DeDreana Freeman: “Why I’m Running To Be The Next Mayor Of Durham”
Running for City Council in 2017 was driven by my work organizing with neighbors and knowing I could do more for Durham. Over the years, I have had the privilege of listening to the voices of our diverse neighborhoods. And I remain deeply committed to addressing the pressing concerns that resonate across our beloved Bull City.
Durham is a tapestry of vibrant communities, each with its own unique character and challenges. From Bragtown to Walltown, Emory Estates to Tuscaloosa Lakewood, and all the neighborhoods in between, I understand the nuances of our city’s fabric. I see the areas that need attention and recognize the importance of preserving the heritage of places like Old East Durham and the Golden Belt.
My journey in community service in Durham spans two decades, and I bring a proven track record of unwavering dedication to our city. From fighting for residents concerned about their children’s health because of rubber tire mulch in East Durham Park to supporting the Equitable Engagement Blueprint and the creation and staffing of the Office of Equity and Inclusion, to leading the effort to win a national competition designed to develop and implement reforms to unjust fines and fees, to fighting for equitable pay for city staff–there isn’t a challenge in Durham that I’m not willing to confront with innovative solutions and no marginalized voice will go unheard or undefended under my leadership. My decisions and work on Council have always been about social economic justice, addressing inequities, and fostering a fair, just, and sustainable city for residents.
As we look to the next 20 years, I’m committed and prepared to lead Durham towards a future that prioritizes equity and sustainability. Over the last two years, the current Council has supported things like the HEART program, and we’ve worked to create programs like Welcome Home. We can do so much more. We can look to what’s happening on Fayetteville Street to guide our path forward, acknowledging that the infrastructure needed for the community to thrive is lacking. Focusing on the Fayetteville corridor is just the first step. We must support all of our businesses in the area, the residents, and homeowners on fixed incomes. These are areas that can be missed if we aren’t intentional about developing the corridor. I want to be at the forefront of that conversation. We still have work to do on West Chapel Hill Street and the West End. We still have work to do in Bragtown in North Durham. And we still have work to do in many neighborhoods across the city.
This campaign for Mayor of the City of Durham isn’t about me. My running for office never has been. This is about what’s best for Durham and what’s next. And what’s next is someone who loves this City in a way that puts it ahead of themselves. I am that candidate!
Our mayoral campaign will nurture the path forward by centering three key pillars:
- Community Engagement and Collaboration: Prioritizing actively listening to residents’ concerns and resolving to a yes rather than a no, shaping policies and initiatives that reflect their needs and aspirations.
- Inclusive and Sustainable Growth: Advancing economic development initiatives that create jobs, improve infrastructure, and support local businesses, especially women-owned, people of color-owned, and predominantly black businesses.
- Social Economic Justice: I am committed to ensuring marginalized communities receive the greatest share of resources and opportunities to overcome barriers.
While these are a few pillars we will focus on, there are others. It won’t always be easy, but as your Mayor, I promise to lead with determination and dedication. I love the Bull City. It would be my privilege to continue serving the people of Durham and doing so as the next Mayor, working collaboratively with council members, city employees, and all stakeholders who are invested in Durham’s future to address our community’s concerns and seize the opportunities before us. I invite you to join us on this journey.
Since July, I have been on a listening tour. I am particularly interested in hearing from the unhoused, youth, seniors, and people with disabilities. These are the people who often get lost in some of the conversations in our city. Jobs are not the only answer. It’s about how income is produced and how wealth is built so that people can take care of themselves. I want to listen. I want to hear from more of the residents. Sign up on our website at DeDreanaFreeman.com to receive information about upcoming meetups.
I am asking for your support and your vote. I look forward to the work ahead and the opportunity to make Durham an even better place to live, work, and thrive.
For more information, to contribute, and/or to volunteer, visit our website.