WS Chronicle

By Derwin Montgomery

As we stand at a crossroads in America, the choice before us is more critical than ever. This election is not only about leadership; it’s about the survival of our democracy and the future of freedom, justice, and equality in America. The African American community, in particular, understands the hard-won value of these principles. For generations, our ancestors fought tirelessly to ensure that our voices could be heard in this democracy. Now, in a moment fraught with unprecedented challenges, we cannot afford to sit on the sidelines.

Kamala Harris stands as a defender of democracy. Her career reflects her dedication to justice, fairness, and equality – the very values that sustain a healthy democracy. Harris’ vision for America goes beyond mere policy; it embodies the spirit of unity and progress. She has consistently shown her readiness to address racial inequality, protect voting rights, and champion economic opportunities for all Americans, especially communities who have been overlooked for too long. Her leadership would ensure that democracy works for the people and not against them.

Under a Trump administration, however, these values – and our democracy – are at risk. Donald Trump has repeatedly demonstrated a disturbing willingness to undermine the foundations of our democratic system. He has sown seeds of division, eroded trust in our institutions, and weaponized misinformation to serve his interests over those of our country. His disregard for democratic norms threatens to dismantle essential freedoms that so many Americans hold dear. For North Carolinians and the people of Winston-Salem, Trump’s actions and policies reflect a dangerous path – one where the right to vote, the right to healthcare, and the right to economic opportunity may be increasingly limited and out of reach.

Our state, and specifically Winston-Salem, has a long history of standing up for the rights of the people. From the civil rights marches that took place right here in North Carolina to the proud legacy of our HBCUs, like Winston-Salem State University, our community has consistently fought for equality and justice. However, under Trump, we’ve seen attacks on voting rights that seek to suppress our voices and limit our access to fair representation. This should alarm every person in our state because the erosion of voting rights strikes at the heart of democracy. Without leaders like Kamala Harris to defend these rights, we risk losing them entirely.

Healthcare, too, is at risk. In North Carolina, where many families are already struggling to access quality, affordable care, Trump’s attempts to dismantle the Affordable Care Act would devastate communities. The loss of healthcare access would mean more disparities, more hardship, and more lives lost – especially within African American communities. Harris, on the other hand, is committed to expanding healthcare access, lowering costs, and protecting the Affordable Care Act, ensuring that families in Winston-Salem and across our state can receive the care they need to thrive.

In addition to healthcare and voting rights, Trump’s disregard for economic justice has left our communities behind. African Americans and other marginalized groups in Winston-Salem have felt the weight of systemic inequality. Trump’s policies have only deepened these divides, cutting back on programs and protections that provide economic security to working families. Kamala Harris has a clear plan for uplifting communities through expanded economic opportunities, job creation, and education reform. Under her leadership, we can begin to bridge these divides rather than deepen them.

This election is a test of our democracy. We cannot ignore the reality that Donald Trump’s leadership has brought us closer to authoritarianism than we have ever been before. His rhetoric stokes fear, his policies punish the vulnerable, and his disdain for democracy risks dismantling our freedoms. If we do not act, we risk allowing our democratic principles to erode.

The fight for voting rights and equal treatment under the law is a fight our ancestors began, and it is one we must continue. We cannot afford to sit this election out. Voting is not just a right; it’s our power. It’s our duty to make sure that future generations inherit a country that values democracy, justice, and equality. By voting for Kamala Harris, we are choosing to preserve our democracy and protect our communities. We are choosing leadership that honors our legacy and fights for our future.

Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and our nation need Kamala Harris in the White House to ensure that democracy thrives and that our voices are heard. We urge every eligible voter to show up, cast your ballot, and make sure that the sacrifices of those who fought for this right were not in vain. This election is our chance to protect our democracy, our freedoms, and our future.