THOMASVILLE, N.C. — A councilman in Thomasville, who made history in November by becoming the youngest person of color to take on the role, is being recognized again.

What You Need To Know

  • At 23-years-old, Jacquez Johnson is the youngest African American city councilman in Thomasville

  • He also serves his community as a pastor, English teacher and food donation volunteer 

  • Johnson says his work in the community is a product of the faith and mentorships he participated in growing up 

JacQuez Johnson was 23 years old when he was elected. He also serves his community as an English teacher and pastor. 

Johnson said it's his faith that motivates him to make a difference.

“I am first a minister and a man of God, so that leads the charge in my heart because God tells us to look out for those who are poorest among us and who need help. So letting that be my moral compass every single day gives me a passion and joy to do work like this,” Johnson explained.

Johnson also recently became the youngest person to receive the Martin Luther King Beloved Community Award, granted by the Martin Luther King Social Action Committee in Thomasville.

“It is given to folks in our community who are helping to build a beloved community, so I was the youngest recipient of this award this year, and it was a super great honor to be recognized in that kind of way,“ Johnson said. 

Johnson is originally from Winston-Salem. He said he moved to Thomasville as a child following the death of his father. 

Once in Thomasville, Johnson found mentors that encouraged him to serve the community through law and civic engagement. 

He says his goal is to continue to find ways to give back to the area that has poured so much into him.