Clarence Lightner was born on August 15, 1921 in North Carolina. He grew up in a time of racial segregation and discrimination, but he was determined to make a difference in his community.
During World War II, Lightner served in the U.S. Army for three years. His time in the military instilled in him a sense of duty and service to his country, values that would shape his future career in politics.
In 1973, Lightner made history when he was elected as the mayor of Raleigh, North Carolina. As the first African American to be elected mayor of a metropolitan Southern city, his victory was a significant moment in the civil rights movement and race relations in the South.
Lightner's tenure as mayor was marked by his commitment to improving the lives of all residents of Raleigh. He worked to make the city more inclusive and to address issues of inequality and injustice. In 1977, he served as an interim State Senator after Senator John Winters resigned, further cementing his reputation as a dedicated public servant.
Lightner was a devoted husband to his wife Marguerite Massey, with whom he had four children. Family was important to him, and he often spoke about the importance of instilling values of equality and justice in the next generation.
Throughout his career, Lightner was a trailblazer and a champion for civil rights. His election as mayor was a symbolic victory for African Americans in the South, and his legacy continues to inspire generations of leaders to fight for equality and justice.
Lightner's influence extended beyond his role as mayor. In 2000, he served as a delegate to the Democratic National Convention, where Al Gore was chosen as the party's nominee. His presence at the convention was a testament to his enduring impact on American politics.