1. What inspired you to become involved in so many community events?
LC: When I was three years old, I had a premonition that I would make a change in the future. It was a spiritual, feeling you know?  Also, my parents were very supportive and they worked hard in their lives, and I knew I had to do the same. May I not forget Juanita Craft, an American civil rights pioneer, Emmit Comrad, and S.M. Wright, who were all mentors of mine.
2. When did you decide to become a City Council Member?
LC:  My dad wanted me to be a business man, and like I said, I knew I was meant for something big when I was in the third grade . In college, I majored in political science. Politics was a passion of mine no doubt about it- I wanted to give back to the community.
3. What was your greatest achievement on the council?
LC:  I had many achievements during my time on the council. To name them in order of importance doesn’t do them justice. To name a few, I helped initiate the Community Court, and a Re-entry Program for former offenders. I also created the Wheatley Historic District, and Plan Development District 595.
4. As a child what were you like?
LC:  I was always a good child. I was great student, and highly motivated. I worked hard for the things I had.
5. What problems/obstacles did you face on the City Council?
LC:  There was this one interesting time when the FBI came to my district on a corruption case concerning some people in my district. We had to stop what we were doing, and a lot of time was lost. I was also criticized on multiple occasions on some projects like Opportunity Park- I was term limited from its development, and could no longer go through with my plans.
6. Who is your idol?
LC: The word idol seems a bit too brash, but I had mentors- people like Juanita Craft, Emmit Comrad, Rev. S.M Wright, and my father that I looked up to.​

7. What did you want to accomplish when working for the City of Dallas?
LC: As a City Coucilman I wanted to give back to the community.  I founded many organizations such as Tulisoma which is a literacy arts program, and Springfest which helps the poor. Also, project Reconnect a project to help former offenders which we created to improve the community through education.
8. What advice would you give to a high school student?
LC: You have to stay focused on your education and other aspects of your life. You have to set goals, and in order to reach those goals you can’t do some things. Also, education is about creating friendships and relationships that in the future can create connections leading to good things.
9. Any regrets?
LC: I would say the development of Opportunity Park. The problem was that I kept it to myself, I should have gotten the community more involved. The park was planned to acknowledge great people from the community. But ultimately, it didn’t turn out as planned. Another one would be that I didn’t have enough time to do some things- only eight years.
10. What brought you to the educational field?
LC: I do this for the joy of being able to help teach others. Giving these kids some of my knowledge will benefit them in the long run…but only if they listen.​



Interview by Patricio G.

Leo V. Chaney Jr.

Leo Chaney is a former Dallas City Councilman who has worked with many organizations in the Dallas community. He was  President of the National Black Caucus of Local Elected Officials, and he founded Tulisama, a community supported program for literacy and arts. Currently he is a substitute teacher in the Dallas Independent School District.