As the 100th anniversary of ICMA and the local government management profession winds down, an equally exciting centennial celebration is underway.

The theme of this year’s Black History Month, “A Century of Black Life, History, and Culture,” focuses on the past 100 years of African-American life. In 1915, African-American historian, author, and journalist Carter G. Woodson founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History, now known as the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH).[1] Woodson was convinced that the early 20th century represented the beginning of a new era of “equality, opportunity, and racial democracy,” and it is in honor of the milestone founding of ASALH that the 2015 Black History Month theme was chosen.[2]

Sy Murray

African-Americans joined the ranks of U.S. professional local government managers in full force during the 1970s. To learn what the profession was like during that time and what it felt like to come up through the ranks as one of only a handful of African-American chief appointed managers in the country, read “A Remarkable Management Life,” the interview with Sylvester Murray, distinguished visiting professor of public administration and policy, Jackson State University, Jackson, Mississippi; and former ICMA president. The interview originally appeared in the September 2014 anniversary issue of PM magazine. Be sure to also visit the “The ICMA Experience” on the anniversary website and view the video of the “Interview with Sylvester (Sy) Murray,” which served as the basis of the PM article.

Check out this recent Knowledge Network blog post, "Black History Month: How Local Governments Embrace Social Equality."

Create Your Own History!

Submit your free-form story or responses to the questions below to the ICMA anniversary website at anniversary@icma.org. Here are some items to cover:

• What’s the best experience you’ve had during your career?
• What’s the best experience you’ve had as an ICMA member?
• Throughout your career, who have been your local government heroes, e.g., your teachers, mentors, role models, and other people who’ve most inspired you throughout your career?
• If you work for an organization other than a local government, describe your experiences as a partner or collaborator with ICMA.