Guest columnist
As people, we tend to preach and not practice when it comes to change. We practice the motto "if it's not broken, then do not fix it," so we do not have to generate a concise conclusion to the issues at hand. In today's diverse economic, ethical and global societies, one should expect to be challenged in thought when it comes to change.
In 2008, this city had the strongest voter turnout for a presidential election in history. Why? Was it merely a mishap or did the winds of time usher in the vibrant thoughts of change? Whichever you choose, there was a feeling that rippled through the hearts and minds of all citizens that day until we closed our eyes at dusk.
Those feelings must not die nor lay dormant, but rather echo during our daily conversations, lifestyles, or electronic interactions. We are the fuel cells that power the vehicle of change, so why are we afraid to move in a new direction when it comes to change? Life would have one believe that there are distinct criteria that bullet-point the rational for all new evolutions. However, history has recorded that change is imminent and the premise for progression.
On that fact, we should never scurry from the future but embrace it, for as long as each of us lives, change is indeed a certainty regardless of our direction. The Steven Williams for Mayor Campaign initially poised itself to reflect the inadequacies of our local government but after being on the trail and listening to those who normally would not be heard, it evolved into a "movement." This movement has much more veracity than that of a normal political campaign, yet quite meticulous in action.
Booker T. Washington reminds us, "Success is to be measured not so much by the position that we have reached in life but rather the obstacles that we have overcome while trying to succeed."
Many of the citizens in this great city went through several trials and tribulations to help Durham evolve to its present state. Now, it is time for the next generation to navigate the City of Durham, North Carolina, through new uncharted waters. We are the architects of Durham's past and present so the outcome of this city depends on all of us. Durham, the future is now.
Steven Williams is a candidate for mayor of Durham in Tuesday's election.
