African American Caucus of Forsyth County

NCDP trying to Decertify Black Auxilary

2011-10-27T12:27:00.001-04:00

North Carolina Democratic Party trying to Decertify Black Auxiliary

The North Carolina Democratic Party (NCDP) Plan of Organization strictly forbids the Democratic Party and its Party Officers from interfering with the internal operations of Democratic Auxiliaries as provided under Council of Review Section 9.01 Purpose. The North Carolina Democratic Party (NCDP) under new Chairman David Parker is working very hard to decertify the African American Caucus of the North Carolina Democratic Party (AAC-NCDP). Chairman David Parker won the Chairmanship defeating Bill Faison (supported by Governor Bev Perdue and the Black Elected Officials) with a lot help from AAC-NCDP Members. Chairman Parker’s first act was to appoint Mickey Michaux, who probably voted for Faison, as Chair for Minority Affairs to the State Executive Committee (SEC). Harold Lee Hairston, AAC-NCDP President objected to the Chairman choice because the Caucus caught hell for not going along with the Black Elected Officials and the Governor who never mentions the AAC-NCDP at Democratic events where other Democratic Auxiliaries are recognized by name. At an SEC Meeting Chairman Parker refused to call for a vote to the certify the AAC-NCDP as an official auxiliary of the Democratic Party and let Mr. Phillip Cooper of Wake County make unsubstantiated negative statements about the Caucus which left the Caucus as the only Democratic Auxiliary not accepted into the Party. Mr. Cooper was removed as 2nd Vice President of the Caucus for failure to attend two (2) of the four (4) mandatory General Body Meetings and other Executive Meetings. Parker suggested to the SEC Members that if they did not accept the Caucus By-Laws, the AAC-NCDP would no longer be an auxiliary of the Democratic Party, although African Americans makeup over 40% of North Carolina Democrats and vote at over 95% for Party Candidates and issues, being the most loyal of all Democratic Constituencies. Nowhere in the Plan of Organization, the Party Rules and Regulations, is the issue of decertification addressed. After influential Black Leaders said there would always be an AAC-NCDP, Parker recanted and dispatched Douglas Wilson, 2nd Vice Chairman to stop Mr. Cooper efforts to decertify the Caucus. The SEC Membership voted to accept AAC-NCDP By-Laws over the objection of Stella Adams, first AAC-NCDP President, Kevin Smith, former member and Mrs. Little of Union County, claiming to be President of the Caucus. Chairman Parker’s attitude sent a clear message to the Democratic Membership that the AAC-NCDP under Hairston’s leadership was not important to the Party.

Telephone Calls and emails to the Chairman asking for a meeting the discuss concerns and questions when under answered. Only after Jay Parmley became Executive Director of the Party was a meeting grant to the AAC-NCDP. Mr. Cooper when back into action calling many AAC-NCDP County Presidents to tell them what a bad leader President Hairston was. Mr. Cooper was successful with Mrs. Zette McArn, Wilson County President and she started to send critical email to other County Presidents. Before Mr. Cooper’s campaign, the only problem between Mrs. McArn and the President was the way he pronounced her name, the President called her “Zet-te.” 1st Vice Chairman Gwen Wilkins began to call President Hairston, at first recommending things he could do to improve the Caucus. After a while she began to suggest major changes which included Ms. Wilkins over seeing every movement and decision of the Caucus. Wilkins went as far as to suggest that President Hairston was being coached because the President was too dumb to reply to her questions on his own. Third Vice Chairman Douglas Wilson of the Party and Parliamentarian of the Caucus is the Black Problem troubleshooter for Chairman Parker. Douglas Wilson appears to be an honest man caught between trying to serve two (2) masters. Douglas Wilson attended an AAC-NCDP strategy planning meeting with the Caucus focused on being funded to get out the Black Vote for Organizing for Obama (OFA). Parliamentarian Wilson said, He did not agree with the Caucus Powerpoint Presentation and strategy and agreed not to attend the meeting because the Democratic Party was not invited. At the OFA Presentation in Charlotte, Parliamentarian Wilson, beginning stating his own plan that asks the Caucus membership to volunteer rather than ask for funding from OFA. President Hairston and Parliamentarian got into a heated discussion because Wilson was taking the meeting in a different direction. Because of the actions of 1st and 2nd Vice Chairmen Wilkins and Wilson, the AAC-NCDP By-Laws will be amended to eliminate the problems of serving as officers in more than one (1) Democratic Party Official Organizations.

The Democratic Party has always said that the AAC-NCDP was an unruly auxiliary and could not govern themselves. Since President Hairston’s election in 2009, the Caucus has grown from 30 – 40 members and five (5) counties attending the last election to 485 Members in 27 counties. There has been no problems accept those orchestrated by the Democratic Party. When Chairman Parker told Mr. Cooper to stop, Mr. Cooper stopped. The Democratic Party thru their top (3) Officers, Parker, Wilkins and Wilson have created an atmosphere where Black Caucus members think they are doing the Party will by destroying the Caucus. Because I was told the problems were really with the President and not the Caucus, I resigned to remove any problems and save the Caucus. Now that I am no longer the Caucus President, 1st Vice President Barbara Whitman is facing the same threats to disrupt the November 5, 2011 Election and Fundraiser. There rumors that unhappy Caucus members and non-members will attend these events to cause trouble, proving again that Black People cannot even run their own election and Fundraiser without trouble.

The Caucus President has to take some responsibility for the animosity toward the Caucus, for in the beginning of Hairston’s Administration, He ask the State Board of Election (SBOE) and the Federal Election Commission (FEC) for an audit of the Caucus Financial Accounting Records to find out how a substantial amount of the Caucus funds were spend. President Hairston’s naiveté about money and Democratic Politics lead to him being targeted by people who had received money from the Caucus under both Stella Adams and Michael Lawson’s Administrations. Without public knowledge and government investigations, the AAC-NCDP will never be one of the Good Old Boys and the Democratic Party will continue to use Black Folks against African Americans to ensure that all of us, Black or African American, never achieve our rightful place as the most loyal Democrats in the North Carolina Democratic Party.

Spoke to Chairman Parker on Wednesday November 12, 2011 6:50 p.m. and told him my resignation was being forced to eliminate threats of disruption at the AAC-NCDP Elections and Fundraiser. I make it clear to him that the only reason for my resignation was to protect the AAC-NCDP from preceded disorderly conduct by people who are neither members of the Caucus or ticket holders for the Fundraiser. Chairman Parker asked what he could do and I said put out a memo to all Democrats about the AAC-NCDP fear of troublemakers from outside of the Caucus. He said that would draw to much attention from the Press. Chairman Parker asked for names and I said I did not have names. Chairman Parker said he would attend the Fundraiser.

Chairman David Parker, 1st Vice Chairman Gwen Wilkins and 3rd Vice Chairman Douglas Wilson have disregarded State rules and regulations against interfering in the internal operations of duly certified State Auxiliaries. Their actions and the activities of their surrogates had as its primary goal the decertification of the AAC-NCDP.

Because I have felt the displeasure of these people, I, and I alone take full responsibility for everything written in this letter.

Submitted by: Harold Lee Hairston – Aggrieved Active Democrat

There Can Be Only One

2011-10-05T11:40:00.002-04:00

Why is the NCDP allowing an unrecognized rogue North Carolina AAC organization to continue to use NCDP as part of their organizational name when the authorized organization exists and voted on by the State Executive Committee?

There is only one African American Caucus authorized by the North Carolina Democratic Party and this AACNCDP president is Harold Hairston and Mrs. Whitman is Vice-President
Any other aac is unauthorized; yet it is still collecting money under the ncdp name. If you have contacted the AAC in North Carolina on the internet, and you are asked to pay anything above $1 for your state participation and you hear or see names other than those listed above, or asked to pay $250, you have not contacted the official AAC site. If you are not sure contact the North Carolina Democratic Party state office in Raleigh and they will send you to the official aac site which is: aacncdp.org
Any organization can call itself anything it wishes but cannot tag on ncdp unless officially recognized by North Carolina Democratic Party.

North Carolina Democratic Party step up and say so.

Going Postal

2011-09-30T17:26:00.000-04:00

Please be aware of the issue concerning the United States Postal Service and the United States Congress.
Congressional Republicans are attacking an institution which has been a part of our country and has served all of us for over 230 years. The US Postal Service is the only government/Public entity that does not run on tax dollars. It pays for itself.
The Republican Congress in 2006, had taken money from the Postal Service causing it to have this financial problem. It was one of the last acts they did before the congress changed over to the democrats in 2006.
They are now trying to complete the job they began while they are in control of Congress. They call the Postal Service a financial drain, however, if congress puts back the money it took from the Postal Service there is no deficit. Remember the Postal service does not use tax dollars to operate.But closing post offices will affect economic growth and cost the jobs of thousands of our neighbors. We all know someone who works for the postal service, as many African Americans are employed.
The US Postal Service unlike private services must serve every community and every address. This attack will affect many who are elderly, live in smaller communities and it is also another way to diminish voter participation. Contact your Representatives in congress, and contact the entire congress to stop this take over of a government agency that provides information and service to all citizens, and employs many at no additional cost to any.

Chenita Johnson, President
African American Caucus Jacquelyne Barber Branch

Selling out tax payers to Wake Forest

2011-09-30T17:12:00.000-04:00

To All Those Concerned:

The City of Winston Finance Committee is proposing to sell ( or have manage) the Joel Coliseum to Wake Forest.
Tax payers voted and invested over 42 million into the coliseum yet the city is once again giving public property to a private non profit taking more money off the tax rolls for us to supplement without our vote
To make this a palatable effort, they are also looking to sell Bowman Gray Stadium to WSSU ( I sent you info about this last year).

We must contact members on the Finance Committee before this leaves the committee and goes to the full city council.
More info is forth coming but we must act now!!! Do not sit on this and bicker later.
Let them know who you are and let them know you are a voting citizen and let them know that as you were dissatisfied with the selling of Ernie Shore Field, you are equally dissatisfied with them again selling public property paid for with tax dollars, voted on by the citizens, to private non profits with no vote from the citizens.

Remember we are the leaders we are looking for.

Chenita Johnson, President
African American Caucus FCDP Jacquelyne Barber Branch

Debt Ceiling

2011-08-02T17:13:00.001-04:00

Senators,
The vote today on this morally bankrupt bill to raise the Debt Ceiling should have all of you to consider your vision in the Senate and ask: What Would Ted Kennedy Do?
Is it possible to imagine that the "Lion Of the Senate " would actually consider such a compromise? Is it possible for you to envision that he would place the burdon of the economy on the backs of those who did not cause the financial meltdown of our country, or would he put the blame squarely on the shoulders of those who caused the problem.
This compromised bill if passed, will put at risk those whom the Democratic Party says it is to protect, but the elderly, the poor, the middle class, minorities and specifically African Americans will be on the front line of cuts just to pass a bill with no substance, yet with the consequences of life and death to those who have no jobs, no health care, no jobs, schools closing inside city limits, homes foreclosed, and oh yes, no jobs. So now, who among you will speak for those who cannot speak for themselves? Who among you will become the standard bearer for the least of us and for the stability of the middle class and equality. Who among you will be the the new "Lion of the Senate", and regardless of the outcome stand fixed and sure on the principles that you believe?
If you have difficulty seeing this, perhaps your vision will become clear and focused from the words of Senator Ted Kennedy who in humiliation of defeat at the 1980 convention, never forgot whom he represented and reminded his colleagues of the Democratic Party to also not forget their responsibility.
***
The commitment I seek is not to outworn views but to old values that will never wear out. Programs may sometimes become obsolete, but the ideal of fairness always endures.
Circumstances may change, but the work of compassion must continue. It is surely correct that we cannot solve problems by throwing money at them, but it is also correct that we dare not throw out our national problems onto a scrap heap of inattention and indifference. The poor may be out of political fashion, but they are not without human needs. The middle class may be angry, but they have not lost the dream that all Americans can advance together.

***

We must insist that our children and our grandchildren shall inherit a land which they can truly call America the beautiful.

To all those who see the worth of their work and their savings taken by inflation, let us offer new hope for a stable economy. We must meet the pressures of the present by invoking the full power of government to master increasing prices.

In candor, we must say that the Federal budget can be balanced only by policies that bring us to a balanced prosperity of full employment and price restraint.

And to all those overburdened by an unfair tax structure, let us provide new hope for real tax reform. Instead of shutting down classrooms, let us shut off tax shelters. Instead of cutting out school lunches, let us cut off tax subsidies for expensive business lunches that are nothing more than food stamps for the rich.

Has your vision cleared?

Chenita Johnson, President

African American Caucus FCDP Jacquelyne Barber Branch

N.C. Voter ID...New Poll Tax??

2011-05-01T20:42:00.006-04:00

African American Caucus of the Forsyth County Democratic Party
Jacquelyne Barber Branch
P.O. Box 1723
Winston-Salem, N. C. 27105

March 29, 2011

The North Carolina General Assembly

Re: Voter ID Bill

The African American Caucus of the Forsyth County Democratic Party Jacquelyne Barber Branch is opposed to the “Voter I.D. Bill” proposed by the N.C. Legislature.
The sponsors of this bill states its purpose is to reduce voter fraud; make sure everyone is counted; increase voter confidence in the system and will not inhibit access to the voting process. However this is the most regressive and partisan anti-voter bill since passage of a series of election laws by the state legislature that gave judges and registrars almost unlimited power to determine the qualifications and eligibility of voters. The “county law” enacted Feb 27, 1877 nullified the strength of black votes at the ballot box and culminated into the constitutional amendment of 1900 when this legislature stripped the vote from African Americans in North Carolina because of their heavy voter participation.

The African American Caucus FCDP- Jacquelyne Barber Branch is opposed to this bill for the following reasons:

This bill goes against the stated premise of the sponsors in that it will not increase voter confidence in the system and will inhibit access to the voting process. Everyone will not be counted.

This bill is a regressive measure that invokes past poll taxes of literacy and finance on targeted citizens to repress their vote through intimidation.
It is an extremely partisan bill that also invokes racism, and age discrimination as it disproportionally affects African Americans and seniors. It will also drastically affect college students and women who have changed their last names.

It will duplicate what is already in place. Identification is used to register to vote, and voter fraud is already on the books as a felony. It is also not needed because out of the 6.3 million registered voters in North Carolina there have been 21 cases sent to the District Attorneys and these cases were not due to any violations.

Last but not least, funding is to be set aside to create a North Carolina State Government Voter Identification instead of being set aside for investing in all North Carolina citizens through education and job creation.
This is what will create confidence in North Carolina, not a regressive anti-voter bill that requires a state I.D.

Submitted by the African American Caucus FCDP-Jacquelyne Barber Branch
Chenita Johnson, President
chenitajohn@hotmail.com

African American Caucus North Carolina Democratic Party

2011-04-11T11:41:00.007-04:00

Congratulations to the African American Caucus of the North Carolina Democratic Party. The caucus has grown from 45 members state wide to over 208 statewide in less than two years. The AAC NCDP is the only African American Caucus recognized by the North Carolina Democratic Party State Executive Committee. Its official web site is aacncdp.org The AAC was created by African American Democrats during the 2003 state convention. But these fast and efficient gains have occurred under the leadership of the current President Mr. Harold Hairston of Forsyth County. Mr. Hairston is also one of the founding members of the State Caucus. He was elected to the office of President at the AAC State Convention in 2009, taking the reigns from outgoing State President Mrs. Chenita Johnson. Mr. Hairston was recognized and congratulated by then NCDP Chair David Young in 2010 for his leadership and he has been recognized this year by current Chair David Parker. His leadership is supported by effective active and hard working officers: Mrs. Whitman 1st VP; Paul B. Johnson 2nd VP; Deborah Williams 3rd VP; Tamesha Gladman Secretary; Gloria Phoenix Treasurer; Doug Wilson Parliamentarian. The AAC is always at the forefront of the political spectrum for African Americans and introduced an endorsement sheet of candidates for the 2011 State Party elections with great success. They are also coordinating efforts for local contentions such as education and jobs. AAC County caucuses include Forsyth, Mecklinberg, Wake, Rockingham, Jones, Durham, Alamance, Bertie, Bladen,Brunswick, Catawba, Cumberland with more being added. To join with this forward moving organization contact Mr. Harold Hairston at hhairston1@triad.rr.com

Forsyth County African American Caucus Starts "Barber Shop Talk"

2011-03-23T01:30:00.005-04:00

Forsyth County African American Caucus starts "Barber Shop Talk"

The African American Caucus of the Forsyth County Democratic Party-Jacquelyne Barber Branch has initiated Barber Shop Talk, a forum series that will take place at Black barber shops. The forums are designed to allow the black community to discuss the issues of the day that most affect their lives.

The first forum was resently held at "Hollywood Cuts", 331 S. Green Street, which is run by Robert Baskins, Christian Smith, and Kenny Thompson. The guest for the forum was S. W. Patterson, the newly elected President of the local NAACP. Hollywood Cuts customers asked Patterson questions on topics such as education, supression of the black vote, voter participation, health care, unions, and congressional representation. Another Barber Shop Talk forum will be schelduled this spring.
The African American Caucus Jacquelyne Barber Branch meets the 2nd Monday of every month at the NAACP Enrichment Center 4130 Oak Ridge Drive.

Winston-Salem Chronicle Article, Page B7

Thursday March 17, 2011

W-S Police Has New Armored Vehicle

2011-03-23T00:15:00.003-04:00

Winston-Salem Police Has New Armored Vehicle

I sent this information August of 2010. It concerns how our Police Department received funds from Homeland Security and quietly implemented an immigrant ID program.

There was an article in the Winston-Salem Journal Tuesday July 27th, 2010 page A1 and A4, titled: "Forsyth Will Check Immigration Status-Sheriff and Police Chief Back Federal Program". The name of the program is Secure Communities. It is designed to identify illegal immigrants by using fingerprints from arrests. The author of this article is Anonymous.

This program which is quietly being implemented by our sheriff and police departments is similar to the one in Arizona, but with a little more bite. It wil promote racial profiling in our city and county.
It is not known if this program came before city or county representatives before its implementation.

If many of you had watched the news at that time, you would have seen the quiet introduction of the new armored vehicle that our police department has received; also from the funds of Homeland Security. I do not know whom the police plan to use this armored vehicle against unless it is in coordination with the immigrant program implemented in August 2010. Regardless, it is unclear at this point why the police department felt the need to have such a vehicle in Winston-Salem, but it looks as if they are preparing for an invasion or a riot.
However, the last riot in Winston-Salem of that magnitude occurred over 40 years ago when a young black man was killed on Liberty Street. The National Guard was enacted and brought their own tanks. So why does the police need an armored vehicle, and with whom are the police going to make war; and why has the City Council not publicly addressed this issue with the community?
I have revisited this issue because it seems to have gone under the news radar and it is something extremely important for us and our community to be concerned about and remain observant to these changes from our legal authorities in Winston-Salem. We must also remain vigilent and hold accountable not only our elected officials, but also those who are to "Protect and to Serve".

Chenita Johnson, President
AAC FCDP-JBB

2011-03-22T23:45:00.003-04:00

HB833

The African American Caucus of the Forsyth County Democratic Party Jacquelyne Barber Branch is opposed to HB833.
This bill is to provide for the nonpartisan election of the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County board of education, and to stagger the election cycle.
CHANGE and those who are sponsering this bill have not fully examined the effect of such a bill on the students of Forsyth County and its effects on African American representation.

The African American Caucus is against HB833 for the following reasons:
There has been no data to prove that having a nonpartisan school board election will enhance the educational process for Winston-Salem/ Forsyth County students and with other issues plaguing our students such as high drop out and high suspension rates among African American students and those of a lower economic status as well as over testing; to ram a bill through the state legislature simply to change how the ballot looks is not the best way to show support for our students.
There is no proff that the residents of Winston-Salem/Forsyth County want or are prepared for
a nonpartisan election. Our history with the election of judges in Forsyth County has substantiated that while the party is not known on the ballot the candidate will carry his or her world view with them to their position.
The African American Caucus of the Forsyth County Democratic Party Jacquelyne Barber Branch believes that any type of election reform must go before the voters of Winston-Salem/Forsyth County in order to ensure that there is support for such an election change.

The first issue of concern must always be our students. And of all the discussions for a nonpartisan election, there is no mention of the children to be affected by such a change.

Submitted by the African American CaucusFCDP-JBB
Jemmise Bowen President
This was submitted to the NC General Assembly 5-4-09

How is that Non-Partisan School Board working for you?

2011-03-15T12:01:00.006-04:00

When will Black Folks ever wake up and smell the manure? We were told that a Non-Partisan School Board would elect the best candidates for the job. By removing Party Politics, people would just vote for the best people, and not their Party Affilliation. As a former member of CHANGE, I said that this would hurt African American Voters and CHANGE had moved from Community Organizing to a Political Organization.
CHANGE has bought the Black Church into being one of its strongest and most loyal constituencies. I left CHANGE many years ago when they always pushed school bonds knowing that this would further segregate public schools. CHANGE is in full support of the Library Bond which will move the new library to a place where all those Black Men who congregate down on 5th street will no longer be able to use the computers. There is a promise of money for Malloy/Jordan Library. This is the same as the promise of Forty Acres and a Mule. Consider this, the same people who voted for the Library Bond supported keeping the same School Board that re-segregated the School System.
I will never understand the Black Church who fell for George W. Bush's Faith Based Initiative to give them money to keep Black People from voting for Democratic candidates. I will never understand Black Politicians who sell out their own people and the people who voted them into office, for their own personal gain. The Black Church should only follow and work for Jesus Christ and his rewards.
Black Politicians should work for the people who elected them. If African Americans ever get these two goals straight, then we will have some heaven here on earth.
Harold Lee Hairston

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.