The room has settled and former chief administrative officer Keith McGee has taken the podium. McGee tells the media about a question-and-answer session later in the City Council chambers. They also pass out a program "Retirement Celebration; Mayor Willie W. Herenton."
Pastor Frank McRae's invocation will be followed by an "expression" from Rick Masson, executive director of the Shelby Farms Park Conservancy, and from Memphis Minority Business Council president Luke Yancy.
Herenton will speak, followed by a benediction from Dr. James Netters, pastor of the Mt. Vernon Baptist Church.
McRae is talking about former mayors, from Crump to Herenton.
He said he's sworn Herenton in many times.
"Today we're swearing him out of office, at least that's the report but I'm not sure," McRae joked.
"He's been the first African-American to be elected mayor of the city," McRae said to big applause. "It's difficult to be first because a lot of people don't know where the pitfalls all are."
McRae is cracking more jokes, about employees shedding tears about losing their jobs and about those Memphians who will be dancing in the streets. Mostly McRae's tone is nostalgic.
"So long to the champ, it's been an interesting time together. Mayor, we love you," McRae said and the room has erupted in applause. "He's been the tallest and the longest and the first African-American mayor."
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