[Op-Ed] Middleton Endorses Councilmember Freeman: “Allow Her To Keep Fighting For Us”

Durham City Councilmember DeDreana Freeman and I do not agree on everything. This is precisely why I’m voting for her to remain on the City Council. There is no more insistent voice than hers in the Durham public square calling us to the realization that the work of true racial equity is hard, and at times uncomfortable. She is the epitome of the Socratic gadfly and a champion of those that too often don’t get a second thought from the privileged and powerful. DeDreana is not interested in fitting into anyone’s box; she carries her own with her. In an age when political fealty and submission are the ever-increasing currency of the day, DeDreana is a fiercely independent voice trumpeting the need to make more room at the table. She is so very Durmish with hers.

Durham City Councilmember DeDreana Freeman stands in front of City Hall with Councilmember Mark-Anthony Middleton. (Photo: Lawrence Davis)

I invite all Durham voters to consider the following: given the number of times we vote unanimously as a council, what exactly is the case for not re-electing DeDreana that could not reasonably be applied to all of us who sit on the council? What is so exotic about her? Is it a question of temperament? Is there really any elected official in this county that wants to be under that microscope? How would any elected leader in this city fare if judged by the words and actions of their most unhinged surrogate or supporter? DeDreana has done and is doing the work and occupies a unique perch in Durham politics that literally no other person does.

Whether it’s centering racial equity, protecting our waterways, safeguarding the dignity and self-esteem of women in the workplace, advocating for youth employment, or offering laser-focused resolutions that remind us of who we are as a city, DeDreana Freeman, often through her dissent, ensures the continuing narrative of Durham as an emergent city. I used to struggle with how to characterize the dynamic of sometimes cheering for her when I thought she was spot on, and pulling my hair out (you know what I mean) when I thought she could not be more wrong. It’s called friendship. It’s called democracy. Durham’s democracy is better because of my friend. Please join me in giving the Honorable DeDreana Freeman our permission to keep fighting for us.
Submitted by:

Mark-Anthony Middleton
Durham City Council
Ward 2