By james art By Derwin Montgomery
As we stand at a crossroads in America, the choices before us are more critical than ever. This election is not just about leadership; it is 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-earned value of these principles. For generations, our forefathers have fought tirelessly to ensure that our voices can be heard in this democracy. Now, at a time of unprecedented challenges, we cannot afford to stand on the sidelines.
Kamala Harris stands as a defender of democracy. Her career reflects her dedication to fairness, justice and equality—the very values that sustain a healthy democracy. Harris’s vision for America goes beyond mere politics; he embodies the spirit of unity and progress. She has consistently demonstrated her willingness to address racial inequality, protect voting rights, and protect economic opportunity for all Americans, especially communities that have been neglected for too long. Her leadership will ensure that democracy works for the people, not against them.
Under the 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, undermined trust in our institutions, and weaponized disinformation to serve his interests instead of our country’s. His disregard for democratic norms threatens to destroy the basic freedoms so many Americans hold dear. For North Carolinians and Winston-Salem residents, Trump’s actions and policies reflect a dangerous path — one where the right to vote, the right to health care, and the right to economic opportunity may be increasingly limited and inaccessible.
Our state, and Winston-Salem in particular, has a long history of standing up for people’s rights. 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. Under Trump, however, we have seen attacks on voting rights that seek to suppress our voices and limit our access to fair representation. This should concern every person in our country 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 altogether.
Healthcare is also at risk. In North Carolina, where many families already struggle to access quality, affordable care, Trump’s attempts to repeal the Affordable Care Act would devastate communities. Losing access to health care would mean more disparities, more hardship, and more lives lost — especially in African-American communities. Harris, on the other hand, is committed to expanding health care access, reducing costs and protecting the Affordable Care Act, ensuring that families in Winston-Salem and across our state can get the care they need to to flourish.
In addition to health care 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 brunt of systemic inequality. Trump’s policies have only deepened these divisions, reducing programs and protections that provide economic security to working families. Kamala Harris has a clear plan for uplifting communities through expanded economic opportunity, job creation and education reform. Under her leadership, we can begin to bridge these divisions instead of deepening 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. His rhetoric incites fear, his policies punish the vulnerable, and his contempt for democracy risks destroying our freedoms. If we do not act, we risk allowing our democratic principles to be undermined.
The fight for voting rights and equal treatment under the law is a fight our forefathers started and we must continue. We cannot afford to be absent from this election. Voting is not just a right; this is our strength. It is our duty to ensure 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 elect leadership that honors our heritage 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 everyone who has the right to vote to show up, vote and make sure that the sacrifices of those fighting for this right have not been in vain. This election is our chance to protect our democracy, our freedoms and our future.