Its an historic move for the Franklin City Commission in Simpson County.

With Franklin's former Mayor, Jim Brown, taking over as City Manager, the city commission had to select the next mayor of Franklin to serve until the end of next year.

The man selected is Commissioner Herbert Williams, who's now the city's first- ever African-American mayor.

"It's not so much about me or the Mayor's position," said Williams. "It's just more or less doing what you can for your community."

"He is well versed in everything that goes on in Franklin," said former mayor, now City Manager, Jim Brown. "He's a good friend, and actually, all of the commissioners are fully capable of being mayor. Herbert's just a good choice."

Monday morning, Herbert Williams will walk into a new office as Mayor of Franklin, replacing now City Manager, Jim Brown.

"His shoes are big to fill, but with the help from my commissioners, I feel like we can continue doing the work that should be done for our community," said Williams.

The selection was a joint effort between each member of the Commission, and each says Williams is a great choice.

"He's one of the most respected men in Franklin, and I think Mayor Williams, I should say, will be his own man, do what he thinks is right, and that's trait to me," said Henry Stone, Franklin City Commissioner.

"It shows the equality of Franklin, and I think it shows that Franklin is an opportunity place for everybody," said Jamie Powell, Franklin City Commissioner.

"In doing that it showed that it was ready to move forward and look at things that a person can do rather than the color of his skin, and the achievements that he could make," said Wendell Stewart, Franklin City Commissioner.

Williams says he's proud to be a part of this historic moment.

"I always said that if I could make things better as far as not worrying about a man's color of his skin and pretty much being shot down because I was a black man," said Williams. "I feel like if I had the chance, I could do anything anybody else can do, and I try to do it well."

The Franklin City Commission is now getting the word out about selecting a new City Commissioner to fill Williams' spot.

They have less than 30 days to have the position filled.