Yemi Mobolade, a Nigerian immigrant and successful businessman in the United States, has made history by becoming Colorado’s first Black mayor. The swearing-in ceremony took place at the Pioneers Museum, officially marking Mr. Mobolade’s position as the mayor of the second-largest city in the western U.S. state.
During the inauguration, Governor Jered Polis of Colorado expressed admiration for Mr. Mobolade’s inspirational journey. He highlighted Mobolade’s dedication to improving Colorado Springs and the nation, emphasizing his relatable story as an immigrant who arrived in the country 27 years ago, initially as a student, and later became a U.S. citizen in 2017.
Polis commended Mobolade’s contributions as a business owner, operating two restaurants, and overseeing a community church. The governor remarked, “Somebody who has dedicated his life to making Colorado Springs and America a better place, whose story we can all identify with, who came here, who started businesses.”
Reflecting on his historic achievement, Mr. Mobolade expressed a sense of disbelief, stating, “I wake up every morning and I think it’s a dream, and then I realize, no, this really happened.”
He emphasized the significance of his identity as a Black leader, Black mayor, and immigrant mayor, recognizing the impact his story can have on inspiring young Black and minority individuals.
“Why that matters is because there are a lot of young Black kids and minority kids that find inspiration and hope in my story,” he added.
Mobolade cofounded two popular restaurants — The Wild Goose Meeting House and Good Neighbours Meeting House — in Colorado’s second-largest city and served as its small business development administrator.
He was also the vice president of business retention and expansion for the Colorado Springs Chamber and Economic Development Corporation.
