A Promise to My Community: Changing the Conversation Around Lexington
I’m often asked a straightforward question: “Why do you mainly write about Lexington?” The question is simple, but the answer is complex, rooted in everything from journalistic practicality to a deep-seated belief in the power of positive storytelling. The truth is, my focus on Lexington is not a choice of favoritism, but a reflection of the commitment we receive from its community. It’s an investment of trust, and at Davidson Local, we make it our mission to honor that trust.
The most practical reason is also the most direct: Lexington is the only school that consistently keeps us in the loop. They are responsive, forthcoming, and proactive in sharing what's happening in their schools and with their students. When a publication's goal is to keep the community aware of events, achievements, and educational progress, having an open line of communication is everything. I have personally reached out to athletic directors and representatives from other schools in our county, and more often than not, I've been met with silence. We can’t publicize what we don’t know, and without a willing partner, we can’t effectively serve the community as a whole.
My second reason is more personal and stems from a desire to change the narrative. For too long, especially since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the conversation around Lexington has been dominated by negativity. I believe that a healthy community, much like a healthy family, is one that supports its children. No kid is perfect, and neither were we. What makes a difference in today’s society is how we show up for the next generation. My goal is to use our platform to shine a light on the incredible innovation happening within Lexington—the students excelling in the arts, the athletes making a name for themselves, and the teachers shaping minds. I am not Lexington’s PR department, but I am a citizen who cares deeply about what is going on in my community, and you should too. We have to be the ones who champion the good news to counter the bad.
The third reason, perhaps the most difficult to share, comes from a place of principle. After a personal experience in which I felt discriminated against by North Davidson’s Athletic Director, I made a vow to myself: I will only go where we are wanted. That decision was a commitment to self-respect and to the integrity of our work. Our time and energy are best spent building positive relationships with those who see us as a partner in celebrating their community, rather than fighting for a seat at the table where we are not valued. This doesn't mean we won't try to connect with other schools, but it does mean we will prioritize the stories of those who welcome us and share our vision of community support.
My mission, and the mission of Davidson Local, is to be a resource for the entire county. We want to support everyone in any way that we can. To do that, we need collaboration from all schools and communities. If your school has events, games, or accomplishments you would like to see publicized, please feel free to reach out to me directly at thomas@davidsonlocal.com. Let's work together to create a county-wide awareness of the positive things happening all around us. The story of Davidson County is still being written, and we believe it's one we all should be a part of telling.
Best regards,
Thomas Martin Sr
