🌟 Speaker Spotlight: Mayor Preston Blakely
- dalton buchanan
- 4 days ago
- 2 min read
Featured Speaker at the 2025 Henderson County Democratic Convention
Preston Blakely is no stranger to Western North Carolina—or to making history. Born in Asheville and raised in Fletcher, Preston's roots run deep in our region. His journey from a young, engaged resident to the Mayor of Fletcher is a testament to the power of community, legacy, and leadership.
Blakely earned his B.A. from UNC Greensboro, double majoring in African American & African Diaspora Studies and Political Science. He continued his education at Western Carolina University, where he received a Master of Public Affairs and was named the Outstanding Public Affairs Student in Public Management.
Preston’s dedication to public service led him to seek a seat on the Fletcher Town Council. As a young Black man and lifelong resident, he saw the importance of bringing fresh energy and lived experience to local government. Running a grassroots campaign filled with door-knocking, phone banking, postcard-writing, and community conversations, Preston quickly earned the support of voters—winning with an overwhelming 70% of the vote.
After serving on the town council, he ran for mayor when former Mayor Rod Whiteside stepped down. Once again, the community put their trust in Preston—and he delivered.
Blakely’s leadership and passion for equity didn’t go unnoticed at the state level. He was appointed by Governor Roy Cooper to the North Carolina Statewide Taskforce for Racial Equity in Criminal Justice, where he works alongside other leaders to advance fairness and justice in public policy.
Preston’s path is deeply shaped by his family’s legacy of resilience and service. His parents, Jonathan and Namurah Blakely, founded Quality Janitorial Group in 1990—a small business that has supported countless families in the region. His maternal grandmother, Oralene Simmons, made history as the first Black student at Mars Hill College and founded Asheville’s annual Martin Luther King Jr. Prayer Breakfast. His late paternal grandmother, Patricia Blakely, also broke barriers as the first Black woman to drive a city bus in Asheville—a powerful full-circle moment after being forced to sit at the back of the bus in her youth.
Mayor Blakely brings with him not only a powerful personal story, but also a forward-thinking vision for the future of North Carolina communities. We’re proud to welcome him as a featured speaker at the 2025 Henderson County Democratic Convention.
🗓️ Join us on Saturday, April 26 at 11:00 AM at St. John in the Wilderness in Flat Rock to hear Mayor Blakely and other incredible leaders speak on where we go next—and how we get there, together.
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