FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. — In the latest highlight of Spectrum News 1’s Asian and Pacific American Heritage Month series, you’ll meet the first Asian American City of Fayetteville council member.

He was elected by a narrow margin of just six votes. But what’s more incredible — working relentlessly to turn big dreams for the future of his community into reality.

Even before becoming a newly elected City Council member in Fayetteville, Mario Benavente has been tirelessly working to help people find their own voice. 

Mario Benavente (far left) with legislators and other activists at the General Assembly. (Spectrum News 1)

“We are involved in so many aspects of the community, I just feel like the final frontier is getting involved in politics,” Benavente said. “We’ve got something to say when it comes to a lot of these issues.”

Although shaking hands and giving elevator pitches isn’t always the fun part of the job, he said it builds relationships that pave the road for change. 

“We’re making better citizens through this programing because folks are understanding exactly how a bill gets passed in North Carolina, and how tough it can be sometimes when your voice isn’t as loud as another constituency group,” Benavente said.

Although the Asian American community has a rich history of political activism, he said that hasn’t translated in the U.S. political realm. His goal is to embrace that heritage and encourage others to take action on issues that impact their community. 

Members of North Carolina Asian Americans Together prepare to lobby at the General Assembly. (Spectrum News 1)

“It’s just a muscle that I don’t think we’ve exercised very well,” Benavente said. “Sort of our parents’ story or our grandparents’ story first coming to this country was, ‘put your nose to the grindstone’, focused on making a living, and sort of leave it at that.”

Benavente says activism doesn’t have to take place at the state legislative level. It can be something as simple as noticing a need in the community and getting involved with it. 

“The most important thing that I’m able to do for my community is let them know that we have a presence, we’re here, it’s time to take full advantage, let’s not leave anything on the table,” Benavente said. 

He first got involved in politics with N.C. Asian Americans Together two years ago. It was their first lobby day at the General Assembly. He said coming back this year meant so much more to him as an elected official.

He hopes that in another two years, all those lobbying with him might be in office in their own communities. 

“I’m glad to be, sort of, piercing that veil and starting what I hope will be a future where this isn’t uncommon,” Benavente said.