GONZALES, La. (BRPROUD) — The city of Gonzales hosted a historic inauguration, swearing in the first Black mayor to lead the city and the first Black woman to hold a seat in the city council. Tim Riley was sworn in as the first Black mayor of the city in front of many city, parish and community residents. Riley brings in city council experience and is ready to continue serving. He said he is honored to make history and sees it as an opportunity to give residents a voice. "This is a diverse community and we care about each and every citizen of this city," said Riley. "Whether you're white, Black, Hispanic, it doesn't matter. We love you, we care about you," said Riley. Alongside Riley, city council members of all divisions and Chief of Police Sherman Jackson, who has been in leadership for decades were also sworn in. Cynthia Gray James, Councilwoman of Division C in the city of Gonzales, is another person making history, she's the first Black woman to hold a council seat. "50 years ago, my father ran for this position as the first minority and he lost. And here I am today, 50 years later," said James. Both said they are excited to work as a team. "We're going to work together and show unity. So hopefully it's going to be a change, a change for the better," said James. Riley said he is ready to serve and shares some of his goals for the first 100 days. "We're going to be doing stuff with drainage," said Riley. "We're going to be doing things with traffic and we're going to be doing things that are going to really benefit the city a whole lot." East Baton Rouge Mayor-President Sid Edwards motivates police recruits Riley said something else he is excited about is making residents feel welcome with his open-door policy and inviting residents to meet and talk to him, especially if they have concerns and ideas. "People can come to city hall, they can email me, they can call my cellphone, they can call our office phone. Any way or avenue that they need or the way they need to get in touch with us, I'm available," he said. Latest News New Orleans Saints players support interim head coach Darren Rizzi New Orleans Saints hope to find 'delicate balance' during offseason LSU Gymnastics freshman Kailin Chio impresses in first collegiate meet City of Gonzales hosts historic inauguration, brings in new city leaders Trump Jr. plans Greenland visit after father stirs controversy