When the People Show Up, Leadership Should Too

There is no question that The Courier Eco Latino Newspaper, in partnership with Davis Broadcasting, Inc., has earned its place as a trusted source of news and information for the Black and Brown communities we serve.

Combined, for more than four decades, we have informed, uplifted and advocated—serving as both mirror and messenger for a community too often overlooked. Today, that responsibility carries even greater weight.

Consider this: Columbus, Georgia is now approximately 47% Black, 39% White and 9% Hispanic. This is not a “minority” community—it is the majority voice of this city. And yet, when given the opportunity to speak directly to that voice, some candidates have chosen silence.

Let’s be clear. If you are seeking to serve as a city councilor or mayor in this community, it is not optional—it is essential—that you show up, stand before the people, and answer their questions. To do otherwise is not just disappointing. It is unconscionable. And yet, that is exactly what has occurred.

Candidates Karen Gaskins in District 7—a predominantly Black district—declined to attend, as did District 5 Councilor Charmaine Crabb. Mayoral candidate Joanne Cogle also chose not to participate. The issue is not simply who was absent, but why. Invitations were extended in January to ensure every candidate had ample time to include these forums on their calendars. Gaskins and Crabb later cited prior commitments in March. Cogle, however, responded on April 13—just three days before the mayoral forum—stating, “Unfortunately, I am unable to attend as I am attending another event,” signaling not a scheduling conflict, but a matter of priority. For a community that depends on these forums as a direct line of access and accountability, such absences cannot be overlooked. For many voters—particularly within communities of color—this is more than a missed appearance; it is a missed opportunity to engage, to listen, and to be present. And come Election Day, the response may be just as clear: if you don’t show up for the community, the community may choose not to show up for you.

Why Candidate Forums Matter                               A political candidate forum is one of the few remaining spaces where democracy still looks like democracy. It is not about endorsements. It is not about promotion. It is about education. In a time when public opinion is shaped by social media posts, 30-second sound bites and carefully crafted campaign ads, forums provide something increasingly rare: unfiltered access.

They allow voters to:

• Hear directly from candidates—without edits or spin
• Evaluate how candidates think, not just what they say
• See how they respond under pressure
• Measure their understanding of real community issues

When you attend a forum, you leave better informed. And an informed voter is the foundation of a functioning democracy.

Discomfort or Disinterest?        So again, we ask: why the no-shows? Is it discomfort with tough questions? Is it a lack of preparation? Or is it a deeper disinterest in engaging directly with the very people whose votes are being sought? Because make no mistake—when candidates fail to show up, it sends a message. And the message is heard loud and clear.

The Role of Black Media                                                                                   Black media has never simply been about telling stories. It has always been about advocacy, accountability and affirmation. It has been the voice when others were silent. The truth when others distorted it. The platform when others denied it.

We do not just report on the community—we stand with the community. And that means asking the hard questions. That means holding leadership accountable. That means ensuring that our readers, listeners and viewers are equipped with the information they need to make decisions that impact their lives.

As we move closer to the May 19 election, let this be understood: The responsibility does not rest solely on the candidates. It rests with all of us. Attend the forums. Ask the questions. Demand the answers. Hold those who seek to lead accountable. Because leadership is not about titles. It is about presence. It is about engagement. It is about showing up. And if a candidate will not show up now—when they are asking for your vote—what should we expect after the election?

A Final Word                                                                                                                    The Black press has stood the test of time because it has never wavered in its commitment to the people. And that commitment remains. We are here. We are watching. And we will continue to inform, empower and advocate—just as we always have.