High Point Mayor Jefferson '18 to Receive 2025 Keeper of the Flame Award

EAST GREENSBORO, N.C. (July 17, 2025) — The International Civil Rights Center & Museum will present High Point, North Carolina, Mayor Cyril Jefferson ’18 with its prestigious 2025 Keeper of the Flame Award during the organization’s annual Civil Rights Gala on Saturday, July 19, at Joseph S. Koury Convention Center.

The award honors those who exemplify bold leadership, dedicated service and a steadfast commitment to advancing social justice — values that continue to define the civil rights movement.

This year’s event marks the 65th anniversary of the 1960 Greensboro Sit-Ins, a pivotal act of nonviolent protest led by the N.C. A&T Four – freshmen Jibreel Khazan (formerly Ezell Blair Jr.), Franklin McCain Sr., Joseph McNeil and David Richmond Jr. – that helped ignite a national movement for racial equality. The gala’s theme, “Sit-Ins to Stand-Outs,” celebrates the legacy of everyday people whose activism has grown into transformative civic leadership.

Jefferson, 33, who graduated with a B.A. in liberal studies, made history in 2023 as the youngest person elected mayor of High Point. A native of the city, he rose to public office with a community-first approach, emphasizing inclusive growth, equitable access to services and sustainable development. His political journey began in 2019 when he was elected to High Point City Council, driven by grassroots organizing and direct engagement with residents.

Jefferson credits A&T for shaping his civic mission.

“North Carolina A&T didn’t just educate me, it called me to service,” he said. “On that campus I learned that purpose grows when knowledge meets community. Professors pushed us to reach higher. Classmates reminded us to lift together. That blend of rigor, hope and Aggie Pride still guides every decision I make.”

Since taking office, Jefferson has launched a number of initiatives aimed at expanding opportunity and advancing equity across High Point, including:

• HPTSGo!, a flexible, on-demand transit system designed to improve mobility in historically underserved communities;
• A $40 million Housing Impact Fund to increase affordable housing and prevent resident displacement;
• Recognition of High Point as the first Certified Autism Destination on the East Coast, bolstering accessibility and inclusive tourism;
• The recruitment of Carolina Core FC, a professional soccer club, as part of a larger effort to boost economic development and revitalize the city’s downtown district.

A vocal advocate for preserving High Point’s legacy as the Home Furnishings Capital of the World, Jefferson also has partnered with industry stakeholders and the High Point Market Authority to strengthen the city’s design economy and year-round impact.

Jefferson and his wife, Raven Dawkins, share a deep-rooted passion for youth empowerment and education. Dawkins, a graduate of North Carolina Central University, serves as High Point Schools Partnership director. The couple, who met in high school, are raising their two sons, Cyril and Royce, in the same community where they grew up.

“Being named the 2025 Keeper of the Flame reminds me that progress is a relay,” Jefferson said. “I’m honored to carry this torch, but I know it burns brightest when we pass it forward — when each of us stands up, speaks up and lights the way for the next generation.”

Doors open for the gala at 5 p.m., with the program scheduled from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at the center, located at 3121 W. Gate City Blvd., Greensboro. The evening will include musical performances, tributes to community leaders and reflections on the ongoing pursuit of civil rights.