EXPERIENCE

• North Carolina Director, Our Black Party (2021-present)

• Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina, Racial Justice and Reconciliation Committee, Co-Chair (2016 - Present)

• Episcopalians United Against Racism, Co-Founder/Core Team Leader

• Organizing Against Racism (OAR) Durham, Coordinating Committee/Organizer

• Inter-Neighborhood Council of Durham

  • Subcommittees included: Transportation, Zoning and Traffic (2009-2017); President (2015-2017)

• Partnership Effort for the Advancement of Children’s Health (PEACH), Steering Committee/Consultant/Volunteer/Trainer (2010-2013)

• City of Durham-Community Capital Improvement Plan Committee

• Northeast Central Durham Leadership Council (2014-2017); Chair (2015-2017)

• Junior League of Durham and Orange Counties-Issues to Impact, Community Partnerships

• Durham Democratic Party Precinct 17, Chair (2012-2018)

• Durham Democratic Party, 3rd Vice Chair (2014-2015)

• Durham City & County Planning Commission (2013-2017)

• County of Durham Transportation Advisory Board (ACCESS), Chair (2013-2017)

• Department of Health & Human Services (DHHS) North Carolina Division of Public Health (NCPH), Healthy Homes Task Force

• Department of Health & Human Services (DHHS) North Carolina Division of Public Health (NCPH), Lead Poison Prevention Task Force

• North Carolina Division of Public Health (NCPH), Durham County Health Department – Healthy Families Durham - Obesity & Chronic Illness (OCI)

• City of Durham’s Office of Economic & Workforce Development - Streetscape Advisory Steering Committee

Dear Durham,

As an Episcopalian Christian, I believe in keeping God first in everything I do, believing that all things will fall into place. I am a progressive liberal. I am a mother. I am a wife. I am a black woman. I am an organizer. I am a community advocate. I am a democrat who believes in the ideals of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X in the context of this day and time. Although there is more work ahead to ensure equality and equity for all, my lived experience and lessons learned from past generations call me to lead for future generations.

I am running for re-election to bring equitable resources, equality and economic justice for all. My focus on progress and improvement may come across as anger, but it is a manifestation of my passion to make our community a better place for our children. I believe in the Native American Proverb: “We don’t inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow this earth from our children.” I believe, ‘We the People’ have the power to preserve this earth, shape our country, and empower our communities through our government and our politics. We can create sustainable communities that harness the ingenuity and creativity of the people of Durham and share it with communities across North Carolina and the world. My goal is to continue to be one of our community representatives who cultivates change and harnesses our collective power to advance the role of our government in assuring each of us our civil rights, civil liberties, and environmental safety.

Being the oldest of six children in a single-parent household, I took an active role in raising my siblings. This was especially the case with my baby sister, who has severe developmental and physical disabilities.

As a person who understands the value of government subsidies and social programs that provided temporary, and sometimes long-term, assistance for food, health insurance, housing, unemployment, education, and affirmative action, I also understand how systemic and institutional inequities divide our community. I am committed to creating opportunities for economic advancement. I am committed to seeing the people of this community strengthened with the alleviation of the consequence of social injustice.

Over the last fourteen years, I have lived in a working-class community in East Durham. Working to strengthen my community has been a top priority. I know that we can do a better job of taking care of those who are most impacted, especially children, residents with disabilities, and seniors that lack access to resources due to low or no material wealth.

I have always felt the need to lead by example. My experiences led me to step forward in 2017 to serve as a resident of our community and perform my civic duty. I will continue to lead by being the change we want to see in Durham. I will challenge people to dream, hope, and do the work to build up our children and improve our community. I will continue the fight to provide the residents of this city with the consideration, compassion, respect, and support they deserve.

I am committed to serving my community as a connector to preserve and protect the opportunities that were afforded to me, understanding that most of the systems and institutions that are in place undermine our communities’ progress. As such, I will continue to challenge the business as usual approach.

As a lifelong public servant, I seek opportunities to contribute to the legacy of a long line of matriarchs in my family. I am the great-granddaughter of Carrie Elizabeth Smith, and I seek to serve the people of this community. I am asking for your vote.

Yours in service,

DeDreana Freeman