FAMU alum has ambitious vision for Dallas suburb

At age 33, FAMU alum Marcus Knight is one of Texas’ fastest rising political stars. With his historic 2008 election as Lancaster’s first black mayor under his belt, he’s wasted no time in introducing big ideas to the growing Dallas suburb.

“Overall, during my term as Mayor, I seek to grow our city’s commercial tax base, which will spur much needed funding for improved infrastructure, i.e., roads, parks, and other community amenities,” Knight explained in a recent interview. “The growth of our airport and golf course [will] further broaden the appeal for our community [and] are important opportunities I plan to focus on. Additionally, I want to establish a plan to secure quality health care for the Lancaster.”

The new mayor’s passion for public service comes from a strong role model: his father. 22 years ago, Richard Knight Jr. became Dallas' first black city manager.

And similar to dad, who attended Fort Valley State College, the younger Knight also chose to study at a land-grant HBCU. In 1996, he graduated with honors from FAMU’s School of Business and Industry. His SBI training prepared him to assume the vice-president/chief operating officer post at Knight Waste Services, his family’s successful residential waste hauling company.

While garbage makes up most the company’s collections, the business has made recycling a top priority. Knight Waste Services operates ten recycling routes, a number that’s close to its 13 waste routes. Each week, it shifts tons of reusable material to AbitibiBowater in Arlington, Tx. – the Southwest’s largest recycling plant. Knight plans to continue championing recycling as Lancaster’s chief executive.

“Landfill space is becoming scarce and recycling is the wave of the future,” Knight said. “It has to start with individuals starting at home.”

Knight leads by example in his own household. He and his wife, Tengemana (who was his FAMU sweetheart), emphasize the value of reducing trash and reusing materials to their three children.

“Family is what matters most,” Knight stated. “At home, we try to make recycling fun with our children. We hope we can bring that same fun into the classroom. If we can get children convinced to recycle, that will carry over to their homes and, in turn, will help educate their parents.

Knight will be back on The Hill this week to celebrate President James Ammons’ inauguration. He’ll also deliver the keynote address at this year’s Young Alumni Giving breakfast, which benefits the FAMU Foundation. Tickets are still available for $50 and can be purchased here.

Young Alumni Giving event aims to help FAMU Foundation