Earlier this month, NLC’s CEO and Executive Director, Clarence Anthony, kicked off Black History Month, recognizing the contributions of historical leaders and icons, such as King, Angelou, Robinson and others who selflessly paved the way for future leaders.
As we continue to honor the prominent Black trailblazers and pioneers of the past, it is equally important to celebrate today’s leaders who are positively shaping the present and future landscape of our country — history makers in the making.
The National Black Caucus of Local Elected Officials (NBC-LEO) is the oldest and largest constituency group within NLC, representing the interests of African American elected officials. This group, composed of dedicated municipal leaders from across the country, continues to be a voice in our communities and on the front lines, addressing societal challenges.
This year, NBC-LEO is celebrating 55 years since its establishment in 1970. With more than half a century of advocacy, impact and leadership, NBC-LEO is undeniably a significant part of Black History.
During 2025, the group’s priorities will focus on “Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence and Economic Opportunity for Black Americans.” This includes efforts driven by Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) – conditions that significantly impact people’s health, well-being and quality of life, specifically in Black communities, such as:
- Education Access and Quality
- Healthcare and Quality
- Neighborhood and Built Environment
- Social and Community Context
- Economic Stability
As the members of NBC-LEO continue to play a key role in shaping and driving our local communities, their goal is to create stronger, more resilient and equitable communities now and in the future. This month, we are celebrating the contributions of this important group by spotlighting current NBC-LEO leaders and their positive impact on their communities.
Education Access and Quality
Mayor Nathaniel George Booker
Village of Maywood, IL
President, NBC-LEO
As part of the Village of Maywood’s partnership with the U.S. Department of Education – Engage Every Student Initiative, the Career & Life Readiness Initiative (CLRI) was launched in January 2023. Education Access and Quality serve as pillars focusing on the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Healthy People 2030 campaign. The CLRI focuses on our youth and young adults from birth to age 24.
Our youth thrive in our commitment to providing Positive Behavioral Invention Support (PBIS) and Multi-Tiered Support Systems (MTSS), along with further growth from partners like Erikson Institute, Pathways to Adventure Council, Exploring, My Brother’s Keeper, to multiple collaborations on workforce and career readiness.
We are focused on nurturing the current and next generation. Rather it be birth to five, elementary, middle, high school or young adulthood, we offer during school, after school, and summer school academic, physical, mental, social and emotional enrichment. Nurturing our youth as a community is important because it empowers young people to become positive contributors to society, fosters a sense of belonging, builds resilience and ensures a healthy future by providing them with the necessary support, opportunities and guidance to develop their skills, talents and civic responsibility, ultimately leading to a stronger and more vibrant community for everyone.
Prioritizing Early Childhood in Local Governance
Commissioner Amber Sellers
Lawrence, KS
2nd Vice President, NBC-LEO
As a leader in local government, one of the biggest concerns that keeps me up at night is the growing difficulty that families and early childhood educators face in our community.
With economic pressures on the rise, many families are struggling to afford or even find childcare options that meet their needs. This is compounded by the challenges educators face, including low wages and limited resources, which can lead to burnout and difficulty attracting and retaining qualified professionals in this vital sector.
As City Commissioner of the City of Lawrence, I am committed to ensuring that early childhood care and education are represented in our city’s strategic plan. The five (5) outcomes of the plan are 1) A Connected City, 2) Safe and Secure, 3) Prosperity and Economic Security, 4) Unmistakable Identity and 5) Strong, Welcoming Neighborhoods.
Centering early care and education within these lenses requires thinking beyond traditional sectors like education and social services and considering how early childhood intersects with other areas like housing, transportation, economic development and health.
Before I joined the city commission, our community health steering committee had already identified access to early care and education as a key priority in our county health improvement plan. This laid the foundation for the work we have done since, creating a growing early care and education workgroup that collaborates with local organizations. Together, we focus on improving the accessibility, affordability and availability of early childhood services. These partnerships help shape policies that not only ensure quality care but also increase the availability of resources to support both children and the educators who nurture them.
Healthcare and Quality
Council President Pro Tempore Wardine Alexander
Birmingham, AL – District 7
NBC-LEO Regional Director, Region 15
Among the targets of focus in the district that I represent in Birmingham, AL is an emphasis on Community Health/Wellness. Several projects are planned for 2025. To coincide with Black History Month, sponsorship of a “free” exercise program targeted at seniors will be offered in District 7 (D7). Geriatrics is a specialty that focuses on the health of individuals over 65 years old. With the elderly population rising nationally, health concerns regarding geriatrics increased from the tenth to the seventh leading health indicator in AL. The Baby Boom generation has the largest population influx in the history of the U.S. As subsequent generations enter retirement age, it is projected that almost 25 percent of the U.S. population will be 65 years or older by 2060, according to the U.S. Census Bureau’s Projected Age Statistics. Older adults often need more health resources and spend more of their income on healthcare.
The “Sixth Avenue Sliders” is a fitness ministry created several years ago at a local church to combat obesity and the lack of exercise among African American seniors. The program includes line dancing and chair exercises to motivate and generate movement while creating a healthy lifestyle for the targeted group.
With discretionary funding, the D7 Office will sponsor a six-month weekly exercise program “free of charge” at a local recreation center. All the residents must bring is a towel and a willingness to spend an “hour of power” towards healthier living. Through collaboration with additional councilors and other local elected officials in the area, my goal is to see the program grow and sustain into a 12-month program that will benefit everyone.
My overall goal with the program is to improve the quality of life for these seniors by uniquely promoting health and wellness in the community.
Neighborhood and Built Environment
Mayor Bobby Scott, Jr.
Center Point, AL
1st Vice President, NBC-LEO
Fight the Blight is a year-long initiative in Center Point focused on improving community aesthetics, reducing litter and promoting city beautification. Led by local leaders, the initiative includes clean-up efforts, community projects and awards to recognize individuals and groups contributing to a cleaner, more vibrant city. Through collaboration with residents, businesses and organizations, Fight the Blight aims to enhance public spaces, boost civic pride and encourage long-term community engagement in maintaining a beautiful environment.
School Safety
Councilmember Berdetta Hodge
City of Tempe, AZ
Regional Director – Region 10, NBC-LEO
As a City of Tempe Councilmember and Governing Board Member for Tempe Union High School District, Councilmember Berdetta Hodge has witnessed firsthand the profound impact that threats of gun violence and other harmful acts have on schools and the broader community. Recognizing the urgency of this issue, she led a collaborative effort between the City of Tempe, Tempe school districts and the community to take meaningful action. This initiative focuses on empowering students and families to recognize warning signs and fostering a safe environment where concerns about bullying, suicide and threats can be openly addressed.
To further this mission, Councilmember Hodge partnered with the Sandy Hook Promise organization, making the City of Tempe the first city in Arizona to pledge its commitment to the Sandy Hook Promise initiative to reduce gun violence.
On January 9, she introduced a resolution to Tempe City Council, which received strong support from Mayor Corey Woods and fellow Councilmembers. Just two days later, on January 11, she dedicated her monthly Breakfast with Berdetta event to the Sandy Hook Promise, presenting a proclamation in support of the initiative. The event was truly inspiring, with Sandy Hook Promise representatives joining from New Hampshire, Washington, D.C., and Arizona, alongside high school students who actively engaged in meaningful discussions.
A proud member of the National School Boards Association (NSBA) and a former member of President Biden’s Education Task Force, Councilmember Hodge remains committed to advancing efforts that make schools and communities safer for all.
Economic Stability
Vice Mayor Monae Nickerson
Town of Dumfries, VA
At-Large Director, NBC-LEO
The Town of Dumfries continues to experience strong economic stability, driven by strategic development initiatives, business-friendly policies and growing community engagement.
The local economy is strengthened by thriving businesses such as The Rose Gaming Resort & Hotel, which opened in 2024, and the newly launched Majestic Banquet Hall, alongside several upcoming projects that will further strengthen the Town’s economic foundation. Notably, Wawa, set to open in Fall 2025, will enhance convenience and retail options for residents.
The Town of Dumfries is also welcoming major housing developments that reflect its commitment to meeting the needs of a growing population. The Aras on Main Residential Development and Harbor at Quantico Creek Senior Housing & Community Center will introduce 125 new housing units for seniors, while Harbor Reserve will add 152 townhomes, offering modern, family-friendly living spaces. Infrastructure improvements, including the Route 1 Widening Project (2027–2031), will enhance traffic flow, accessibility, and safety — key factors in making the Town of Dumfries an attractive place for residents and businesses alike.
These investments, along with job creation and increased local revenue, are fueling economic prosperity. The Town of Dumfries is also expanding its recreational programming and community-focused initiatives to promote social and economic vitality. With strong municipal leadership and forward-thinking development strategies, the Town of Dumfries has positioned itself as a thriving and resilient locality, ensuring a prosperous future for its residents and businesses.
Get Involved with NBC-LEO
Applications to join NBC-LEO are open year-round. Membership is complimentary to local elected officials from NLC member cities and non-NLC members pay a $75 supporting member fee per year.
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