Clark County Assessor, Kasey Summerville was the first African American to be elected to a county-wide office in Clark County and is currently serving in her fourth term.
Summerville attended Henderson State University and Philander Smith College and will receive a degree in organizational management May 1. She is married to William Summerville and they have two children, Jade and Jansen.
Q What influenced you to become involved in politics?
A “I saw the need, and I wanted to utilize my skills and talents finding a way to make things better for Clark County.”
Q You’re involved with many activities concerning the black community, what’s your drive?
A “We all have an obligation and responsibility to give back to the community. No matter where I am and what I do, I feel responsible in helping to make a difference.”
Q What do you want young people to gain from Black History Month?
A “It is important for young people to know history and recognize some of the struggles others went through. I feel it will help them understand and appreciate things more.”
Q Why do you feel it’s important to reflect blacks who have impacted history, such as MLK, Rosa Parks, Malcom X, Tracey Steele, Barack Obama, George Mitchell and Roland Gosey.
A “Those people paved the way and sacrificed many things in their lives along the way. We should focus on the past to appreciate our current and future lives, and what can be achieved from others’ sacrifices.”
Q How can we teach young people to be more positive from the past, rather than the negative?
A “We can teach them by leadership. They should take advantage of the many opportunities now. They are able to do what they want, but some times fail to be sensitive to different opportunities life offers. It is important to share with young people some of the experiences we’ve gone through, and we should never be tired of contributing past struggles and accomplishments to others. “
Summerville is a member of the St. Paul AME Church, NAACP, recently appointed by Governor Beebe to serve on the State Land Information Board, and received the Kenneth Eddy Award in 2008 as outstanding assessor.
She said that inspiration is an important part of her own success.
“I am always inspired by individuals that lead with passion and vision. Those individuals who remaIn focused and are not afraid to follow their dreams. I’m grateful God is using me to try and make a difference in my community,” said Summerville.
