WS Chronicle

By Derwin Montgomery

As the dust settles on one of the most contentious election seasons in recent history, Vice President Kamala Harris stands as a figure who did what she needed to do. She delivered her message, extended her hand to a country at a crossroads, and reminded Americans of the fragile beauty of democracy. But in a moment that will reverberate across history, the American people ultimately chose a different path, one marked by a turn toward authoritarianism. This was not a mere choice between candidates; it was a choice between values. And now, as the country faces the implications of four more years under a Trump administration, we are left to grapple with the consequences of that decision.

This is what we, as a nation, have chosen. And whatever follows in these next four years, both the challenges and the lessons, will be what we collectively deserve. As Americans, we must face this reality with sober acceptance and look to the power we still have to effect change.

The focus now shifts. We are in an environment where the federal government’s trajectory is largely set, but that does not strip us of our agency. Local government remains closest to us, shaping our neighborhoods, our schools, our communities. The upcoming midterm elections and new local council members and board of commissioners give us an opportunity to reinforce our values where we live.

City councils, county commissioners, and school boards make decisions that impact our everyday lives — funding schools, managing community resources, supporting local businesses, and setting policies that touch every corner of our lives. This is where our power to influence remains strong. Local leaders are accessible; they represent fewer people and make decisions that we can feel on a daily basis. With a new council and leaders stepping into roles across our county, it’s critical that we take responsibility, show up to meetings, voice our concerns, and hold our representatives accountable.

In the coming months, let us organize our communities and engage our neighbors to hold our local elected officials accountable with the same urgency we brought to this presidential election. Every city council seat, every school board position, every commissioner seat represents an opportunity to defend democracy and advocate for what matters.

We must ask questions. Billions are being spent in downtown development — how many small businesses have been created or expanded? How are we advancing housing policy? What’s the plan to fill the largely vacant corporate buildings downtown? How are elected leaders and organizations like Greater Winston-Salem Inc. actually supporting local small businesses? Why are there so many homeless men and women on the street, and when will the “tale of two cities” end in Winston-Salem? The power to impact these issues still remains in our hands.

In the end, democracy is not a passive system that can be sustained by one vote every four years. It’s a practice, a habit, a commitment we make daily. Now is the time to commit, to advocate, to fortify our local institutions, to email your county commissioner, to show up at school board meetings, to call your city council member and let them know you are watching and voting. It’s in our hands to shape our communities, regardless of who occupies the highest office in the land. The work begins now if we are going to choose Winston-Salem. In the words of former Winston-Salem City Council Member, WSSU professor, and Black Panther Larry Little: “Aluta continua — the struggle continues.”