NC Politics: A Balanced Perspective

Earlier today, the Wake County Board of Commissioners unanimously passed a non-discrimination ordinance protecting the LGBTQ+ community. This ordinance may seem unnecessary to some who are apparently in their bubble. However, it is a significant sign of hope for many in Raleigh, and Wake County, who have seen firsthand the realities of homophobia in our capital city and County. The sad truth of the matter is, this is still the South. And the bible "belt" that continues to whip fear and spew hate, evidenced by dangerous remarks , from Lieutenant Governor Mark Robinson. When he referred to human beings as "filth." This rhetoric has no place in our political discourse, and discrimination of any form has no place in our society. Everyone deserves equal treatment under the law. I applaud the commissioners for unanimously passing this ordinance and a special shout out to Vice-Chair Vickie Adamson and Commissioner Matt Calabria for initiating this.  Photo Credit: Equalit...

Our nation is in mourning. Retired four-star General and former Secretary of State Colin Powell is dead at 84 years old.  I never had the honor of meeting General Colin Powell. However, as a child, I read about him extensively, and his story resonated with me because he, like myself, grew up in extreme poverty. Watching him rise to the upper echelons of the American Government reminded me that with education and hard work, anything is possible.  I was ten years old in 2001 when General Powell became the first black Secretary of State in American history. I have always admired him, regardless of my party affiliation. However, my admiration for him was reaffirmed in 2008 when he endorsed President Barack Obama. With his endorsement, he inspired others to choose hope over fear and unity over division.  This honorable public servant put his stamp on history years ago. However, I believe one of his crowning accomplishments will be speaking out against the insurrection of 2021 ...

 " Today the EPA Administrator, Michael Regan, announced the  Biden Administration's strategy  to aggressively confront "forever chemicals" also known as  PFAS . These toxic industrial compounds are not only harmful to our environment but harmful to our public health. This announcement is a decisive leap forward and a breath of fresh air for  communities in NC  that know firsthand the dangerous impacts of  PFAS . I applaud the Biden administration for taking action to protect lives, save the environment, and secure our future."   Montravias King 

I write today with immense sadness upon notification of the passing of the Honorable Virginia Simmons Tillett, a trailblazer in Eastern North Carolina politics. She served Dare County for over thirty years with pride and distinction. However, Ms. Tillet was much more than just an elected official. She was an educator, historian, mother, grandmother, friend, and mentor to many (including myself). Ms. Tillett revived the history of the Freedmen of Roanoke Colony, AKA "The other lost colony." She worked tirelessly to educate people and raise awareness about the significance of black history in Manteo (Dare County).  I met Ms. Tillett in 2014 while serving on the Elizabeth City, City Council and Secretary of the Eastern North Carolina Civic Group. She made a positive impression on me, and I often sought her advice and nuggets of wisdom. This phenomenal woman was also a proud graduate of Elizabeth City State University and a former ECSU Board of Trustee member.  I send my sinceres...