LANCASTER – Marcus Knight didn't run for mayor to be labeled a pioneer.

BRANDON THIBODEAUX/Special Contributor

Lancaster's new mayor, Marcus Knight, shook hands with resident Ifialee Phillips after his swearing-in ceremony at City Hall on Monday.

But he is one. And a second-generation one, at that.

Mr. Knight took office Monday as this southern Dallas County city's first black mayor. Twenty-two years ago, his father, Richard Knight Jr., was appointed Dallas' first black city manager. His mother, Mavis Knight, is on the state Board of Education.

"He comes from good stock," said Dallas County Justice of the Peace Thomas G. Jones.

Marcus Knight, 33, prefers to think of his feat as a historic footnote rather than a newsworthy milestone.

"I think it's important, but I don't want to overblow it," he said. "I certainly don't want to minimize the historical impact of this election, but I recognize that what really is going to matter is how well I perform and affect the community."

The milestone was destined to occur, no matter whom voters chose to succeed five-term Mayor Joe Tillotson. All three men who ran are black.

Lancaster is the largest Texas city where blacks make up a majority of the population.

The shift occurred during the '90s. Between 1990 and 2000, Lancaster's population grew by just 3,700. But the racial makeup flipped from 65 percent white and 30 percent black to 53 percent black and 38 percent white.

Over the past several years, African-Americans have ascended to numerous leadership roles in Lancaster.

The school district hired its first black superintendent, Larry Lewis, in 2003. In February, Keith Humphrey became the city's first black police chief. Lancaster City Manager Rickey Childers, hired last year, is the first black person to hold that post. Aside from the mayor, African-Americans hold three City Council seats. One of those council members – the just re-elected James Daniels – said he hopes to help guide Mr. Knight in his new role.

"If not, I'll pull him by the ear and call his dad," Mr. Daniels joked.

Richard Knight worked for 30 years in city management before entering the private sector and starting several businesses. His first job after graduate school was as city manager of a small, predominantly white North Carolina town. He was that state's first black city manager.

He puts little stock in so-called milestones.

"Things have to be done, and you do them," he said. "What you'd better focus on is what you accomplish."

Richard Knight said his pride for his middle son stems from his decision to serve his community, not the fact that he did something first.

"We've always taught them you have to pay some dues for the space you occupy," he said. "You have to get involved and get engaged."

Marcus Knight never planned to enter government and instead pursued a business career. After college, he worked for Toyota Motor Sales USA and advanced to marketing manager for the company's second-largest district. He joined a family business in 1999.

"After seeing what my dad went through, I really had no desire to be in public life," he said.

But after moving to Lancaster eight years ago, he felt motivated to get involved. He has been on numerous boards and commissions, including planning and zoning and economic development.

"You start to recognize that it's really not so much about you, but it's about helping your community and having an impact," he said.

His mother said she and her husband were delighted yet surprised when their son announced his campaign for mayor.

"I never imagined he would be interested in an elected position. He's always volunteered," she said. "Now that the political bug has bitten, who knows what will happen?

"But I think right now he's just focused on doing the best for the community of Lancaster."

Mr. Knight must steer the city through a period of unprecedented growth.

Lancaster sits poised for a population explosion, according to the North Central Texas Council of Governments. The organization estimates that Lancaster could add about 20,000 people in the next three years and an additional 11,000 by 2030.

The Dallas Logistics Hub, a planned mammoth inland trade port and distribution center divided almost equally among Lancaster, Dallas, Hutchins and Wilmer, is expected to attract aggressive development and workers by the tens of thousands.

The city must expand its infrastructure to support new people and businesses, Mr. Knight said. He considers it a top priority to attract commercial and retail enterprises to expand the city's tax base.

"I believe our community is on the cusp of an economic wave that has never been seen in southern Dallas County," he said.

Richard Knight said his son's intelligence, work ethic and business experience will serve him well as mayor.

"I live in Dallas," he said. "I don't want to second-guess the voters in Lancaster, but I think they made a great choice."

Marcus Knight said he feels humbled by the community's faith and support.

"It's really been overwhelming to know people believe enough in me and my abilities," he said. "It's time to go to work now."

Age: 33

In Lancaster: Eight years

Occupation: Chief operating officer of his family's business, Knight Waste Services

Family: Wife, Tengemana; son Avery, 8, and daughters Sanaa, 5, and Mia, 19 months

Education: Bachelor of science in business administration from Florida A&M University, 1996; DISD Business and Management Magnet High School at Crozier Tech, 1992

Civic involvement: Lancaster Economic Development Corp. board; Lancaster Planning and Zoning Commission; 2007 Lancaster street bond initiative chairman; Leadership Southwest graduate; Lancaster Charter Review Committee; Lancaster Minority Purchasing Review Committee; Rotary Club; Lancaster Chamber of Commerce board