Photo via: Xante Wallace
Only just a few weeks after graduating from Prairie View A&M University, 21-year-old Xante Wallace will take the oath of office to serve as a Prairie View City Council Member Position 5.
According to ABC, Wallace was elected in his first bid for public office last year and he ran his campaign with a focus on bringing more business to the city and improving local infrastructure. While Prairie View is a small Texas town with a growing university presence, he says he feels the city has a lot of catching up to do in order to properly serve its people.
“I intend to emphasize, ‘buy Prairie and buy local,’” he said. “More off-campus housing is being built for students, but there’s no traditional grocery store. The main retail here is the Dollar Store. Otherwise, people have to drive to Hempstead or Cypress to do their shopping. We want the money to stay here, so the city gets some of it.”
Wallace says his goal is to build a greater bridge between the university and the city.
“Prairie View is in a great location,” he said. “There’s no reason it can’t grow to the benefit of the city and its people.”
The 21-year-old, who plans to complete graduate school at the university while serving his constituents, says he also has a message for any residents who are hesitant about his ability to serve on the council due to his age.
“Just watch,” he says. “Judge me by my actions.”
Congratulations, Xante! Thank you being an inspiration to other young people who hope to run for office one day. Best of luck to you in your new role.