Local politics was the focus on Wednesday night as Black Advancement Inc. hosted its Local Political Awareness Seminar at the C. Burr Artz Public Library, bringing together local political figures and community voices to discuss issues affecting Frederick’s Black community.
The panel featured Derek Shackelford, Tiffany Grant, Chad Wilson, Tony Lawson, Teddy Galloway and Andy Solages. The seminar was part of Black Advancement Inc.’s ongoing Local Political Awareness initiative, which was created to help residents better understand local government, the responsibilities of elected officials and how community members can influence the political process. The organization has been developing the initiative since 2023, including its Local Political Awareness booklet and previous conversations with Frederick city and county officials.
With the 2026 election season underway, the discussion offered an opportunity to move beyond national politics and focus on the decisions being made closer to home. Local government has a direct role in issues ranging from education and public safety to housing, economic opportunity and neighborhood investment. Shackelford, who currently serves as an at-large member of the Frederick City Council, has identified equity in public policy and quality of life among his priorities. Grant is currently running for Frederick County Council At-Large, making the conversation particularly relevant as voters prepare to make decisions about local leadership.
According to Black Advancement Inc., the seminar was designed not simply as a political discussion, but as part of a broader effort to turn awareness into action. The organization said the Sept. 30 session introduced several ideas, with at least three ultimately being adopted. That approach reflects the larger goal of the Local Political Awareness program: giving Frederick residents more information about the political process while creating space for the community to identify issues and propose solutions of its own.
As election conversations increasingly dominate the political landscape, events such as the Local Political Awareness Seminar provide a reminder that civic engagement does not begin or end with a presidential election. Much of the policy that shapes residents’ everyday lives is decided at the city and county level, making knowledge of local government — and participation in it — an important part of community power.
