African American Caucus of Forsyth County

School Bonds

2006-11-08T14:15:00.000-05:00

Kudos to the NAACP and the African American Caucus for standing up for the children of Forsyth County, and not bowing down before defacto segregation or the contracting companies that plan to make their income off the backs of our children through the new construction and painting contracts that will surely come out of this school bond.
Education lost in this election, but not the integrity of this civil rights organization that has served over eighty years as the consciousness of America, consistently keeping us from loosing our focus on the human issue and not on tradition or convenience. Nor did the neophytic political organization (AAC) loose its focus for the African American community.
As with the previous school bonds we will begin to see the dwindling and consequentially the disappearance of schools in the inner city and those that remain will become poorer and browner. With the graduation rate of less than 60% for African American students in our county, the focus was most absurdly in the wrong place, as education and not buildings must be the priority of this school system.
We can continue to run from each other, but eventually, there will be no where left to run. Our children must learn, grow and mature in a multicolor multicultural world because that is the world in which they will live!!
The Supreme Court in Brown vs. Board of Education got it right when it stated “separate but equal is inherently unequal.” Housing patterns were just as racially and economically skewed in the 1950’s as they are today and this statement will stand the test of time.
Submitted by Chenita Johnson
Precinct Chair Hanes-Lowrance
2411 N. Patterson Avenue
(336) 725-6203

To: AAC State Executive Committee

2006-10-24T15:41:00.000-04:00

There was a letter sent to the AAC for a “called” state meeting for the expressed purpose of setting the direction for the AAC. I have yet to hear much response concerning this matter from executive board members or executive committee members. Evidently there are concerns about the AAC that need to be expressed and addressed; therefore the state AAC must give immediate attention to these matters.
I do think that all caucus members should respond to this call to action. However, it should not take longer than it took God to create the world, so at least within the next six days (God rested on the seventh), there should be a date and venue established for this meeting before the holidays.
I would suggest Greensboro, High Point, Salisbury, Raleigh or, perhaps Winston-Salem. I would also suggest a time no later than Noon and no earlier than 9:00am.
I would further suggest that ALL AAC caucuses and members be contacted by email, regular (a.k.a snail mail), phone, with a time, place and date set.
The AAC state secretary should have a complete list of these members and I am sure that Derwin will also help.
The future of the AAC is in our hands.

Thanks

Chenita Johnson
2nd Vice Chair AAC-NCDP
NCDP State Executive Committee Member

From Larry Womble

2006-10-11T15:38:00.000-04:00

October 10, 2006

CC: Mr. Harold Hairston, President
Attorney Harold Kennedy
Chairman of the Forsyth County Democratic Party
315 North Main Street—Suite 2000
Winston-Salem, NC 27101

Dear Attorney Kennedy:

This letter is written on behalf of Ms. Linda Sutton I strongly support and recommend Ms. Linda Sutton to fill the vacancy of the former Chair position of Ms. Joan Cardwell to the Forsyth County Board of Election Committee. Ms. Linda Sutton is dedicated and exemplary in her services, involvement, and commitment to many civic and community activities. She is well known throughout Forsyth County and the city of Winston-Salem.

I have known Ms. Sutton more than 20 years and have worked with her on many civic and community activities. Ms. Sutton has the knowledge and experience. She is opened minded honest and fair in rendering decisions and accepts her duties with a challenge. She has brought to the table many ideas and strategies that have been very effective in improving the voters registration in carrying out its mission Ms. Sutton has served on many committees holding leadership positions. She chaired Forsyth County Special Voters Commission, was appointed by Governor Hunt to serve on the NC Law Election Law Review Commission, and served as the 12th District Coordinator for the National Coalition on Black Voters Participation. Ms. Sutton is faithful to her church and is very honest and fair in making decisions objectively that would benefit the citizens.

I would greatly appreciate your consideration of my recommendation of Ms. Linda Sutton appointment as Chair of the Forsyth County Board of Election Committee. Please do not hesitate to contact my office for assistance.

Respectfully,

Letter of Recommendation

2006-10-11T08:00:00.000-04:00

Tuesday, October 10, 2006

Forsyth County Democratic Party Officers
315 North Spruce Street
Winston-Salem, NC 27101

Dear Democratic Party Officers,

The African American Caucus of the Forsyth County Democratic Party (AAC-FCDP) wishes to express full support for Linda Sutton to replace Joan Cardwell as Chairperson for the Forsyth County Board of Elections. For many years the African American Community has had misgivings about whether our votes were truly being counted. With new leadership at the Board of Elections and with Ms. Sutton as Chairperson of the Board of Elections, many of our past problems and concerns will have been addressed.

Ms. Linda Sutton is well known and respected throughout the City of Winston-Salem, North Carolina. She currently holds leadership positions with the Black Leadership Roundtable, NAACP and W-S Voting Rights Coalition, all non-partisan groups. Ms. Sutton has worked tirelessly with the previous BOE to insure Early Voting Sites in the neediest parts of Forsyth County and to make sure that the best Voting Machines were available for the citizens of the City and County.

Please consider this letter as a recommendation from the political representatives of the African American Community. Your support is required to restore the integrity of the Forsyth County Voting and Election Processes.

Sincerely,

Harold Lee Hairston – President
African American Caucus of the Forsyth County Democratic Party
3140 Shaftesbury Lane
Winston-Salem, NC 27105-6945
Phone: 336 725-4194
Email: HHAIRSTON1@triad.rr.com
Blogsite: http://aacfcdp.blogspot.com/

African American Caucus Voter's Guide

2006-10-09T22:46:00.000-04:00

All the candidates on the other side are indorsed by the African American Caucus of the Forsyth County Democratic Party and have been found to be beneficial for the well being of the Black Community. The Candidates we chose are the best for the positions they are seeking. Please Vote for these candidates.

Turn to the Other Side

We need to vote for the chosen Judges because Judges on the Supreme Court gave us the right to vote. Judges also decided every aspect of our lives from cradle to grave.

If you believe the primary purpose of the Board of Education is to build bigger and better schools, then you should support the School Bond Referendum. If you believe the primary purpose of the Board is to educate and graduate children in Forsyth County, then VOTE NO on the Bond Referendum because these Bonds will not educate or help one of our kids to graduate. VOTE NO until educating our children is the primary goal of the Board of Education.

VOTE YES for the Community College Bonds because the Community College System is operated is such a way that it supports MOST STUDENTS who enters its doors.

DO NOT Vote Straight Party Ticket

2006-10-09T22:43:00.000-04:00

Vote for the African American Caucus’s Candidates

US CONGRESS DISTRICT 05
· Roger Sharpe
US CONGRESS DISTRICT 12
· Mel watt
NC STATE SENATE DISTRICT 32
· Linda Garrou
NC STATE HOUSE DISTRICT 071
· Larry Womble
NC STATE HOUSE DISTRICT 072
· Earline W. Parmon
COUNTY COMMISSIONER- AT LARGE
· Ted Kaplan
COUNTY COMMISSIONER DISTRICT B
· Bill McDonough
SHERIFF
· Robert J. (Bobby) Blakely, Jr.
SCHOOL BOARD – AT LARGE
· Elisabeth Motsinger
· Irene Phillips
SCHOOL BOARD DISTRICT 2
· Donald Dunn
· Ross K. Smith
TURN OVER TO THE OTHER SIDE
SUPREME COURT CHIEF JUSTICE
· Sarah Parker
SUPREME COURT ASSOCIATE JUSTICE
· Rachel Lea Hunter
SUPREME COURT ASSOCIATE JUSTICE - (Vote once for each one)
· Patricia Timmons-Goodson
· Robinson Hudson
COURT OF APPEALS JUDGE - (Vote once for each one)
· Robert C. (Bob) Hunter
· Linda Stephens
DISTRICT COURTS JUDGES 21 – (Vote once for each one)
· George A. Bedsworth
· Denise S. Hartsfield
· Lisa V. Menefee

VOTE NO FORSYTH COUNTY – BOND REFERUNDUMS
VOTE YES COMMUNITY COLLEGE – FORSYTH TECH

2006-09-25T08:43:00.000-04:00

“When you let other people choose your Leaders for you,
the Leaders they chose will represent the other people.”

AAC-NCDP General Body Meeting

2006-09-23T06:24:00.000-04:00

“If you call yourself a leader and no one is following you, you are just going for a walk.” The African American Caucus of the North Carolina Democratic Party (AAC-NCDP) is taking a long walk into the woods. Forsyth County was one of the first North Carolina Counties to organize and support the goals and initiatives of the Caucus. We watched the ACC-NCDP grow into one of the most powerful axillaries in the North Carolina State Democratic Party.

At the last AAC-NCDP State Executive Meeting, thirteen people showed up to the pre-AAC Meeting. Of these attendees, six were from Forsyth County. The number of organized counties that still participate has fallen to a very low numbers. Members of the Executive Meeting are not participating in large numbers. There is no accounting for ALL the monies given to the Caucus. There are no written minutes and archives of the history of the Caucus. Meetings were held and procedures approved without the required quorum. County Presidents are not allowed to attend Executive Committee Meetings. People are assigned to Chairmanships of Committees with no prior participation or membership in the Caucus. Life long leaders in the Black Community and Founding Members of the Caucus no longer participate or attend Caucus Meetings.

Now for the question, is this the kind of organization you want to represent the political aspiration of the Black Voters in North Carolina? If it is, as George W. Bush says, “Stay the Course.” If it is not, join the AAC of Forsyth County in calling for a General Body Meeting to re-dedicate ourselves to the founding principles of the African American Caucus. The AAC-NCDP is more important than any individual and group of people, for all of us to be successful, the African American Caucus of the North Carolina Democratic Party MUST succeed.

2006-06-27T10:05:00.000-04:00

The African American Caucus of the Forsyth County Democratic Party holds its 2nd Annual Community Day Breakfast. This is an invitation ONLY event scheduled for Saturday, July 22, 2006 from 8 – 10:00 a.m. at the Golden Corral Hanes Mall.

The Speaker is the Honorable Bernita Sims, Mayor Pro Tempore of High Point, North Carolina. Bernita is a native of High Point, North Carolina and attended public schools in the city. Upon graduation from high school, she attended the University of the District of Columbia where she majored in Communications. Upon entering the workforce in l972, she went to work for American and Trust Company in Washington, DC in their bookkeeping and proof departments. Seeking a more challenging work environment, she went to work for B’nai B’rith Women in their membership department. This career move prepared her for what was to become her most challenging role yet.

In 1977, Bernita again changed careers and went to work for National Housing Partnerships, more commonly referred to as NHP. National Housing Partnerships was at that time the largest developer and manager of subsidized housing in the nation. This career move allowed for much flexibility and the opportunity to develop her expertise in the management of various HUD subsidy programs and to work with several lending institutions, local developers and governmental bodies as well as local community organizations. Her transition from executive assistant to property manager, from property to district manager, and from district manager to senior district manager, was the springboard for a career which spanned fifteen years. During this time, she relocated several times and continued to enhance her knowledge of property management as well as gaining exposure to the inner workings of local governmental agencies.

Her final transfer with NHP brought her to Atlanta, Georgia, where her management portfolio consisted of 18 properties with budgets totaling $60+ million per year. She supervised 18 managers, and approximately 80 staff persons. Her responsibilities included supervision of 2 property managers, 1 district manager and had properties located in southern Georgia, northern Florida, and South Carolina. In 1993, Bernita partnered with two developers in Atlanta to form Bolton Property Management, Inc. where she was VP of Operations. She later moved to Kansas City and became Vice President of Operations for Omega Realty.

In 1996, Bernita relocated back to High Point and started her career with La-Z-Boy Greensboro, Inc. (formerly LADD Furniture) in the Human Department.

She has been a member of the High Point City Council since 2001, where she represents the residents of Ward 1, and serves as Mayor Pro-Tem of the Council. As a member of Council, she is Chair of the Public Services Committee and is a member of the Special and Planning Committee and the Transportation Committee. She serves as liaison to the Human Relations Commission, the High Point ABC Board and the High Point Historical Museum. Bernita attended and graduated as a Fellow from the Institute of Political Leadership at UNC-Wilmington in December, 2003.

She also serves on the following boards; NCCJ, Win-Win Resolutions, Chair of the High Point Children’s Cabinet, High Point Racial Healing, Guilford County Workforce Development, Chair of the Democratic Party 12th Congressional District, Legislative Chair of the Guilford County Democratic Party African American Caucus, The Black Leadership Roundtable of High Point, and the Minority Business Council of the High Point Chamber of Commerce. She is a life member of the NAACP and is very involved in the community.

She attends and is an active member of Williams Memorial C.M.E. Church under the leadership of Reverend Robert J. Williams. Bernita is Vice Chair of the Trustee Board, sings with the Choral Ensemble, serves on the Pastor’s Aide, the Children’s Retreat Committee, the IT Committee and the Building Committee which just completed the construction of a 4.2 million sanctuary, administrative, and fellowship wing. She also serves on the Board of RJW Ministries, Inc., a non-profit organization whose mission is to assist those in the community who are less fortunate and to assist our young people with educational opportunities.

2006-02-15T08:52:00.000-05:00

AAC-FCDP Democratic Primary Election Period Assignments

For the duration of the Democratic Primary Election Period, Ms. Jacquelyn Barber will become the President of the African American Caucus of the Forsyth Democratic Party. Ms. Barber can be reached at (336) 725-6203, Email Address jacquelinebbarber@hotmail.com.

Mr. Phillip Carter will act as Secretary and Ms. Mabel Johnson will become Treasurer until the Democratic Primary Election Period ends.

2006-02-14T20:19:00.000-05:00

On February 14, at the Winston Lake “Y” Precinct (401) meeting was held from 6:30pm to 7:30pm. Rosa Miller (Precinct Chair), stepped down and a new Precinct Chair, Emma Cole Ingram was elected.

Congratulations Ms. Ingram from the African American Caucus of the Forsyth County Democratic Party.

2006-02-08T09:51:00.000-05:00

AAC-FCDP Precinct Meeting Announcements

Winston Lake Family " Y" - Precinct 401 will meet on Tuesday, February 14, 2006 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Winston Lake YMCA. Contact Rosa Miller 725-7136 or Emma Ingram 761-0987 for additional information.

The following Precincts will meet on February 9, 2006 from 6 to 8:00 p.m at the 14th Street Recreation Center.

402 - 14th Street Precinct
403 - LEAP at Kennedy Precinct
405 - SIMS Recreation Precinct

Contact Person: DianneCaesar (336) 722-2625

2006-02-07T15:33:00.000-05:00

The African American Caucus announces
Democratic Precinct Meetings

Malloy-Jordan Heritage Center
February 9, 2006 6-8:00 pm Ivy Arms Community Center.

East Forsyth High School
Wednesday, February 15, 2006 6:30-7:30 pm East Forsyth High School Library

2006-02-02T09:41:00.000-05:00

Dear Members,

The African American Caucus of the Forsyth County Democratic Party is encouraging its membership to write letters to Joan Cardwell, Chairman of the Forsyth County Board of Elections to recommend the hiring of Claire Wallace as the new Director. The two Democratic Members of the Board, Mrs. Cardwell and Mr. Elliott’s mailing addresses are listed below.

Board of Elections Mrs. Charles A. Cardwell, Jr.
201 North Chestnut Street 2917 NW Greenway Avenue
Winston-Salem, NC 27101 Winston-Salem, NC 27105
(336) 703-2800
(336) 725-5742(336) 727-2893 FAX

Mr. Eric Elliott
1219 Forsyth Street
Winston-Salem, NC 27101
(336) 724-4913

Under the old Administration, African Americans were challenged and disrespected in an attempt to discourage voter turnout in the Black Communities. African Americans have had to beg for additional Early Voting Sites in our communities. We were never quite sure our votes were being properly counted. Because of these reasons, we support the hiring of Ms. Wallace to bring integrity to the voting process.

Your support is needed,

Harold Lee Hairston - President
AAC-FCDP
Visit AAC BLOG SITE: http://aacfcdp.blogspot.com

2006-01-30T09:43:00.000-05:00

African American Caucus of the Forsyth Democratic Party
12th District Precinct Organization Training

The African American Caucus of the Forsyth Democratic Party (AAC-FCDP) will provide training for all unorganized Democratic Precinct Organizations in the 12th Congressional District

This training is scheduled for Saturday, February 4, 2006 from 9 to 11:00 a.m. at the NAACP Enrichment Center at the corners of Butterfield Drive and Oak Ridge Road in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Please call (336) 725-4194 for additional Information or visit our BLOG Site at http://aacfcdp.blogspotcom/.

2006-01-24T17:19:00.000-05:00

2006-01-24T08:36:00.000-05:00

The African American Caucus of the Forsyth County Democratic Party opposes Ms. Chastain-Cooper’s recommendation of Ms. Laura Gerardi-Dell as Director of the Forsyth County Board Of Elections (BOE). Ms. Gerardi-Dell worked hand and hand with the former Director to make the BOE an unfriendly environment for African Americans Voters.

Precinct Presidents have found it very difficult to get their assigned Chief and Assistant Judges to work in their own precincts. When these problems were brought to the attention of Ms. Gerardi-Dell, she was not moved by the plight of Precinct Officials. The current Administration under Chastain-Cooper and Gerardi-Dell have fought to keep early voting sights out of the Black Communities while insuring sufficient sites were available across Highway 52.

The new Director of the BOE should bring integrity to the voting process and guarantee all voters that their votes will be counted. Voting is such an important right that it must be protected at all cost. The new leader of the BOE must have the trust and respect of all the people of Winston-Salem and Forsyth County.

African American Caucus Executive Committee.

2006-01-10T09:54:00.000-05:00

Congratulations to the 2006 - 2008 newly elected Officers and Executive Committee Members of the African American Caucus of the Forsyth County Democratic Party. They are as follows:

Harold Lee Hairston - President
Jacquelyn Barber - Vice President
Chenita Johnson - Secretary
Emma Cole Ingram - Trerasurer
Phillip Carter - Member At Large
Mabel Johnson - Member Large

2005-12-28T08:54:00.000-05:00

The African American Caucus of the Forsyth Democratic Party encourages all its members and all other African Americans to apply for Winston-Salem Boards and Commissions.

The City of Winston-Salem is taking application from residents for nine city boards and commissions.

There are vacancies on the Citizen Budget Advisory Council, Loan Committee, Minority/Women Business’s Enterprise Advisory Committee, Sister Cities Board, City-County Planning Board, Coalition for Drug Abuse Prevention, Human Relations Commission, Workforce Development Board and Zoning Board of Adjustment.

Applications must be received by 5 p.m. on January 6, 2006 and may be Faxed to 748-3241 or mailed to PO Box 2511, Winston-Salem, NC 27102. For an application, call Mayor’s Office at 727-2058.

2005-12-25T13:20:00.000-05:00

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

From your

African American Caucus of the Forsyth County Democratic Party

2005-12-15T19:00:00.000-05:00

Monday, December 12, 2005

Harold Kennedy – Chairman
Forsyth County Democratic Party
315 North Spruce Street
Winston-Salem, NC 27101

Dear Chairman Kennedy,

The African American Caucus of the Forsyth County Democratic Party (AAC – FCDP) wishes to share with you our reasons for not participating fully in County Party events. We elected you as President to lead the Forsyth County Democratic Party (FCDP) working side by side with members of the Executive Committee. We believe the FCDP is now in violation of the North Carolina Democratic Party Plan of Organization because you are no longer performing your duties. If you are no longer ready, willing or able to execute the office of Chair of FCDP, please resign so that someone else can lead and bring the Democratic Party together.

We explained to you and thought you understood that if the Party’s tactics of reducing African American voting strength by placing numerous Committee Chairs and other none elected people on the Executive Committee, that we will no longer function as Second Class Citizens of the County Party. We are also concerned about the way the 1st Vice Chair has spoken to our President, Mr. Harold Lee Hairston.

We remain the MOST loyal Democrats in that we vote for all Democratic Candidates no matter what the candidate’s Race or Gender. We continue to work with Democratic Auxiliaries and individuals who uphold the Party’s Goals and Objectives. Until the African American Caucus of the Forsyth County Democratic Party is treated with the respect that is owed to all Democrats, we continue to work Party issues and problems unique to the Black Community without the support of our fellow Democrats. We look forward to meeting with you and the Executive Committee to discuss ways to reunite the FCDP.

Sincerely,

AAC-FCDP Executive Committee

Signed Signed
Harold Lee Hairston – President Jacquelyn Barber – Vice President

Signed Signed
Chenita Johnson – Secretary Emma C. Ingram – Treasurer

Signed Signed
Mabel Johnson – Member At Large Phillip Carter – Member At Large

2005-12-14T12:58:00.000-05:00

The Executive Committee of the African American Caucus of the Forsyth County Democratic Party.

President - Harold Lee Hairston
Vice President - Jacquelyn Barber
Secretary - Chenita Johnson
Treasurer - Emma C. Ingram
Member At Large - Phillip Carter
Member At Large - Mabel Johnson

2005-12-14T11:48:00.000-05:00

This space is reserved for the African American Caucus of the Forsyth County Democratic Party.