ward 1, Sheila Montney in Ward 3, Nick Becker in Ward 5, Mollie Ward in Ward 7 and Tom Crumpler in Ward 9.

Montney, Becker, and Crumpler are newcomers to the city council.

Saturday’s ceremony starts at 10 a.m. at the Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts, and will feature comments from Renner and Mwilambwe.

Long-time Normal Mayor Chris Koos will be sworn-in on Monday to a fifth four-year term.

Rita Ali is set to become the Peoria’s first woman and person of color to become Peoria’s mayor on Tuesday even though candidate Jim Montelongo has asked for a discovery recount. Final results showed Ali winning by 43 votes.

Heart of Illinois ABC can be reached at [email protected]. 

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