The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
JAMES SWORN IN
Inez James officially becomes first Black woman member of Lorain County Board of Elections
Noting a historic moment for Lorain County, Inez James took her oath of office to become the first Black woman member of the Lorain County Board of Elections.
Family, friends and some of Lorain County’s female and Black community leaders gathered April 9 at the Lorain County Justice Center for the ceremony.
James is the first woman to represent the Democratic Party on the elections board.
Lorain County Domestic Relations Judge Sherry Glass administered the oath, with help from Avian Sharp, 6, of Lorain, who held the Bible for James.
Avian is the great-grandson of Charlesetta Brown, Lorain Precinct 2-D Democratic committeewoman and friend of James.
“That’s shows you and that’s what we need in our party. We need people who put party first, and Inez is that girl. Her integrity is an inspiration.” — Former Lorain County commissioner Sharon Sweda
James, Glass, former Lorain County commissioner Sharon Sweda, Pastor Ray H. Robinson and county Democratic Party Chairman Anthony Giardini all spoke.
James at times raised her voice in excitement, to emphasize words of her oath — and so people joining online could hear.
In-person attendance was limited, and at times, people had to maintain social distance if they took off masks used to slow the novel coronavirus pandemic.
Upon completing her oath, Glass pronounced James duly sworn in and the group clapped and cheered.
Speaking to her supporters, James described the phone call to talk about the post with “our chairperson — I can’t think of his name.”
The crowd laughed and Giardini called out for her not to get all nervous.
James began contacting other friends to discuss the issue.
She thanked Brown, Lorain Ward 3 Councilwoman Pamela Carter and others gathered for inspiring her to service.
James talked about the appointment with Sweda, whose nomination to the elections board was rejected by Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose.
“But it was the phone call that really got this started, and I want to say this from the bottom of my heart, because when you work in elections, when you run for office, you make friends, you learn who your friends are,” she said.
Sweda is “a true friend, a true champion, a true Democrat, and I love you forever,” James said.
James’ appointment is critical in a time when people don’t see committed compassion for all, when society is in a sickening state at some levels, Robinson said.
Her work “gives us hope,” he said, repeating the phrase for emphasis.
The crowd laughed again when James introduced Giardini by name.
He said it was disappointing that the Ohio Secretary of State rejected Sweda’s appointment.
“But, I can tell you this, when it became apparent that that was going to be the case, Inez’ biggest supporter was Sharon Sweda, number one for sure,” Giardini said.
When the decision about Sweda’s appointment was made in Columbus, she said she felt numb with shock over “dirty politics.”
James called to ask what they could do, then launched a campaign of letters and petitions that got attention at the state level, Sweda said.
When the Democratic Party needed a candidate, Sweda said James was the only person she could think of.
James fought to the very end for Sweda’s candidacy until Sweda said it was time for James to make her case to become the party’s nominee.
“Given that, it was so selfless,” Sweda said. “How many people think, I could have that seat, but they work for someone else?”
“That’s shows you and that’s what we need in our party. We need people who put party first, and Inez is that girl. Her integrity is an inspiration.”
The occasion was an honor because James is a friend, Glass said.
She thanked James for the privilege of a small role in swearing in the first Black woman to the post.
That appointment deserved a round of applause, Glass said, and the group responded by clapping.
Other attendees included Oberlin police Chief Ryan Warfield; Lorain County Urban League President and CEO Parris M. Smith; Carletta Dunlap, third vice president and longtime member of the Negro Business and Professional Women; and businesswoman Wendy Caldwell, founder of P2R Place to Recover, a center dedicated to recovery and job training in Elyria.
The other members of the Lorain County Board of Elections are Giardini and Republicans Marilyn Jacobcik and Jack Baird.