Navigating Power: Lessons in Leadership from A.C. Wharton - Part 2

In Part 2 of this compelling What U Said conversation, Dr. Christopher B. Davis continues his dialogue with former Memphis Mayor A C Wharton, shifting the focus to the lasting impact of HBCUs and the critical role institutions like LeMoyne-Owen College play in shaping Black leadership. Mayor Wharton reflects on how HBCUs have served as incubators for excellence, confidence, and civic responsibility especially for those called to lead in complex political environments. Through rich storytelling, Wharton recounts his experiences navigating Memphis as a Black mayor, offering behind-the-scenes insights into leadership, legacy, and the realities of governing a majority-Black city within broader power structures. He shares personal moments that highlight resilience, strategy, and the cultural grounding that sustained him along the way.