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Mayor Sherman Lea believes we all win when we can work together for the region.
Mayor Sherman Lea never thought he’d grow up to be a mayor. However, he always wanted to be involved with civics on some level, thanks to his father, a community activist. As a kid, Lea attended segregated schools and went with his father to neighborhoods to encourage citizens to register to vote.
A native of Danville, Lea and his family moved to Roanoke in 1992 as a result of his promotion with the Virginia Department of Corrections. Upon taking his kids to school, Lea witnessed students running across busy Hershberger Road without a crosswalk or assistance. Lea wrote a letter to the principal asking for improvements; they asked him to join the PTA and school board. Lea served five years as chairman and has a number of other civic activities, including city council, on his resume.
“I think the school board, to me, was probably the highest civic role you can have…because education is a foundation for everything,” Lea says. “I tell everyone, especially African-American kids, that education can be the big equalizer. Get your education, work hard and it’ll take you places you’ve never been. Education is something nobody can take away from you.”
With his first year as mayor completed, Lea credits many successes to his team and council. He’s passionate about helping those in poverty, especially children who need free lunches or worry about where to stay that night rather than pay attention in class. He’s interested in helping entrepreneurs succeed with their small businesses. He also lists regionalism as a significant accomplishment. He tries to meet monthly or at least quarterly with the Roanoke County Board of Supervisors and the Salem mayor.
“It’s about the valley, not just the city or one area…we’re reaching out and have a regional partnership that’s helping us,” says Lea. “We can do more together than we can separately. I ask everyone to take a part. No one entity will fix the problems. Let’s come together and do what you can do to make things better…if you’re not too concerned with who’s going to get credit, you can get a lot done.”
Lea is close with his family, including his two adult children and three grandchildren. His daughter, Erica, has been a teacher at William Byrd Middle School for the last 18 years. His son, Sherman Junior, runs his own business as the largest African-American employer in the city and acts as an advocate for mental health.
Lea and his wife Clara have been married for almost 40 years and are “movie buffs,” often spending their limited free time together at the movie theater (Lea is a “big Samuel L. Jackson fan”). They are heavily involved with their church and choir and Lea says nothing is more important than family.
Lea is excited about Roanoke’s future, citing the people as his favorite part of the community. “We’ve got good, young people in our community that have the right frame of mind. That’s why I’m optimistic. We’ll do well because of them. I want to be in a position where we can help people help themselves. Get strong so you can go out and do what you need to do.”
Even the challenges of his position can’t bring him down. He defines his leadership style as “customer service,” wanting to listen to people and their issues. His philosophy is “a new day brings new hope” and even when you get knocked down, you get back up and stay committed.
“I wouldn’t do it if I didn’t feel like I was making a difference,” he says. “But I care about what happens in this city. I like the direction we’re headed, the people in it, and we have a lot of potential…it isn’t rocket science, it’s just talking to each other! It’s why I work hard and make these meetings with community leaders so we stay in focus and think about what we can do together. We can compromise, but we win when we come together.”
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