By Edward Henderson, California Black Media
Born in Stockton, Mayor Kevin Lincoln says his Army upbringing was one factor that inspired him to serve others.
Lincoln joined the United States Marine Corps in 2001 and was later recruited by the White House Military Office and assigned to Marine One, serving during President George W. Bush’s administration.
Following his military service, Lincoln worked for one of the nation’s top private security companies for eight years in Silicon Valley. In 2013, he resigned his corporate position to give back to his community in Stockton through full-time ministry at a local church.
Lincoln’s decision to run for mayor stemmed from this love of people, and desire to serve the city of his birth. He prioritized resolving issues including homelessness, public safety, civic engagement, and economic development, among others during his tenure.
Lincoln, a Republican, will transition out of his role as Mayor on Dec. 31, after an unsuccessful campaign to represent the 9th Congressional District.
Recently, California Black Media (CBM) spoke with Lincoln. He reflected on his accomplishments this year and his goals moving forward.
Responses have been edited for length and clarity.
Looking back at 2024, what stands out to you as your most important achievement and why?
What I prioritize for our city council is our youth. They are the future — not only our city, but this region as a whole.
We were able to invest over $6 million in youth programming and workforce development, and partner with 14 different community-based organizations. We were able to employ over 600 young people through the city of Stockton. We launched even our first ever summer jobs program for the city of Stockton. We hired 100 young people through the summer to work specifically for the city. And, eventually, we were able to permanently hire over 25 of those students.
How did your leadership and investments contribute to improving the lives of Black Californians?
It’s about giving people a seat at the table, and not necessarily waiting for people to come to me, but me going to the community, making myself accessible, meeting our community at the point of their need, where they’re at. As representatives, that’s where we’re at our finest and our best is when we’re taking that approach. But leadership is key.
What frustrated you the most over the last year?
It’s politics. Because unfortunately, there’s politics in everything. And I say politics impedes progress. You can have a policy, a solution that may not necessarily be 100% perfect. But it’s a good solution for everybody. But because we allow politics to get in the way based off our personal ideologies, oftentimes we can miss opportunities to make an impact for the benefit of the whole. You have to be willing to make certain compromises, without compromising your values.
You have to make compromises for the good of everybody.
What inspired you the most over the last year?
My biggest inspiration has been the community and our ability to work together. What’s unique about Stockton, one in 20 jobs are nonprofit jobs in the city of Stockton and even San Joaquin County. Those jobs are meeting some of the most fundamental needs socially and economically throughout the community, and we’ve proven that, we can be very effective with public-private-nonprofit partnerships.
What is one lesson you learned in 2024 that will inform your decision-making next year?
To stay focused. In politics, there’s a lot of opportunity for distractions. There are a lot of influences from the outside — good, bad and indifferent. It’s important to stay focused, have a clear vision, and be committed to that vision.
My vision is that Stockton will become the best city in America to live, raise a family, and grow business.
In one word, what is the biggest challenge Black Californians face?
Economics. When the economy is not healthy, when we’re not thriving, we’re limited. Opportunities are limited. Our dollar doesn’t go as far with the increased cost of living, increased housing costs and grocery costs, price of fuel. Oftentimes we have to work two, three times as hard.
What is the goal you want to achieve most in 2025?
It’s continuing to serve Stockton and San Joaquin County very well. I just want to continue to be a servant leader and serve our community in whatever capacity I am in.
