URBANA, Ill. (WAND) - In a city shaped by decades of growth and change, representation in leadership carries new meaning: DeShawn Williams is Urbana's first African American mayor.
Williams said this milestone goes beyond a title; it's about opening doors and showing young people that anything is possible.
"A teacher once told me that I would be dead or in jail by the age of 21. That was a result of the behavior in the crowd that I was hanging around and things of that nature, but it took someone believing in me," Williams said.
Williams shared that he faced obstacles growing up and learned early how the wrong influences can steer young people off course. Now, as a leader, he hopes children learn how to be a part of positive change in their communities.
"I want to make sure that I open as many doors for the folks coming in behind me so that they don't have to go through some of the same struggles that I went through to get to this point," Williams said.
When former President Barack Obama became the first African American president in 2008, Williams said he felt inspired like never before. As the first Black mayor in Urbana, he said representation is very important for children.
"That's why I've made it a priority to ensure that I'm in the schools, at community events and things of that nature in this role so that I can show them what's possible," Williams said.
Not only will this historic milestone help the youth, Williams believes all marginalized communities can benefit from diversity in local government.
"For people to be heard and to feel heard. You know, and just reassuring them that their voice matters and that they have a place at the table as well," said Williams
For some, pursuing leadership can seem impossible when you don't have a positive role model. But Williams hopes that through his leadership, kids learn to push beyond their limits.
"You miss every shot you don't take, you know, and just to remain encouraged and understand that your story does not have to end the way it started," Williams said.
When his term comes to a close, he wants his legacy to reflect progress, opportunity and impact.
"I would like for folks to attribute my name, just to connect it with someone who was able to bridge the gap in a time where we were most divided," Williams said.
Top Stories:
Huddle House cooking up a comeback in Decatur
Clinton officer fired after 'inappropriate' text exchange with teen
Trump administration cuts $100 million in Illinois public health program funding
Woman sentenced to 10 years in DUI crash that killed 2-month-old
Copyright 2026. WAND TV. All rights reserved.
