On January 5, 2026, I was officially sworn in as a City Councilwoman for the City of Jonesboro. What an overwhelming and unforgettable moment that was—one filled with my family, city leaders, and most importantly, the voters who placed their trust in me.
I’ll be honest—I was nervous. Standing before the community in that capacity carried the weight of responsibility, purpose, and expectation. But having my family there, my sanctuary and my foundation, brought me a sense of calm and grounding that I truly needed in that moment.
What Stood Out for Me
During my speech, one message stood out to me then—and still stands firm today: bridging the gap in our community is the most important work ahead. For too long, there has been a silent division within our city. Yet I wholeheartedly believe that together, as one Jonesboro, we are capable of healing, listening, and moving forward—together.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once said:
“I am convinced that men hate each other because they fear each other. They fear each other because they don’t know each other, and they don’t know each other because they don’t communicate with each other, and they don’t communicate with each other because they are separated from each other.”
Those words resonate deeply with me. I believe fear has driven division in our community because, somewhere along the way, communication between City Hall and the people was broken. When voices feel unheard, mistrust grows. When perspectives differ, disagreement is mistaken for opposition. But it is okay to agree to disagree—that is democracy. That is community.
My commitment is to reopen those lines of communication, to listen, to show up, and to ensure that City Hall belongs to everyone—not just a select few.
Above all, there would be no Councilwoman Santia Fox without the unwavering support of my family and the trust of my voters. You believed in me, and I carry that responsibility with pride and humility.
I love you, Jonesboro. This work is for you.
With gratitude,
Councilwoman Santia Fox
