In the journey to establish Durham as a Breastfeeding Family Friendly Community (BFFC), the pivotal role played by the Mayor and City Council cannot be overstated, especially in Step 2: Creating a Welcoming Atmosphere for Chest/Breastfeeding Families. This step builds upon State and Federal laws that dictate the rights of parents to breastfeed, chestfeed, or provide human milk feeding to their infants wherever they are lawfully allowed to be. Recognizing that maintaining a consistent milk supply is only possible when infants are fed on cue, the need to nurse or feed should not be restricted to places where adults would not consume food, such as toilet areas.

As we move forward with this essential step, it's imperative that our Mayor and City Council understand the significance of their roles in ensuring Durham becomes a truly welcoming and supportive place for chest/breastfeeding families.

A primary election will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 10 (6:30am-7:30pm).

The two mayoral candidates with the most primary votes will face off on Election Day (November 7). Three City Council seats are up for grabs, and the top 6 finishers in the primary will advance to the November election.

**This year, ID will be required at your polling place. See Durham County Board of Elections for more information.

Charlitta Burruss: A dedicated local community leader with a strong commitment to Durham. Charlitta has previously run for mayor in 2021 and City Council in 2019, demonstrating her passion for public service. Learn more

Jontae Dunston: A Durham native who often attends and speaks at City Council meetings, most notably speaking out in support of Bull City United, a community-based gun violence intervention program. (candidate has not yet responded to interview request)

DeDreana Freeman: A current City Council member who has been serving the community since her election in 2017. DeDreana's experience in local governance is a valuable asset to her candidacy. (candidate has not yet responded to interview request)

Leonardo (Leo) Williams: Another current City Council member who brings a unique perspective to the race. Leo operates the popular Southern African restaurants Zweli's and Ekhaya, highlighting his connection to Durham's vibrant culinary scene. (candidate has not yet responded to interview request)

Marshall Williams Jr.: A virtual sales specialist at Cisco, member of Durham’s Workforce Development Board, and a member of the Preservation Durham board. (candidate has not yet responded to interview request)

Sylvester Williams: A local pastor with a history of running for local office. Sylvester's dedication to community service is evident in his repeated commitment to public office. (candidate has not yet responded to interview request)

Mike Woodard: A former City Council member and current Democratic State Senator. Mike's experience in local and state government positions him as a candidate with a deep understanding of Durham's needs. Learn more

Nick Pettiford: Regional market manager at DTLR, a lifestyle retailer with over 250 stores across 19 states. (candidate has not yet responded to interview request)

Nate Baker: An urban planning professional with a deep commitment to community development. Nate has been an active member of the Durham Planning Commission since 2018, bringing his expertise to shape the city's future. (candidate has not yet responded to interview request)

Shanetta Burris: A dedicated program manager at Lillian’s List, an organization that empowers and recruits women to run for office. Shanetta is passionate about women's representation in leadership roles. (candidate has not yet responded to interview request)

Javiera Caballero: An incumbent council member who made history by becoming the first Latino council member in 2018. Javiera's experience and dedication to Durham's diverse community are noteworthy. (candidate has not yet responded to interview request)

J.J. Campbell: A proud North Durham resident who understands the unique needs of our neighborhoods. J.J. brings a grassroots perspective to the table. (candidate has not yet responded to interview request)

Waldo Fenner: A resident of the Walltown neighborhood and a passionate advocate for behavioral health. Waldo's focus is on improving mental health services in our community. (candidate has not yet responded to interview request)

Bonita Green: Chair of the Merrick-Moore Community Development Group, Bonita is deeply involved in community initiatives. Her commitment to local development is inspiring. (candidate has not yet responded to interview request)

Monique Holsey-Hyman: An incumbent council member appointed in 2022, Monique has a track record of service. Her experience in local governance is a valuable asset. (candidate has not yet responded to interview request)

Shelia Ann Huggins: A lawyer with diverse experience, including real estate management for the city. Shelia Ann's legal background brings a unique perspective to city matters. Learn more

Khalilah Karim: A field director for the N.C. League of Conservation Voters and a former organizer for the Service Employees International Union. Khalilah is dedicated to environmental and labor advocacy. (candidate has not yet responded to interview request)

Carl Rist: A seasoned consultant with years of experience at Prosperity Now, a nonprofit focusing on economic development for low-income families. Carl's expertise can benefit Durham's economic growth. (candidate has not yet responded to interview request)

Sherri Zann Rosenthal: The city's longtime deputy city attorney who retired in 2020. Sherri Zann's legal insights can contribute to shaping our city's future. (candidate has not yet responded to interview request)

Renee Vaughan: A researcher at Duke University who has served on the city's Homeless Services Advisory Committee. Renee brings an academic perspective to community challenges. (candidate has not yet responded to interview request)

The upcoming elections provide a unique opportunity for our community to elect leaders who will actively support the mission of creating a Breastfeeding Family Friendly Community. The Mayor and City Council members have the potential to shape policies and initiatives that promote inclusivity and ensure that chest/breastfeeding families can comfortably and confidently feed their infants wherever they are in Durham.

In the midst of the election season, let us remember the importance of choosing leaders who not only understand the rights of parents to breastfeed but also actively advocate for and implement measures that foster a welcoming atmosphere for all families. This is an opportunity for our community to voice its support for policies that champion the rights and needs of chest/breastfeeding families.