Akron council swears in Fran Wilson and Bruce Bolden; newly elected members pinned at ceremony

Judge Connie Hightower administered the oath of office to Fran Wilson and Bruce Bolden during the Akron City Council meeting. Both repeated the standard oath to "support the Constitution of the United States," the Ohio Constitution and the Charter of the City of Akron and pledged to "faithfully perform the duties" of the office.

After the oaths, Fran Wilson was pinned by their sister, Joan Wilson, and Bruce Bolden was pinned by his wife, Desiree Bolden. Later in the meeting, Wilson introduced themself to the chamber, identified as they/them, described themself as a fourth‑generation Akronite and community organizer from the West Hill neighborhood of Ward 1, and said they would carry reports on equity and community into the role. "Showing up really matters, and change happens when we show up," Wilson said. Wilson announced a Ward 1 meeting for Dec. 3 at Bolch Street Community Center and provided a Ward 1 website for updates.

Bolden offered brief remarks thanking the council and Ward 8 residents for trusting him to serve following the resignation of the prior representative. He thanked colleagues and said he looked forward to the next two years.

The oaths and brief remarks concluded without formal motions attached to the swearing-in itself; the presiding officer and members congratulated both new members before proceeding to the regular agenda.