Leonardo "Leo" Williams

Leonardo is a former teacher, school administrator, and current small business owner. He is running for Durham City Council so that everyone in Durham is able to create their own legacy through economic mobility, community safety, a thriving local economy, and access to opportunity. A two-time graduate of North Carolina Central University, Leonardo possesses a broad portfolio in education policy, community development, mental health, and business development across North Carolina. He eventually transitioned from full-time educator to full-time small business owner. Sacrificing everything, he and his wife opened the only full-service authentic Zimbabwean restaurant in the United States.

Housing, community safety, and the pandemic are top priorities in Durham. However, Leonardo believes that we must understand how economic mobility affects all of these issues. It is increasingly difficult for residents in Durham to find financial prosperity. Without it, people cannot access basic necessities like food, healthcare, and shelter.

Leonardo believes that we have a responsibility to ensure that Durham residents should not merely live to survive but they should prosper and succeed. Leonardo has focused on a holistic approach to issues facing Durham. He is a grassroots practitioner and will continue to value all perspectives and ideas of his city in his work. Leonardo was called by his community to seek this position, and he would be proud to represent the people of his great city.