FAMU Alum Elected as the First Black Mayor of Lancaster, Texas

Florida A&M University alum Marcus Knight, 33, was recently elected the first black mayor of Lancaster, Texas, following in the footsteps of his father, Richard Knight Jr., who was appointed Dallas' first black city manager 22 years ago.

Although Knight did not plan on having a career in politics, after moving to Lancaster, Knight served on several boards and commissions in the city, which prepared him to run for mayor. He was a member of the Lancaster Economic Development Corporation Board, Planning and Zoning Commission and Charter Review committee.

Knight, a 1996 honor graduate of FAMU’s School of Business and Industry (SBI), began his professional career at Toyota Motor Sales USA after graduation. After moving back to Texas, Knight eventually joined his family’s business, Knight Waste Services, Ltd., which is a residential waste hauling company. He currently serves as the vice-president and chief operating officer.

Knight and his wife Tengemana have three children: Avery, 8; Sanaa, 5; and Mia, 19 months.