Local Democratic Socialists of America gaining traction after bus stop controversy
WILMINGTON (WWAY) — As the mid-term elections draw closer, one political group is gaining momentum across the country and here in the Cape Fear.
What may have begun as a small group, the UNCW chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America is already making an impression in Wilmington.
One student who wished to go by ‘Christian’ was surprised by the turnout of roughly 40 for what was the group’s first introductory event. He said the Wilmington DSA wants to focus on issues directly affecting students, like housing.
“The idea of a housing campaign to benefit the students of the university,” said Christian. “This would be something that could really get ourselves out there and actually serve people economically, materially.”
However, an aspect of the group’s visibility is a concern for Christian.
The Wilmington DSA fell into the spotlight after recent controversy after its members installed custom built benches at Wave Transit bus stops across the city. At least one bench was repainted by the Cape Fear Proud Boys. Later on, every unauthorized bench was removed by the North Carolina Department of Transportation.
But now, the Cape Fear Public Transportation Authority is looking at ways to add more seating and shelters across the city’s bus stops.
Wave Transit Executive Director mark Hairr says they’re also considering including adding an “Adopt and Amenity” program, allowing groups or individuals to donate a bench or shelter for a bus stop.
“We certainly share a goal with a lot of folks for need of more amenities so we’re looking at other ways to fund additional shelters and benches,” said Hairr. “Both maybe smaller projects in the near term, but also longer range.”
Hairr says he will work on the proposal and bring it back to the CFPTA Board for further discussion at their next meeting in September.
A similar proposal was presented to the Wave Board in 2015.
However, ‘Ty’, member of the Wilmington DSA, says that approach could actually limit community involvement.
“I think that really limits the participation for the community to take in their own liberation, their own mutual aid as it were,” said Ty. “We could maybe get that one bench fund together and I think that’s extremely limiting when we have worked together to get 40 bus bench stops.”
Hairr says there are more than 430 bus stops in Wilmington, but only around 60 currently have a bench or shelter, with a separate project underway to add those amenities at up to 38 more stops by early 2027.
As for the new UNCW DSA chapter, the bus bench controversy is just one of the issues connecting its members to a larger conversation about community needs.
