Meet Cyril Jefferson
Cyril Jefferson, Councilman representing High Point’s Ward 1, You may have heard of him?
by Chaunice Chapman
Triad Voice wanted to know who Cyril Jefferson is really; What drives him? Poised to become the next mayor of High Point; there’s a lot of hype about this guy. Young, Black, and gifted, if elected, he would become only the second African American, the first male, and possibly the youngest mayor the city has ever had. And it’s not by chance; the resume is impressive. Trailing accolades include- Magna Cum laude graduate of North Carolina A&T State U., Award-winning social innovator, Founder & principal consultant at Change Often LLC, Band director, and crazy good percussionist (yes, he does that too). Jefferson has a track record many would applaud. We’ve had the pleasure of a scintillating conversation with this superstar, and here’s what we learned.
Cyril has a warm energy in greeting that gives an immediate sense of why he’s been so good at gathering people together. It’s not surprising; he never had a chance in an environment enriched by Sunday school teachers and ministers of music. From a young age, Jefferson’s family instilled the values he lives by today. They prioritized excellence in education, but perhaps the most memorable lessons came from summers in Utica with Grandma. She taught him to focus his gifts on the community, with community outreach in one form or another being a regular part of life for young Jefferson. The passion kindled while young led him to build a life centered on community building. As a village hangs it’s future on its young, it follows that Jefferson would find himself in the role of an educator. He spent several years as a band director at T.W. Andrews High, helping students reach their full potential musically and beyond.
Cyril is often praised as a social innovator, an expert at finding creative and effective new solutions for existing social and economic problems. In fact, the firm he founded, Change often LLC, makes this its focus. The name nods to a famous Churchill quote*” To improve is to change; to be perfect is to have changed often.” Perfection may yet be unattainable. Still, he founded the organization believing we should never stop trying. Heavily influenced by time spent working with youth, Change Often LLC. has already had a considerable impact in High Point, providing critical infrastructure to support the fight against social ills. In just a few short years, a consultancy that began as Cyril’s one-person band is now a force of over 15 Change Agents, fellows, interns, and junior associates that have been able to mobilize millions in community, private and government funding to support local initiatives. A partner in the High Point Market Diversity Advocacy Alliance, Change Often LLC works tirelessly to defend equity in High Point. They’ve helped to diversify the vendor pool at the High Point Furniture Market, which in its two showings has the economic impact of eight Super Bowls each year. Increased representation in commerce leads to stronger communities of all shades. Change Often LLC has been able to put their money where their mouth is while prioritizing “Lives saved over dollars made.” as their slogan states.
Out of the good work with Change Often LLC , under Cyril Jefferson’s exemplary leadership, came yet another gem- The Thrive High Point Minority Entrepreneurship Initiative. If you checked out our last issue, you might have walked with us through the Thrive Summit. This extraordinary event offered support and networking en masse to budding business owners of color. Born of a conversation between Jefferson, Dr. Nido Qubein, and a few other council members, the goal of Thrive was to build something positive in the Black community. A testament to Jefferson’s vision and consistency of character, Thrive received half a million dollars in initial support on the promise that Cyril would guide and support the initiative. Change Often LLC then raised an additional 1.5 million for the enterprise, an inspiring number. Thrive has been able to help hundreds of minority owned businesses grow through community outreach, education, and direct support.
And the fight continues. Cyril Jefferson and his many collaborators have thus far proved they can get the job done. There is a shimmering vision of the “most livable, safe, and prosperous city in America” and some very dedicated hands on the task. We look forward to seeing what is to come.
Find out more about Cyril Jefferson at https://www.electcyriljefferson.com/elect-cyril-jefferson-home
