When people hear “small town,” they don’t often think “global influence.”

But that’s exactly what Dumfries, Virginia is becoming — a town rewriting the story of what local government can achieve.

This week, I joined the African American Mayors Association (AAMA) in Ghana 🇬🇭, alongside fellow U.S. mayors, to strengthen trade, education, and leadership partnerships between American cities and African communities. What we learned — and shared — has everything to do with how our town continues to grow, thrive, and lead.

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What Ghana Taught Us About Community and Connection

In Accra, we met mayors from across Ghana who are working hard on the same issues we face:

better roads, clean water, thriving small businesses, and opportunities for young people.

It reminded me of our work in Dumfries — investing in Route 1 improvements, reimagining Main Street, and building a world-class Waterfront District. Whether in Africa or America, the heartbeat of progress is the same: local leaders building better communities for everyday people.

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Local Leadership with Global Lessons

At the U.S. Embassy, we explored how American and Ghanaian communities can collaborate on education, entrepreneurship, and tourism.

Programs like SelectUSA and student exchange partnerships are creating bridges that open real opportunities for small towns like ours — from trade relationships to cultural exchanges.

Every handshake, every story, and every connection was a reminder that Dumfries’ transformation isn’t just about buildings or infrastructure — it’s about people, possibility, and purpose.

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Honoring the Past, Building the Future

Visiting the Cape Coast slave dungeons was deeply emotional. Standing where our ancestors once stood — as mayors and leaders — was a moment that connected history to hope.

It reminded me why we lead. Because leadership isn’t about power; it’s about healing, honoring, and building a legacy that uplifts others.

That’s what we’re doing in Dumfries: creating opportunity while preserving the stories that built our town.

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The Blueprint for Transformation

Our meetings with business and technology leaders focused on innovation, youth empowerment, and digital development — conversations that felt very familiar.

In Dumfries, our revitalization projects are doing the same thing: preparing for the next generation of dreamers, creators, and leaders. The work we’re doing on Route 1, Main Street, and the Waterfront is not just about local development — it’s a blueprint for small-town transformation that other communities can follow.

We showed Ghana — and the world — that leadership doesn’t depend on your size or status.

It depends on your vision.

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Why This Matters to You

This isn’t just a story about Ghana or Dumfries — it’s a story about us all.

It’s about how one community’s vision can inspire others to think bigger, collaborate deeper, and lead with heart.

When you support local projects, attend town meetings, or shop at a local business — you’re part of the same movement that connects Dumfries to the world.

Because whether it’s here or across the ocean, real change always starts at home. 🌍

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Final Reflection

We made it known in Ghana:

Dumfries is the blueprint for local government transformation — proof that when a small town leads with vision, the world takes notice.