A Kentucky State University alumnus recently made history as the youngest Black mayor in Illinois history. 

Darren E. Bryant became the youngest Black mayor at 29 when he took office as the mayor of the village of Robbins, a historic Black village outside of Chicago. 

Bryant defeated incumbent Tyrone Ward with 52 percent of the vote. According to news reports, Robbins is among the oldest African American communities in the country. It is reportedly the sixth oldest African American incorporated community in America, as well as the home of the first Black-owned and operated airport. 

Actress Keke Palmer and retired NBA star Dwyane Wade grew up in Robbins. 

“Robbins has a history of African American pioneers, and once being a center of Black culture in Illinois is astonishing,” Bryant said in a Chicago Defender story. “This is the people’s victory more so than mine, and it feels amazing to get it done for the people.”

According to news reports Bryant previously served as the village’s park district commissioner and vice president and, at age 25, was elected village trustee. Bryant said both his parents served as elected officials in the community.