This past weekend served as a reminder that democracy is not built only on Election Day. It is strengthened — or weakened — by the everyday decisions made by civic organizations, community leaders, and the institutions voters trust.
As campaign manager for Chrystal O’Jon for city council, I learned that one candidate had been invited to address the local NAACP chapter while the other candidates, including ours, were not. Whether intentional or not, that decision created the appearance of unequal treatment and raised concerns about the organization’s responsibility to provide a fair and impartial forum for public engagement.
When community organizations invite candidates to speak, they take on an important civic role. Their decisions help shape public discourse and influence which voices voters hear. With that responsibility comes an obligation to ensure every qualified candidate is given an equal opportunity to present to the public.
Rather than accept the situation, I raised concerns and advocated for equal access. In response, the NAACP agreed to host a candidate forum that included candidates. That outcome was a victory — not for any one campaign, but for the principles of fairness, transparency, and equal access.
This experience underscores an important lesson: democracy requires more than good intentions. It requires accountability. It requires the willingness to question decisions that appear unfair, even when doing so may be uncomfortable. And it requires organizations that serve the public to recognize that impartiality is not simply an ideal — it is a responsibility.
The issue was never that one candidate received an invitation. The issue was that every candidate should have received one.
The candidate forum ultimately demonstrated what should have happened from the beginning. It showed that when concerns are raised respectfully, institutions can correct course. That is not a sign of weakness, it is a sign that democracy is working.
Janae Knox
Founder, Knox Organizing
