It’s time to look back to our roots. To those so-called “Founding Fathers” who, when they penned those famed words, never intended equal rights for all people, nor even for all men. To the endowment of unalienable rights, meant only for landholders – wealthy, white men. To a past with which we have yet to reckon. And to generations of activists who, since that time over 200 years ago, have fought continuously for the expansion of rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

It’s time to take a hard look at the state of this democracy. To rights expanded in the Voting Rights Act of 1965, and to the efforts to weaken it through restrictive voter laws over the last decade, disproportionately disenfranchising Black voters. In another presidential election year, we endure an onslaught of political pundit commentary, dramatic candidate advertisements, and arguments (or silent treatment) with impassioned folks on both sides of the aisle. We hash out the same conversations. Voters, not disengaged but disaffected. Civic engagement, relevant beyond once every four years.

In community development, what has been the role of democracy and democracy building? It’s time for us to look back on our roots. It’s time to reckon with the power of the people in community development’s beginnings that many believe are rooted in the Black Power movement and Civil Rights movement. To its origin stories in tenant organizing. To the emphasis of community development as a vehicle for self-determination.

To our elders who sat on bulldozers to protest the destruction of their homes and gardens for the freeways that would cut through our neighborhoods. To cross-racial solidarity paving the way for steps forward toward racial justice.

How has community development fostered or hindered democracy? Where do we see democracy building in government budgets, in development processes, in grantmaking, in collective decision making? In this issue, we hear from voices of democracy builders across the country who are wrestling with these questions every day.

Dive in with us to this conversation about the role of democracy building in anti-racist community development, and the role of community development in preserving our democracy. We invite you to review our High Level Research Findings and consider the impacts that community development leadership, finance, and policy have on democracy building. What could it look like to truly lift every voice, for all people to be considered equal, regardless of race, citizenship status, or income level? Imagine a world where innovative approaches pushed democracy forward, through new economic systems, through approaches to community building and planning, through community service and resident leadership.

Let’s build our collective civic muscle together. Onward.