MEET NIGERIAN-AMERICAN YEMI MOBOLADE, THE FIRST ELECTED BLACK MAYOR OF COLORADO SPRINGS 

Did you know that Yemi Mobolade's victory as first elected black mayor of United States' Colorado Springs, Colorado, is neither as a candidate of the Democratic nor the Republican party, but an independent candidate?

Yemi Mobolade is a Nigerian-American businessman and politician that shattered barriers and etched his name in history as Colorado Springs’ first elected Black mayor following his victory on Tuesday, May 16 in the 2023 election, breaking a 45-year winning streak of the Republican party. 

Mobolade is from Lagos, Nigeria. His father worked in finance for ExxonMobil while his mother was a high school teacher. In August 1996, Mobolade immigrated to the United States, where he graduated from Bethel University in 2001. He thereafter earned a master's degree in management and leadership from Indiana Wesleyan University and a Master of Divinity from A.W. Tozer Theological Seminary.

In 2010, Mobolade settled in Colorado Springs, Colorado, where he co-founded two restaurants and founded a church within the Christian and Missionary Alliance. He served as a ministry leader at First Presbyterian Church of Colorado Springs between 2015 and 2017. He served as the vice president of business retention for Colorado Springs' chamber of commerce from 2017 to 2019 and small business development manager for Colorado Springs from 2019 to 2022.

Mobolade announced his candidacy for mayor of Colorado Springs in the 2023 election as an independent politician in April 2022. In the nonpartisan blanket primary, held on April 4, Mobolade finished in first place in the 12 candidate field with 29 percent of the vote, advancing to a runoff election against Wayne W. Williams, who received 20 percent. He defeated Williams in the May 16 runoff election, 57 percent to 43 percent, and will become the first Black elected mayor of Colorado Springs.

As noted by Simon Areba in Today's News Africa, the outcome of the election sent shockwaves through Colorado Springs, known for its conservative leanings. Mobolade’s triumph marks a seismic political shift, as he becomes the first mayor in 45 years not affiliated with the Republican Party. His victory signifies a turning point in the city’s political landscape and opens the door to a new era of leadership, The Colorado Springs Gazette noted in its editorial.

Throughout his campaign, Mobolade centered his message on fostering inclusivity and prioritizing the quality of life for all residents. He rallied supporters by stressing the importance of transcending partisan divides and focusing on the city’s collective well-being. By highlighting the need for unity and cultural richness, he struck a chord with voters who yearned for a leader capable of bringing people together.

Mobolade’s personal journey as an immigrant born in Nigeria resonated deeply with voters, inspiring hope for a more inclusive future. His election offers a symbol of progress, empowering marginalized communities and encouraging young leaders from diverse backgrounds to pursue their aspirations.

Mobolade became a United States citizen in 2017. He and his wife, Abbey, have three children.

Sources:

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yemi_Mobolade

https://todaynewsafrica.com/nigerian-american-yemi-mobolade-makes-history-as-colorado-springs-first-elected-black-mayor-breaking-a-45-year-streak-unaffiliated-with-the-republican-party/