Duluth Embodies Democratic Values Through Community and Care

A former Duluth resident calls on the city to lead the way in defending democracy against authoritarianism.

Jan. 28, 2026 at 9:23am

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A former Duluth resident now living in Sweden reflects on how Duluth's strong community, creativity, and care for one another and the environment serve as a model for upholding democratic values in the face of rising authoritarianism in the United States. The author argues that Duluth's example must extend beyond the local level to shape a broader resistance to the erosion of democracy across the country.

Why it matters

As democratic norms appear to be eroding in the U.S., the author believes communities like Duluth that embody democratic values through grassroots efforts and a commitment to the common good must continue to lead the way in defending these principles, not just for their own benefit but for the sake of the country's democratic future.

The details

The author, a former Duluth resident, now living in Sweden, describes Duluth as a "gem" defined by its natural beauty, outdoor recreation opportunities, and most importantly, its strong community of cultural, social, and civic groups that foster creativity, mutual aid, and care for the environment. The author argues that these community-driven values stand in direct opposition to the authoritarian politics and cruelty in public life that are threatening democracy in the U.S. and around the world.

  • The author is a former Duluth resident who now lives in Sweden.
  • The author wrote this column in January 2026.

The players

Thomas Beery

The author of the column, a former Duluth resident who earned his master's and doctoral degrees from the University of Minnesota Duluth and is currently a professor of environmental education at Kristianstad University in Sweden.

Duluth

A city in Minnesota known for its natural beauty, outdoor recreation, and strong community of cultural, social, and civic groups that the author believes embody democratic values through creativity and care.

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What they’re saying

“Communities like Duluth — communities that embody democratic values through creativity and care — (must) continue to uphold these principles.”

— Thomas Beery, Author

The takeaway

In a time of rising authoritarianism and the erosion of democratic norms in the U.S., the author believes communities like Duluth that prioritize community, creativity, and care for the environment and one another must lead the way in defending and upholding democratic values, not just for their own benefit but for the sake of the country's democratic future.