COUNCILOR SHANÉ DARBY

Wilmington’s 2nd District

Service: City Year and U.S. Army National Guard

I am not a politician. I am a mother of three beautiful girls.  I was born and raised in the 2nd district at 27th and Creston to an immigrant Jamaican mother and step-father.  As a mischievous kid growing up, Mr. Lee would chase me out of his store as I stole cat food to feed the local strays. Proud of my roots, I have decided to raise my family around the corner, in a city I believe in. Wilmington has been in my blood since the beginning and that is why I am running for City Council.

Towards the end of my Senior Year at Mount Pleasant High School I became pregnant with my first daughter. Despite knowing the tough road ahead, I continued my education at Temple University, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Mass Communication & African Studies, and a Master’s Degree in Africana Studies.  Motherhood paired with these passions would inspire me to later establish Black Mothers In Power. A state-wide, non-profit organization founded on empowering Black Mothers by building awareness, creating educational programming and lobbying for legislation addressing racial inequity among mothers in our community.  

Professionally, I witness the inequality our youth face on a daily basis.  As a Child Behavioral Therapist, I work closely with children who have experienced trauma and/or have behavioral issues throughout the city of Wilmington.  My experience has provided insight in the lack of community resources and youth development, as well as supplanting my passion for reinvigorating youth projects; focused on establishing local community centers and extra-curricular activities that teach our kids the necessary skills to succeed in all walks of life.  Youth are our future, but they need our support to thrive.

Like most of us today the need for Criminal Justice reform has become the most pressing concern on my mind.  Earlier this year, my daughter burst through the front door escaping gunshots.  That day in March was the moment this fight became personal and I realized I needed to take a more direct approach to community activism, transforming my ability as a community volunteer into a tangible leadership position within my hometown. 

As an active member of the Army National Guard since 2012, I serve as a paralegal.  I am also a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Poor People's Campaign, Network Delaware, Metropolitan Wilmington Urban League, and the Brandywine Village Association.  These affiliations have provided me with the necessary network and professional skill set to affect legislative change in our community through grassroots initiatives. 

Our District cannot continue to be ignored.  As a mother and resident I cannot stand by and do nothing. I am solution-oriented and results-driven and as your City Council Representative I will be the connector between ALL neighborhoods in the 2nd District. I know I am qualified to uplift Wilmington during this unique transitional time and I am ready to not only speak up for change, but influence it. Together, we can bring about a positive change in our neighborhoods.