After years of service to Durham, the people’s commissioner, Brenda Howerton is stepping down from the Durham County Board of Commissioners, leaving behind a legacy shaped by personal tragedy that she transformed into a powerful commitment to the Durham community. Howerton, who entered the political landscape after the death of her two sons, turned this into a mission to build a community “where no mother has to bury a son,” Howerton said. As she prepares to say her goodbyes to the Board of Commissions Howerton tells part of her story, legacy, and vision for the future of Durham. 

Q:  Looking back on your career as a Durham County Commissioner, what do you consider to be your most significant accomplishments?

Howerton: Throughout my tenure as a member of the board of county commissioners, I’ve been called the people’s commissioners. I hold that moniker in high esteem due to my commitment to always listen to and affirm the interest of all Durham County residents. My time of service has been a mixed bag of good and bad days, with the worst unfolding as I assumed the role of board chair. My service coincided with the exit of former County Manager Wendel Davis after the majority voted to not extend his contract.  Our board and community dealt with extreme division due to allegations of racism against Davis. We could have easily imploded but our board found the resolve to unite to build beyond our differences. It’s notable that five women – two black, two white and one Muslim – proved the strength of women committed to a vision greater than our difference. We listened to residents while doing our best to hear each other.

Q: How do you hope your time in office will be remembered by the community?

Howerton: I hope to be remembered for why I decided to serve. I followed the death of two sons. I was broken and the tears kept me trapped in dismay. I decided to serve to build a community where no mother had to bury a son. I hope that my time of service will inspire other women to serve. I’m a woman from meager beginnings. There’s no silver spoon on my table. I’m the child of sharecroppers who endured an abusive marriage. I raised my children on a back crippled by wounds. I pray that my service serves to inspire women like me to serve.     

Q: What were some of the biggest challenges you faced during your time as a commissioner?

Howerton:  No one can lead effectively without a willingness to listen to  people who vote and don’t vote for you. Over the years, I’ve had to learn from my critics enough to grow beyond my own assumptions. Again, balancing the real needs of residents while engaging in conversations with members of local political action committees is the greatest challenge.  In Durham, the PACS hold tremendous control due to their ability to sway elections. Remaining centered in the face of concerns regarding the election is the biggest challenge of anyone in local office.      

Q: How has your advocacy for racial equity and social justice shaped your work as a commissioner, and what progress do you think has been made in Durham under your leadership? 

Howerton: Because I’m a Black woman, my activism and advocacy show up whenever I walk in a room. This is even more significant because I’m a dark-skinned woman who grew up during a time when colorism was used to dismiss Black people darker than a paper bag. Showing up is an act of activism. Pressing forward is a way of advocating for women after long seasons of rejection. Showing up and fighting for the babies and their mothers, the men and their sons, and all families with needs, is my way of reaching back and pulling up those left behind. I will never forget what happened to my sons. I will never forget my history and fighting for the right to sit at the table. I will never, even after leaving office, stop fighting against assumptions rooted in racial, gender, and class privilege.

Q: What policies or initiatives were most effective in addressing the needs of Durham’s marginalized communities?

Howerton: I’m most proud of the initiatives formed in collaboration with members of the Durham community. One example of the Hayti Reborn Social Justice Movement. This work builds on the awareness that efforts aimed at undoing economic, educational and health disparities work best when we use public funds to support systems that take advantage of all of our local resources. This means bringing county and city government together with local citizens, nonprofits, congregations, businesses, colleges and universities and anyone interested in adding to the pot together to rebuild our community. Durham is a rich resource community and we work best when we find ways to work together versus remaining isolated from one another.