What started as “Negro History Week” in 1926 is now a monthlong cultural observance known as Black History Month. 2026 marks the 100th anniversary of its first observance, a milestone signifying growth, progress and resilience.
Today, Black Americans are recognized as pioneers and leaders who drive, educate and inspire transformative change. As we celebrate a century of progress, we must also acknowledge the journey ahead and honor those continuing the legacy today. This Black History Month, we highlight four Black leaders from the National League of Cities Young Municipal Leaders (YML), a network uniting elected officials and staff aged 18 to 40 who are shaping the future of local government.
YML addresses leadership challenges facing the next generation, explores ideas and best practices and creates opportunities for collaboration with fellow leaders across communities. In January, YML hosted its first meeting of the year, welcoming more than 45 engaged young leaders from across the country.
Black leadership shines within YML and is supported by leaders from diverse backgrounds who are committed to bridging cultural and generational gaps in municipalities. This blog spotlights what drives their leadership, key issues they are addressing, what it means to be a young Black leader, the legacy they hope to build and why inspiring more young leaders to step into local government matters now more than ever.
National League of Cities: What drives your leadership, and how do you use your voice to create impact in your community?
Curtis Bethany, Vice Mayor, Newport News, Va: What drives my leadership is the belief that representation matters. I ran for office to help ensure our City Council reflects the diversity of the community we serve, including the need for a younger perspective. When people see themselves at the table, it builds trust and leads to better engagement. I use my voice to listen, advocate and make sure every resident feels seen, heard and valued.
NLC: What is one issue you’re most focused on right now, and why does it matter to the people you serve?
D’Andre Thompson, DEI Administrator, Columbia, Mo.: Like many communities across this great nation, the affordability crisis has become unavoidable and runs the risk of displacing vulnerable residents who are doing everything they can to maintain their quality of life. This issue matters a lot to the residents of Columbia, Mo., because our community is very generous and desires to be a place where everyone can reach their full potential. Without adequate, affordable and attainable housing to meet the growing needs of our community, several of our most vulnerable populations will potentially have to relocate.
This concern of affordability also has a negative impact on our community’s economy, which will result in workforce housing-related barriers and skilled positions going unfilled. If there isn’t a diversity of housing options, then industry sectors will have difficulty hiring (or retaining) top talent in the area.
NLC: During Black History Month, what does it mean to you to be a young Black leader—and what legacy do you hope to help build?
Katima Smith-Willis, Commissioner, Frankfort, Ky.: Being a young Black leader during Black History Month is both an honor and a responsibility. I am constantly aware that my ability to lead today is built on the courage, sacrifice and resilience of those who came before me, many of whom fought simply to be seen, heard or allowed in the room.
For me, Black history is not just something we reflect on for this month. It’s just life, and it is something we continue to build. I hope to help create a legacy where leadership looks like the community it serves, where young Black leaders are not the exception but the expectation.
I want the next generation to see leadership as accessible, impactful and rooted in service, not perfection. A legacy where young people know their voice matters right now, not someday! It is our time, and it’s okay to have fun on this journey and make it yours.
NLC: Why is it important to encourage more young leaders to get involved in local government, and what impact can their participation have on communities?
Byron Thomas, Councilmember, Cayce, S.C.:: It’s critical that we show the next generation that local government is THE most powerful form of government because it directly affects their daily lives. Too often, the focus is placed on the federal level, when the fastest and most meaningful changes happen locally.
We have a responsibility to engage young people early through schools and community events, while providing hands-on service opportunities. I’ve hosted multiple litter cleanups where youth volunteers helped remove more than 800 pounds of litter from the City of Cayce, giving them a direct role in improving their own community.
I’ve also partnered with Village Idiot Pizza and the Cayce–West Columbia Library to encourage Lexington Two teens to read over the summer. In 2024, 14 teens completed the summer reading program. In 2025, that number grew to 39 teens, representing a 179 percent increase in participation. That kind of growth shows what’s possible when we invest in young people and meet them where they are.
Young leaders are just as driven and passionate as previous generations. Our responsibility is to give them opportunities to serve, amplify their voices and make it clear that they belong at the table shaping the future of our cities.
Connect with YML at CCC
Join fellow Young Municipal Leaders at NLC’s Congressional City Conference (CCC) 2026. Attendees aged 40 and under are invited to a networking mixer on Monday, March 16, with interactive activities and opportunities to connect with NLC leadership and staff. Conference registration is required. RSVP now and express your interest.
About the Author
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