Each February, we honor the many achievements of Black people throughout U.S. History during Black History Month.
One of our favorite local leaders to remember is Leon Young.
Young was not only a war veteran, a successful small business owner, a husband and a father, but the first and only Black mayor of Colorado Springs. His years of public service spanned decades and included roles as vice mayor and city council member prior to his election as mayor.
A quiet, hard-working man dedicated to the public good, local newspaper headlines from the 1990s paint a vivid picture of his character:
In 1999, the Colorado Springs Utilities Board renamed the Colorado Springs Utilities Service Center the Leon Young Service Center, "in appreciation for the exemplary and dedicated leadership of Mr. Young during his tenure as City Council Member, Vice Mayor and Mayor of Colorado Springs."
Young passed away in 2004 at age 80. He left a considerable legacy, and we are honored to have his name on our building. When COVID restrictions allow, check out the display cases in the lobby of our Leon Young Service Center that feature his awards, pictures and treasures.
To learn more about Leon Young and other important Black figures in Colorado Springs history, visit the Colorado Springs Pioneer Museum exhibit Any Place That Is North and West. This exhibit explores what Black settlers found when they arrived in Colorado Springs, the supportive community they created and the role they played in shaping the city we live in today.