The Friends of Durham has completed its candidates interviews for the following Durham County elected offices and NC Senate race endorsements.
These candidates were selected for endorsement based on the following criteria, which underscores the core values of the Friends of Durham. (1.) Economic Development, (2.) Safe communities with emphasis on funding of our law enforcement organizations. (3.) A high-quality educational system for all students, funded at the necessary levels for achievement, advancement and preparation for our students’ futures. (4.) Effective governance with fiscal accountability for the tax revenues generated from all segments of Durham’s economic drivers.
There are eleven Democrats running for county commissioner and no Republicans so the top five Democrats in the primary will be automatically elected in November. Only Democrats and Unaffiliated voters who choose a Democrat ballot can participate.
There are four school board seats up, but only one is contested. This race is non-partisan so all registered voters can vote.
Of the four NC house seats and two NC senate seats only one is has a primary and it is a Democrat one. Again only registered Democrats and Unaffiliated voters who choose a Democrat ballot can participate.
This is also an uncontested race for Durham Register of Deeds.
There is no primary for the US house seat and neither US senate seat is up for election.
These candidates were selected for endorsement based on the following criteria, which underscores the core values of the Friends of Durham. (1.) Economic Development, (2.) Safe communities with emphasis on funding of our law enforcement organizations. (3.) A high-quality educational system for all students, funded at the necessary levels for achievement, advancement and preparation for our students’ futures. (4.) Effective governance with fiscal accountability for the tax revenues generated from all segments of Durham’s economic drivers.
There are eleven Democrats running for county commissioner and no Republicans so the top five Democrats in the primary will be automatically elected in November. Only Democrats and Unaffiliated voters who choose a Democrat ballot can participate.
There are four school board seats up, but only one is contested. This race is non-partisan so all registered voters can vote.
Of the four NC house seats and two NC senate seats only one is has a primary and it is a Democrat one. Again only registered Democrats and Unaffiliated voters who choose a Democrat ballot can participate.
This is also an uncontested race for Durham Register of Deeds.
There is no primary for the US house seat and neither US senate seat is up for election.
MIKE WOODARD FOR STATE SENATE
Mike Woodard has been a longtime champion for Durham at the local, state, and national level. Having grown up in a family that valued service, helping to improve his community is second nature to him.
Mike has fought for public education, increasing access to healthcare, protecting our environment, improving our infrastructure, and expanding our voting rights. He now looks forward to bringing the Durham community together, looking past political divisions, and addressing our most urgent needs like affordable housing, public safety, and combating the climate crisis.
Mike served on the Durham City Council from 2005 to 2013 before being elected to the State Senate in 2012. He quickly earned a reputation as a consensus builder and someone who gets things done. In the 2021-22 biennium, Mike passed more legislation than any other Democrat. Mike is co-chair of the Life Sciences Caucus, which has successfully introduced several important bills and appropriations to support this important sector.
Mike grew up in Wilson and came to Durham to attend Duke University. He was the first person in his family to attend college and, thanks to scholarships and jobs, he worked his way through school. For more than thirty years Mike has served as an administrator at Duke and the Duke Health System, and he worked at Durham Technical Community College as an administrator and instructor.
Mike is married to the Rev. Sarah Woodard, an ordained minister who serves St. Titus’ Episcopal Church and as a hospital chaplain. The Woodards have both been active in many civic and community organizations and can often be seen attending events all over town.
Mike WEBSITE: https://www.facebook.com/senatormikewoodard
Mike has fought for public education, increasing access to healthcare, protecting our environment, improving our infrastructure, and expanding our voting rights. He now looks forward to bringing the Durham community together, looking past political divisions, and addressing our most urgent needs like affordable housing, public safety, and combating the climate crisis.
Mike served on the Durham City Council from 2005 to 2013 before being elected to the State Senate in 2012. He quickly earned a reputation as a consensus builder and someone who gets things done. In the 2021-22 biennium, Mike passed more legislation than any other Democrat. Mike is co-chair of the Life Sciences Caucus, which has successfully introduced several important bills and appropriations to support this important sector.
Mike grew up in Wilson and came to Durham to attend Duke University. He was the first person in his family to attend college and, thanks to scholarships and jobs, he worked his way through school. For more than thirty years Mike has served as an administrator at Duke and the Duke Health System, and he worked at Durham Technical Community College as an administrator and instructor.
Mike is married to the Rev. Sarah Woodard, an ordained minister who serves St. Titus’ Episcopal Church and as a hospital chaplain. The Woodards have both been active in many civic and community organizations and can often be seen attending events all over town.
Mike WEBSITE: https://www.facebook.com/senatormikewoodard
UNOPPOSED STATE LEGISLATURE CANDIDATES
Vernetta Alston - NC House
Marcia Morey - NC House
Zack Hawkins - NC House
Natalie Murdock - NC Senate
Vernetta Alston - NC House
Marcia Morey - NC House
Zack Hawkins - NC House
Natalie Murdock - NC Senate
Brenda moved to Durham in 1986, is a member of Union Baptist Church, raised four children, two graduated from Durham Public Schools and she has three wonderful grandchildren. She received her B.S. Degree, in Business Management, Magna Cum Laude, from Shaw University, Raleigh, North Carolina and a certification in Executive Coaching from North Carolina State University. She is the owner of The Howerton & Howerton, Inc. that specializes in organizational development and executive coaching for public and private industries. She was one of the first to complete the Advanced Leadership Corps offered by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Government, a course offered to municipal, and county elected leaders each year. Additionally, Commissioner Howerton completed the Local Leaders Academy (LELA). The LELA is a partnership with the School of Government at UNC-Chapel Hill, North Carolina Association of County Commissioners, and the NC League of Municipalities offer elected officials the knowledge and skills needed to lead and govern their communities.
She was elected to the Durham County Board of Commissioners in 2008 and reelected in 2012, 2016, and again in 2020. She is presently in her fourth term. She served as Vice Chair of the County Commissioners from 2012 until 2016 and as Chair from 2020 until 2023. On August 12, 2017, Commissioner Howerton was sworn in as President of the North Carolina Association of Counties. She is the first Durham County commissioner to be elected to a statewide senior leadership office. In October 2023, she was selected to lead GoTriangle's Board of Trustees for a one-year term, becoming the first woman and African-American to lead the regional transit agency. She previously served as Vice Chair of the board.
She also serves or has served on a number of local, state and national boards and commissions including: Durham Technical Board of Trustees, Durham Cultural & Public Arts Program, Duke Regional Hospital Board, Duke Health Chancellor’s Community Health Advisory Board (CCHAB), Convention & Visitors Bureau Tourism Authority, Downtown Durham Inc., Chair of the City/County Planning Committee, Juvenile Crime Prevention Council, Public Health Board, Triangle J Council Center of the Region, Durham City-County Committee Member, Durham Partnership for Children, Durham History Hub, Workforce Development Board and Co-Chair Transformation in Ten Education Task Force, Criminal Justice Advisory Committee (Stepping Up Initiative). appointed by Governor Cooper to the Local Government Employees Retirement System Board of Trustees. (LGERS) and Served on the Emerging Issues Blue Ribbon Commission for early childhood financing.
Howerton was recently appointed by the President of the National Association of Counties (NACo) to serve on the Board of Directors in an at-large position from July 2022 – July 2023. A key responsibility of board members is to be an advocate to NACo’s legislative agenda and its programs. She has also served NACo as the Chair of the Healthy Counties Initiative Advisory Board and Work Force Subcommittee for the Community, Economic and Workforce Development Steering Committee and a member of the Large Urban Caucus committee. Also appointed to the National Environmental Local Government Advisory Committee by Secretary Michael Regan, and serves as one of the founding member of Counties for a Guaranteed Income for Durham County.
She is the recipient of the Human Relations Commission Award for commitment to inclusion from the Durham Human Relations Commission. In October 2023, Chair Brenda Howerton received the Award of Outstanding Leadership from the National Organization of Black County Officials. She was recognized for her excellent career demonstrating public service leadership, strategic vision, focus, passion and grace.
She was elected to the Durham County Board of Commissioners in 2008 and reelected in 2012, 2016, and again in 2020. She is presently in her fourth term. She served as Vice Chair of the County Commissioners from 2012 until 2016 and as Chair from 2020 until 2023. On August 12, 2017, Commissioner Howerton was sworn in as President of the North Carolina Association of Counties. She is the first Durham County commissioner to be elected to a statewide senior leadership office. In October 2023, she was selected to lead GoTriangle's Board of Trustees for a one-year term, becoming the first woman and African-American to lead the regional transit agency. She previously served as Vice Chair of the board.
She also serves or has served on a number of local, state and national boards and commissions including: Durham Technical Board of Trustees, Durham Cultural & Public Arts Program, Duke Regional Hospital Board, Duke Health Chancellor’s Community Health Advisory Board (CCHAB), Convention & Visitors Bureau Tourism Authority, Downtown Durham Inc., Chair of the City/County Planning Committee, Juvenile Crime Prevention Council, Public Health Board, Triangle J Council Center of the Region, Durham City-County Committee Member, Durham Partnership for Children, Durham History Hub, Workforce Development Board and Co-Chair Transformation in Ten Education Task Force, Criminal Justice Advisory Committee (Stepping Up Initiative). appointed by Governor Cooper to the Local Government Employees Retirement System Board of Trustees. (LGERS) and Served on the Emerging Issues Blue Ribbon Commission for early childhood financing.
Howerton was recently appointed by the President of the National Association of Counties (NACo) to serve on the Board of Directors in an at-large position from July 2022 – July 2023. A key responsibility of board members is to be an advocate to NACo’s legislative agenda and its programs. She has also served NACo as the Chair of the Healthy Counties Initiative Advisory Board and Work Force Subcommittee for the Community, Economic and Workforce Development Steering Committee and a member of the Large Urban Caucus committee. Also appointed to the National Environmental Local Government Advisory Committee by Secretary Michael Regan, and serves as one of the founding member of Counties for a Guaranteed Income for Durham County.
She is the recipient of the Human Relations Commission Award for commitment to inclusion from the Durham Human Relations Commission. In October 2023, Chair Brenda Howerton received the Award of Outstanding Leadership from the National Organization of Black County Officials. She was recognized for her excellent career demonstrating public service leadership, strategic vision, focus, passion and grace.
WENDY JACOBS FOR COUNTY COMMISSONER
Wendy is a parent, a former educator, and an advocate for social and economic justice. Her commitment to making our world better is rooted in her upbringing and her 40 years living here in Durham. She is running for re-election because Durham is at a moment of incredible growth and opportunity. She has experience and knowledge from her twelve years on the county commission. She wants to continue working for affordable housing, walkable and bikeable communities, connections to good jobs for our residents, and community safety.
She is a graduate of Duke University was a teacher at Holt Elementary, Carolina Friends School, and at public schools in Caswell County. She is committed to public education. As a DPS parent, she was involved in here three children's schools and became the chair of her neighborhood group. She wants to make sure that every child in Durham has access to high-quality, affordable pre-K. She wants to invest in services for people with complex mental health and substance use needs, individuals in our community who deserve housing and supportive services outside of the justice system.
Current Boards, Commissions and Committees
Vice Chair, Durham County Board of Commissioners (Chair 2016-2020)
Chair, Durham County Social Services Board
Chair, Durham Familiar Faces Initiative
Board Member, Durham Chapel Hill Carrboro Metropolitan Planning Organization (Chair 2020-2021, Vice Chair 2018-2019)
Secretary, Upper Neuse River Basin Association
Co-Chair, Durham Joins Together Saving Lives
Member, Durham Stepping Up Initiative
Board Member, Discover Durham Tourism Development Authority
Co-Chair, City-County Museum of Durham History Subcommittee
Board of Visitors Member, North Carolina Central University
Chair, Dementia Inclusive Inc.
Member, Joint City-County Planning Committee
Member, TJCOG-enter of the Region Enterprise (CORE)
Member, Voices Together Advisory Board
Board Member, Lincoln Community Health Center
Member, NACO Justice and Public Safety Peer Learning Network
Member, NACO Familiar Faces Initiative Leadership Network
Member, NACO Stepping Up Initiative Innovator County Network
Member, NACO Immigration Reform Task Force
Member, NCACC Presidential Leadership Steering Committee, “One More Thing” Collaborating to Reduce Overdoses
Member, NCACC Health and Human Services Steering Committee
Member, NCACC Environmental Steering Committee
Member, NCACC Justice and Public Safety Steering Committee
Member, Triangle Bikeways Plan Steering Committee
Member, CAMPO and DCHCMPO Joint Regional Rail Subcommittee
Member, Access to Care, Capacity and Community Education SUI Subcommittee
Member, Durham Rotary Club
Associate Member, Rougemont Ruritan Club
Her Priorities are:
Affordable, safe, and supportive housing
Education and economic opportunity
Public transit and environmental justice
Community health, safety, and wellbeing
She is a graduate of Duke University was a teacher at Holt Elementary, Carolina Friends School, and at public schools in Caswell County. She is committed to public education. As a DPS parent, she was involved in here three children's schools and became the chair of her neighborhood group. She wants to make sure that every child in Durham has access to high-quality, affordable pre-K. She wants to invest in services for people with complex mental health and substance use needs, individuals in our community who deserve housing and supportive services outside of the justice system.
Current Boards, Commissions and Committees
Vice Chair, Durham County Board of Commissioners (Chair 2016-2020)
Chair, Durham County Social Services Board
Chair, Durham Familiar Faces Initiative
Board Member, Durham Chapel Hill Carrboro Metropolitan Planning Organization (Chair 2020-2021, Vice Chair 2018-2019)
Secretary, Upper Neuse River Basin Association
Co-Chair, Durham Joins Together Saving Lives
Member, Durham Stepping Up Initiative
Board Member, Discover Durham Tourism Development Authority
Co-Chair, City-County Museum of Durham History Subcommittee
Board of Visitors Member, North Carolina Central University
Chair, Dementia Inclusive Inc.
Member, Joint City-County Planning Committee
Member, TJCOG-enter of the Region Enterprise (CORE)
Member, Voices Together Advisory Board
Board Member, Lincoln Community Health Center
Member, NACO Justice and Public Safety Peer Learning Network
Member, NACO Familiar Faces Initiative Leadership Network
Member, NACO Stepping Up Initiative Innovator County Network
Member, NACO Immigration Reform Task Force
Member, NCACC Presidential Leadership Steering Committee, “One More Thing” Collaborating to Reduce Overdoses
Member, NCACC Health and Human Services Steering Committee
Member, NCACC Environmental Steering Committee
Member, NCACC Justice and Public Safety Steering Committee
Member, Triangle Bikeways Plan Steering Committee
Member, CAMPO and DCHCMPO Joint Regional Rail Subcommittee
Member, Access to Care, Capacity and Community Education SUI Subcommittee
Member, Durham Rotary Club
Associate Member, Rougemont Ruritan Club
Her Priorities are:
Affordable, safe, and supportive housing
Education and economic opportunity
Public transit and environmental justice
Community health, safety, and wellbeing
FREDRICK DAVIS FOR COUNTY COMMISSONER
Fredrick Amos Davis was born in Deland, Florida on July 11, 1956 and grew up as a youth in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. He attended and graduated from the public school system of Broward County, Florida in May 1974. Pastor Davis entered college and graduated in 1977 from Johnson C. Smith University in Charlotte, North Carolina, earning a B.A. Degree (magna cum laude) in Philosophy and Religion. Pastor Davis is married to Judith Hayes Davis and they have three sons, Fredrick Amos, II, Jordan Emmanuel and John Daniel.
He continued his studies in the area of Philosophy and Theology at the Interdenominational Theological Center at Morehouse School of Religion in Atlanta, Georgia, and graduated with honors in May 1980 with a Masters of Divinity Degree in Philosophy and graduate work in the area of counseling at the Tuskegee Veterans Administration Medical Center Department of Clinical Education (1982-1983.) He has most recently completed a years seminary at Duke University dealing with more in-depth racial issues.
Since June 1991, Pastor Davis has served as Pastor, now Pastor Emeritus, to First Calvary Baptist Church, Durham, North Carolina. Pastor Davis presently serves as a Christian Education Consultant for Urban Ministries of Chicago, Illinois and formally served as the National Alumni President and a board member for the Morehouse School of Religion, Interdenominational Theological Center, Atlanta, Georgia. Additionally, he serves as the chaplain for the National Alumni Association for Johnson C. Smith University. He is affiliated with the National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc. and its auxiliaries; the General Baptist State Convention of North Carolina; the East Cedar Grove Missionary Baptist Association, Lott Carey Baptist Foreign Mission Convention and American Baptist Churches, USA.
Pastor Davis has worked in various fields of Ministry; he has served as Campus Minister Interim, Georgia Tech University Baptist Student Union (1979-1980); Youth Minister, Antioch Baptist Church North, Atlanta, Georgia (1979-1981); Chaplin Intern C.P.E., Tuskegee Veterans Administration Medical Center, Tuskegee, Alabama (1982-1983); Instructor, Twin States Extension of the American Baptist College of Nashville, Tennessee, West Point, Georgia (1982-1986); Pastor at St. John Baptist Church, Lanett, Alabama (1981-1987); Associate Pastor/Administrator, First Missionary Baptist Church, Huntsville, Alabama (1987-1991).
Pastor Davis has received numerous awards and honors that include recognition from the National Council of Christians and Jews; 1981, 1983, recognition as Outstanding Young Man of America; 1977, The Keeper of the Dream Award by the Durham Martin Luther King, Jr., Steering Committee; lecturer at the Duke Chapel at Duke University, lecturer at the Interdenominational Theological Center in Atlanta, Georgia for the Morehouse School of Religion, guest speaker at the Durham Department of Social Services for Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration Program; 2000, the James E. Sheppard Sertoman Club of Durham, North Carolina, bestowed on him their highest national award for civic service; 1999, Alumnus of the Year Award from Johnson C. Smith.
He continued his studies in the area of Philosophy and Theology at the Interdenominational Theological Center at Morehouse School of Religion in Atlanta, Georgia, and graduated with honors in May 1980 with a Masters of Divinity Degree in Philosophy and graduate work in the area of counseling at the Tuskegee Veterans Administration Medical Center Department of Clinical Education (1982-1983.) He has most recently completed a years seminary at Duke University dealing with more in-depth racial issues.
Since June 1991, Pastor Davis has served as Pastor, now Pastor Emeritus, to First Calvary Baptist Church, Durham, North Carolina. Pastor Davis presently serves as a Christian Education Consultant for Urban Ministries of Chicago, Illinois and formally served as the National Alumni President and a board member for the Morehouse School of Religion, Interdenominational Theological Center, Atlanta, Georgia. Additionally, he serves as the chaplain for the National Alumni Association for Johnson C. Smith University. He is affiliated with the National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc. and its auxiliaries; the General Baptist State Convention of North Carolina; the East Cedar Grove Missionary Baptist Association, Lott Carey Baptist Foreign Mission Convention and American Baptist Churches, USA.
Pastor Davis has worked in various fields of Ministry; he has served as Campus Minister Interim, Georgia Tech University Baptist Student Union (1979-1980); Youth Minister, Antioch Baptist Church North, Atlanta, Georgia (1979-1981); Chaplin Intern C.P.E., Tuskegee Veterans Administration Medical Center, Tuskegee, Alabama (1982-1983); Instructor, Twin States Extension of the American Baptist College of Nashville, Tennessee, West Point, Georgia (1982-1986); Pastor at St. John Baptist Church, Lanett, Alabama (1981-1987); Associate Pastor/Administrator, First Missionary Baptist Church, Huntsville, Alabama (1987-1991).
Pastor Davis has received numerous awards and honors that include recognition from the National Council of Christians and Jews; 1981, 1983, recognition as Outstanding Young Man of America; 1977, The Keeper of the Dream Award by the Durham Martin Luther King, Jr., Steering Committee; lecturer at the Duke Chapel at Duke University, lecturer at the Interdenominational Theological Center in Atlanta, Georgia for the Morehouse School of Religion, guest speaker at the Durham Department of Social Services for Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration Program; 2000, the James E. Sheppard Sertoman Club of Durham, North Carolina, bestowed on him their highest national award for civic service; 1999, Alumnus of the Year Award from Johnson C. Smith.
STEPHEN VALENTINE FOR COUNTY COMMISSONER
Stephen Valentine served in the active U.S. Army and the U.S. Army Reserves. He is decorated combat veteran with service in Iraq and in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Stephen is a graduate of Morehouse College with a bachelor’s degree in Political Science cum laude and he went on to earn his Master of Social Work degree from the University of Pennsylvania where he was awarded the Samuel Sylvester Award for outstanding achievement and leadership. He is married to Valarie A. Valentine and they have three children.
He received his Juris Doctorate degree from the NC Central University School of law after being awarded the Bronze Star Medal for service during Operation Iraqi Freedom. During his military career he attended the Army Medical Department Officer Basic and Advance Course at the Army Medical Department Center and School in San Antonio, Texas, where he was on the Commandant’s list and the recipient of the Colonel Richard Lynch Leadership Award.
Later he attended the Army Judge Advocate Officer Basic Course at the Army Judge Advocate General’s Legal Center and School located at the University of Virginia, where he was awarded the Judge Advocate General’s Leadership Award.
Stephen is a member of the Bar of the District of Columbia, The United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, and The United States Supreme Court.
Stephen is a former Presidential Management Fellow with the United States Department of State in the Political Military Bureau and he served as a detailed Special Assistant United States Attorney in the Criminal Division of the US Attorney’s Office in the District of Columbia. He also served on the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa with assignment to the office of Congressman Donald Payne (NJ-10).
Presently Stephen serves as the Director and Supervising Attorney of the Veterans Law Clinic at the NC Central University School of Law. He has also taught in the undergraduate and graduate division in the Department of Social Work at NC Central University.
His priorities are:
Education
Public Safety
Affordable Housing
Jobs That Pay a Living Wage
Veterans
He received his Juris Doctorate degree from the NC Central University School of law after being awarded the Bronze Star Medal for service during Operation Iraqi Freedom. During his military career he attended the Army Medical Department Officer Basic and Advance Course at the Army Medical Department Center and School in San Antonio, Texas, where he was on the Commandant’s list and the recipient of the Colonel Richard Lynch Leadership Award.
Later he attended the Army Judge Advocate Officer Basic Course at the Army Judge Advocate General’s Legal Center and School located at the University of Virginia, where he was awarded the Judge Advocate General’s Leadership Award.
Stephen is a member of the Bar of the District of Columbia, The United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, and The United States Supreme Court.
Stephen is a former Presidential Management Fellow with the United States Department of State in the Political Military Bureau and he served as a detailed Special Assistant United States Attorney in the Criminal Division of the US Attorney’s Office in the District of Columbia. He also served on the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa with assignment to the office of Congressman Donald Payne (NJ-10).
Presently Stephen serves as the Director and Supervising Attorney of the Veterans Law Clinic at the NC Central University School of Law. He has also taught in the undergraduate and graduate division in the Department of Social Work at NC Central University.
His priorities are:
Education
Public Safety
Affordable Housing
Jobs That Pay a Living Wage
Veterans
JOVONIA LEWIS FOR COUNTY COMMISSONER
Jovonia Lewis is a mother, wife, elected school board member, nonprofit director, and nationally certified and licensed clinical mental health counselor. She brings a unique set of skills to the table. She has worked in the Solicitor General’s Office with victims of domestic violence and has worked in nonprofit settings offering intensive family interventions and in several residential group homes with juveniles. Her extensive work in this field includes providing mental health counseling, as well as education and life skills for youth.
For the past 20 years, she has been an entrepreneur and small business owner, starting with her private counseling practice and evolving to include franchise ownership of Smoothie King; most recently, she has leant her advocacy and entrepreneurship, as well as her education and equity expertise, to become founding director of the non-profit Empowered Parents in Community (EPIC). These unique experiences will serve as an asset to the board of county commissioners, considering the county’s expansive work with mental health in numerous arenas from educational facilities to the Department of Health, to detention centers and jails, not to mention arenas like education, supporting local businesses and workers, and understanding the complicated intersection of the many roles of a County Commissioner.
She has held a leadership position with the Durham Committee on the Affairs of Black People’s Education Committee, the Board of Durham Council PTA, her local PTA, and leader on the City of Durham’s Race Equity Task Force. She has also served on several committees including Durham Public Schools from the Equity and Whole Child Advisory Committee, Durham Public School Foundation Championing DPS Committee, and the Superintendent’s Strategic Planning Committee.
Her priorities are:
Sustainable growth from affordable housing to workforce development
Public safety from reducing gun violence and increasing community care and wellness
Public health and wellness from community of care and destigmatizing mental health
For the past 20 years, she has been an entrepreneur and small business owner, starting with her private counseling practice and evolving to include franchise ownership of Smoothie King; most recently, she has leant her advocacy and entrepreneurship, as well as her education and equity expertise, to become founding director of the non-profit Empowered Parents in Community (EPIC). These unique experiences will serve as an asset to the board of county commissioners, considering the county’s expansive work with mental health in numerous arenas from educational facilities to the Department of Health, to detention centers and jails, not to mention arenas like education, supporting local businesses and workers, and understanding the complicated intersection of the many roles of a County Commissioner.
She has held a leadership position with the Durham Committee on the Affairs of Black People’s Education Committee, the Board of Durham Council PTA, her local PTA, and leader on the City of Durham’s Race Equity Task Force. She has also served on several committees including Durham Public Schools from the Equity and Whole Child Advisory Committee, Durham Public School Foundation Championing DPS Committee, and the Superintendent’s Strategic Planning Committee.
Her priorities are:
Sustainable growth from affordable housing to workforce development
Public safety from reducing gun violence and increasing community care and wellness
Public health and wellness from community of care and destigmatizing mental health
JOY HARRELL SCHOOL BOARD
Joy Harrell is an educator, teaching and performing artist with 20+ years of experience working with youth. She has 13 years of classroom experience as a K-12 public school music teacher. Currently, she is the Executive Director and Visionary Conductor of the Durham based non-profit BUMP: The Triangle. BUMP’s national award-winning programming fosters excellence and agency in youth through the cultural assets of African diasporic visual and performance arts. They offer youth African-diasporic cultural enrichment, visual and performance arts programming that build artistic proficiency, cultural knowledge, heritage knowledge, and resilience. BUMP resources African diasporic music and art as a liberatory practice for social-emotional wellness, creative autonomy, and joy for BIPOC youth ages 6-18.
She was born and raised in Asheville, NC, is married to Malcolm Goff and has four children who graduated from Durham Public Schools and two who are currently in elementary school. She is an alumna of North Carolina Central University where She received her bachelor’s degree in music. She also has a master’s degree in music from the University of Northern Iowa, a certification in musical theater from the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in New York City and is a certified teacher in K-12 music education.
Her priorities are:
Safer spaces for students and staff.
Centering Students, Communities, and Educators
Investing in Student Learning
She was born and raised in Asheville, NC, is married to Malcolm Goff and has four children who graduated from Durham Public Schools and two who are currently in elementary school. She is an alumna of North Carolina Central University where She received her bachelor’s degree in music. She also has a master’s degree in music from the University of Northern Iowa, a certification in musical theater from the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in New York City and is a certified teacher in K-12 music education.
Her priorities are:
Safer spaces for students and staff.
Centering Students, Communities, and Educators
Investing in Student Learning
UNOPPOSED DURHAM SCHOOL BOARD CANDIDATES
Wendell Tabb
Millicent Rogers
Jessica Carda-Auten
Wendell Tabb
Millicent Rogers
Jessica Carda-Auten
UNOPPOSED REGISTER OF DEEDS
SHARON DAVIS
SHARON DAVIS