Message To Those Who Have A Problem With “Our” President Barack Obama Don’t Go There With Me

I support "Our" President who is a very intelligent strong black man. Damn after 3 years you still have not gotten over it that he is “Our” President whether you voted for him or not. If you don’t like him, hell do I have to tell you? Well don’t vote for him.

I ain’t mad with you because you don’t like the man but damn don’t get mad with me because I like the man.

To all those who have a problem with "Our" President don’t go there with me because I ain’t the one!

John Manley For Rocky Mount City Council Ward 1 Challenging Incumbent Andre Knight, But Why?

I am still trying to figure out why Manley is running from a political stand point but I get it from a personal standpoint. I know damn well he is not blind to what the political climate is in Rocky Mount as it relates to RACE. He know quite well how Knight has been a target by the racist white folks who do not want an outspoken black man speaking truth to power publicly.

Manley has benefited from the works of Knight so what in the hell is his problem? Why is he playing right into the hands of the current racist white folks such as WHIG – TV and some of their strong supporters including Mark Bowling who is in prison and Jerry Fisher who used to co-host a morning show to talk about Knight and still on the scene daily. Watch the WHIG – TV Morning Show daily and see what they talk about or should I say who they talk about almost daily. And then you have some ignant black folks whom have ran against Knight trying to unseat him when they too have benefited from his works.

Manley one does not have to be retired to be dedicated to doing the work of the city council. The majority of the council are working folks and the majority of other boards and commissions are working folks.

Damn Manley you are out of touch if you do not understand the importance of blocking the merger of Duke Energy and Progress Energy. Obviously the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission thinks it is a problem because they have denied the merger twice.

I am glad Manley realize racism exist but to think it is not in the forefront of every issue in Rocky Mount as it relates to the City Council is just ignant as hell. You see Manley I was in a Common Ground meeting Lewis Turner, Andre Knight before he became a councilman and myself along with several whites and a white person said that some whites said they were going to move out of Rocky Mount if the council became a black majority. Well some moved however even those few they are still trying to run the city although it is a black majority. So Manley sir they created the political climate and it has been this way every since the council became a black majority. There has been so much exposed since this council and like always some folks don’t want the truth to be made known. Manley I wonder would you have been the Chief of Police if it had not been for this council.

Manley but since you feel that WHIG – TV and their supporters love you so much why didn’t you run for the Mayor of the City since you were the Chief of the entire city? Why didn’t you run for that seat and it would have allowed the whole city to vote for you and then we all could see just how much you are loved by all of the people of the city?

Well sir you know we go back to when you wanted to be appointed to fill the unexpired term of the Edgecombe County Sheriff’s position when former Sheriff Phil Ellis stepped down. I don’t have to tell that story because you know.

Now there you have it.

I am Curmilus Dancy II the Professional Political Agitator

See related:

Rocky Mount City Council Ward 1

“If You Are Scared, Say It! And Get The Hell Out Of The Way!”

I just love how folks will like my post about quotes and other things that are not controversial but will not comment on the most serious posts that relates to politics and things that are going on around us. When are black folks going to hold other black folks accountable for their actions including me? If you agree with me say it and if you don’t say it however the main thang is, “If You Are Scared, Say It! And if you are scared get the hell out of the way!”

Click on picture to watch video.

See related:

Why Is It Edgecombe County Do Not Have A Black Political Organization Such As The Durham Committee On The Affairs Of Black People? 

Edgecombe County Politics, Upcoming Candidates Forum

Edgecombe County Politics, Upcoming Candidates Forum

I was reading a local newspaper and I have to respond to editor’s opinion in his letter: 2012: It’s the year of the Sambo – Princeville, the primary and black political postering. Thanks to Dr. Florence Armstrong for making us aware of the letter on your facebook page. I went out today to pick up a paper to see what was in it and I too find the letter very interesting.

Princeville NC: Well the Princeville 3 ie: Mayor Priscilla Everette-Oates, Commissioners Calvin Sherrod and Isabelle Purvis-Andrews are doing whatever the hell they want to do running the town and black folks allow them to. However Maggie Boyd a former commissioner and Daisy Staton an employee of the town could be added to the list to make it the Princeville 5 because they are helping the Princeville 3 carry out their mission. So until the people in Princeville says enough is enough nothing will change.

Commissioners Ann Howell and Gwendolyn Knight have been fighting the Princeville 3 for years. They are treated as if they are not commissioners because they are left out of the decision making from the start to finish. 

The latest mess in Princeville is not sending in the audit on time and the Local Government Commission had to send a letter telling them they have a deadline of April 30th for the audit to be in their office.

Black political postering: I found it funny as hell the editor talked about a pseudo-Civil Rights leading preacher who has stood before the masses and touted the accolades of “Mr. Charlie” but did not call the preacher’s name. But why? Well because I know all of the political players in Edgecombe County I would bet the preacher is Rev. Roosevelt Higgs a precinct chair that should not be. He has pushed some whites agenda and some blacks agenda to keep us right where we are. But Mr. Editor I don’t fault Higgs for what he does but fault those around him for allowing him to do what he does.

Back in the 90’s black folks fought to become the majority on the Edgecombe County Democratic Party Executive Committee but since we have it what in the hell are we doing with it? Many whites stop coming and now you would think it was a black Edgecombe County Democratic Party because of the lack of whites attending. I am talking about white elected officials themselves. They don’t come because they know it is going to be a bunch of ignorance going on at every meeting because Rev. Roosevelt Higgs always keep mess going on. Hell I don’t blame them for not coming. I go so I can speak up and to record the ignance on video that is allowed by the chair Allen Mitchell and others in the room whom allow the mess to go on. Hell everyone in the room knows that Higgs do not live in Speed because there is no living housing on the property that he claims as his residence. The powers that be elected officials and political leaders know this but they allow him to do what he does so until they decide they want to shut him down we will continue to have to deal with his mess. I am so glad this is Mitchell’s last term as the county chair so maybe the next chair will bring about change within the county party because there is much lack of education and the drive to push the Democratic Party forward. We have survived by the grace of God and that is a good thing because he looks out for fools as well.

Sambo: I am not going to get into the Sambo thingy with the Republican Rep. Allen West from Florida. I am more concerned about the Democrats who play both sides in Edgecombe County. I ain’t the only one that knows who they are but I am the only one that talks about it publicly. So what does that make those whom I know, know who continues to say nothing? Again I can go back to Rev. Roosevelt Higgs whom is very much guilty of that when the county chair said he had pictures of Higgs putting up a Republican signs at Edgecombe Community College in Rocky Mount. He shared this with me when I told him I had received calls from Pitt County that Higgs was down there pulling a trailer behind a truck with this same Republican sign in it. So again as long as we allow mess to do on we will continue to get what we get.

My point of view: What tickles the hell out of me is black folks allow so much mess to go on in our communities but do not speak out publicly. Yep they will say it behind closed doors but not where it needs to be said. You see I have received a lot of credit over the years for saying what needs to be said via letters to editor to the local and some statewide newspapers, on local and statewide radio stations, on local tv stations and of course in meetings locally and statewide. Hell I have repeated what others dare to say publicly so therefore I feel good about saying what I say because I know it is right.

I have been actively engaged in politics since the early 90’s and I have seen black folks in action. When I got involved white folks held the majority of the offices in the Edgecombe County Democratic Party Executive Committee. I became the 3rd vice chair of the party not because black folks wanted me so much nor white folks but I was the youngest person to attend the meetings so they had to give me the position by default. I held that position for years but moved up the ladder also again by default.

Today I speak up when foolishness goes on in the meetings and I am not running for anything and don’t have any intentions of running for anything. However my name has come up in the meetings as a nominee for a position on the county executive committee but to get voted down by Safe Negroes because I am my own man and live by my motto: “I have no permanent friends, no permanent enemies only permanent interest.” I don’t give a damn if you are black, brown, white or other if you ain’t right I ain’t with you. But what tickles the hell out of me these same folks who vote against me want my support and then they think I am crazy when I don’t support them. Oh hell no! If you don’t support me now especially when it comes to making a donation to The DCN News Blog/Online TV why in the hell should I feel that will change when you move up the ladder. But these are the same folks who talk about white elected officials don’t do nothing for the black community. But when I ask them what have they asked them to do and they say nothing. Well I be damn.

I am so glad I know who all the players are and can make an informed decision. And when I don’t know something I have some good friends I can call on to get their opinion and trust in them. So when it comes to voting I will tell folks who I am voting for but you can decide for themselves.

Well can’t wait to attend the Edgecombe County Human Relations Forum on Wednesday May 2 at the Edgecombe County Administration Bldg. Auditorium at 6:00 PM. See you there!

See related:

I Just Don’t Get It, Black Folks Allow Mess To Go On And Do Not Hold Those Responsible Accountable For Their Actions 

Leadership, This Is What Comes To Mind When I Think About How Black Folks Allow Mess To Go On But Think Things Are Going To Change. Safe Negroes I Got My Eyes On Them. Talking About Being Outraged? When? Where? Why? 

Princeville NC

 

 

Senator Clark Jenkins District 3? For Those Who Say He Has Not Done Anything For Black Folks Who Am I To Believe? So How Do You Respond?

I will repeat myself again and again ever how many times I need to. When the District 3 was first created I supported Patricia Ferguson a black female out of Bertie County and I knew that she would probably be drawn out of the district within the following 2 years. I supported her because I felt if a black person was elected it may would be easy for another black person to replace her. Some of these same folks today not only in Edgecombe County but across the district are still playing games but they did not support Ferguson then but now they say Senator Clark Jenkins ain’t doing anything for black folks. He has been in the seat how long?

After trying to unseat Senator Jenkins several years ago when I supported Shelly Willingham and he didn’t do what we asked him to do during his campaign, that was it for me. Hell I didn’t even care that much for Willingham but was willing to try to get a black person in the seat and if Willingham had won and didn’t live up to his expectations, then I would have supported someone else after his 2 years in office. Now I will not support a black person who do not have a political machine because it will take a political machine to unseat Senator Jenkins.

But after all of these years one must use some common sense. Once you learn what is really going on then one should do differently. I have come to the conclusion that Senator Jenkins will be my Senator until he decides he will not run again.

I get tickled as hell when folks who say Senator Jenkins has not done anything for black folks. I ask them what do they mean and they can’t answer me. I ask them what have they asked him to do for them. They say nothing. I say oh well.

Now what I hear from folks and an editor of a black newspaper recently printed is that some white elected officials don’t come to a black sponsored forum. Well damn what these folks don’t understand is why do they have to come when the sponsors are supporting them anyway. Why do they want them to show up to their banquets, hell banquets are about fundraisers so if they send the money that is all that matters. Hell many black elected officials don’t show up and don’t send any money either.

Okay so now who am I to believe when they say that Senator Clark Jenkins has not done anything for black folks? Senator Jenkins has scored an “A” on the NAACP’s Legislative Report Card 2009 and 2011. Every household in his district receives a mailing stating this fact and in the mailing Representative Alma Adams Chairperson of the NC Black Legislative Caucus Foundation is quoted how he consistently fight to protect the State’s most underprivileged citizens.

So for those who say Senator Jenkins have not done anything for black folks show me your report card that you have done on him?

I am a life fully paid member of the NAACP, I live in the district and most of all I am actively engaged so I know for myself what is really going on.

Oh well like Senator Jenkins or not the report says he is doing something for black folks because I know they are underprivileged citizens.

The same could be said about Joe Pat Tolson House District 23. Tolson also received an “A” on the NAACP Report Card.

I ain’t telling you who to vote for, I am telling you who I am voting for and why.

See related:

I Just Don’t Get It, Black Folks Allow Mess To Go On And Do Not Hold Those Responsible Accountable For Their Actions 

Leadership, This Is What Comes To Mind When I Think About How Black Folks Allow Mess To Go On But Think Things Are Going To Change. Safe Negroes I Got My Eyes On Them. Talking About Being Outraged? When? Where? Why?

Seeking Donations

Okay here I go again seeking donations.

I do not like asking for donations however it takes money to do what I do. I have equipment video camera and a portable dvd burner that I can make copies on the site. It is about time for a new one been had this one for several years. I have a digital photo camera and I buy 8 GB SD Cards and I do not delete pictures when they are full. Although I put them in my Kodak Gallery online I still like keeping the originals. It take gas and sometimes I may stay over night but I always try to stay at home. All of this comes out of my pocket. I sometimes have to take vacation time to be able to attend day events.

I try to capture historical moments across the state especially as it relates to politics. I try to educate folks on what is going on around them so they can be aware and informed whenever they may have to make decisions such as voting and etc. You can enjoy the videos on The DCN TV and photos from the convenience of your home.

I am so thankful for the couple of donations I have received this year. One person whom I have not heard from in years sent me a $200.00 donation just a regular citizen not a politician or other titled person. One person gave me a $100.00 donation but I presented them with a video and photos of an event I did featuring them. A candidate gave me a $25.00 donation.

Thanking you in advance.

 

“I Have No Permanent Friends, No Permanent Enemies Only Permanent Interest!”

That being said I am going to continue to piss some folks off from this day forward and I will not be apologetic for speaking truth. However if I can be proven wrong I will apologize so I challenge you, you and you to try me.

Yes I am a black man but I am not so damn black that I am “IGNANT” to my knowledge of politics and people. I know who the players are the real leaders and those who play both sides. Those who play both sides get in an all black meeting and say one thing and then get in a meeting with black, brown, white and others in the same room and they say something different. Well I don’t roll like that. I am the same in all meetings because I don’t play both sides.

JUSTICE

“I’M FOR TRUTH NO MATTER WHO TELLS IT. I’M FOR JUSTICE, NO MATTER WHO IT IS FOR OR AGAINST. I’M FOR A HUMAN BEING, FIRST AND FOREMOST, AND AS SUCH I’M FOR WHOEVER AND WHATEVER BENEFITS HUMANITY AS A WHOLE.” Malcolm X

I posted articles on my blog for folks before the filing period and after. So now we are past that they will not have to guess where I stand. I will be stating who I will be voting for and who I would vote for if they were on my ballot. I ain’t telling others who to vote for just making them aware who I am voting for.

I can’t wait to see the slate of candidates that the Nash-Edgecombe Black Political Caucus who drop the black off when they speak so they can play not only both sides but all sides black, brown, white and other, Democrat and Republican. I also can’t wait to see other pacs endorsements and individual endorsements. You hardly ever see individual endorsements because many of the so-called mover and shakers play both sides. Well when folks pass by my yard it is clear by the signs that are displayed and by reading my blog.

Let the “POLITICS” begin.  Are you ready to “RUMBLE?”

Tarboro NC – An Open Letter To Dr. Florence A. Armstrong Candidate For NC Senate District 3

Tuesday, March 27, 2012

 

An open letter to Dr. Florence A. Armstrong

Since I am well known across the state of North Carolina, I have been receiving calls and etc. (most recent about 2 hours ago) about where I stand on the NC Senate District 3 election. So since some of my faithful followers reach out to me from time to time to get my opinion on issues and people I do my homework so that I can be well informed on issues and people so I can respond to the best of my knowledge.

Dr. Armstrong several years ago when you applied for the Principal position at G. W. Carver Elementary School I stood up for you. It was clear that you were blackballed. I made it known in the meeting when we were interviewing candidates. I visited you to let you know what happened.

I have been in meetings with you over the years and you know me and I know you. Although I have been around many whom have issues with you saying you were very arrogant and etc. I have not allowed others opinions to sway me when it comes to my personal relationship with you.

I told you I could not support you running for the Senate District 3 seat during the last election.

I have somewhat lost all trust in you because over the years I do not believe you have been truly open and responsive to me and when it comes to politics. When you were on the Edgecombe County Public Schools Board I don’t feel like you shared enough information with me that was public information. Please don’t get this twisted because I do not mean sharing personnel and any closed session information with me but as I stated public information. However I do feel strongly that you shared information with several folks whom were close to you whom did not attend the meetings regularly like I did.

In my opinion I find your most recent filing to run for the Senate District 3 to be somewhat comical. Now let me get this out of the way. I am just as black as they come but I am not so black that I am ignant to what is real and what is perceived. I hate it when folks play upon my intelligence.

I had been hearing that you were going to file for the Senate District 3 seat but you didn’t mention it to me this time. I have no problem with that because who am I? Well I know you know that I am very actively engaged in Edgecombe County Politics but not limited to. You also know that I am the publisher of The DCN News Blog Online/TV. You know that I report the news and that I give my opinion on issues, people and etc. when it comes to educating people about what is going on around them. You know, “I have no permanent friends, no permanent enemies only permanent interest.”

I am one of the most active if not the most active Democrat in Edgecombe County as far as attending meetings and educating the county, state and nation about what is going on politically almost daily. I have been disrespected and not supported financially however you and others have benefitted. I will not promote you and others whom do not support me.

If you do not respect my work now why in the hell should I expect you to respect me if you were to become my next Senator? What makes you and the others who say the current Senator has not done anything for black folks? What have you done for me?

Since you did not ask for my support before you filed then I guess I suppose to just vote for you because you are black. Not! Well my friend I have changed the way I do things. I take many things in consideration.

I feel that anyone who seeks to unseat Senator Clark Jenkins will have to have a real political machine. I don’t think you have one however I could be wrong since I know nothing about your campaign. Jenkins has lots of money and since I know you and you know me I have some concerns about the financing of your campaign.

So now my question to you is why should I support you?

I Am Going To Post Something That Is Going To Piss Some Black Folks The Hell Off But Guess What, It Is Better To Be Pissed Off Than To Be Pissed On. Enough Is Enough!

I am getting ready to educate some black and other folks on just how ignant some black folks can be in my opinion. Remember what I am about to share with you will be my opinion however I will present the data and you will be able to make your own decision. You see this is not the norm when it comes to many folks because they only tell their side of the story. I don’t need anyone to validate my opinions because when I know that I know that I know what I am talking about then I can stand behind my opinion 100%.  So therefore you don’t have to make it known that you agree or disagree with me. Most folks are scared to do either anyway because they are scared of what their friends, family and others may say about them. Well I don’t give a damn what you say about me because I am going to tell it in season and out of season.

I made a commitment back in the early 90’s to make people that I am connected to aware of what is going on around them and I don’t give a damn how they receive it but one thing they will not be able to say is that they didn’t know. But some will still lie and say they didn’t.

Stay tuned.

Black Folks We Are In A State Of Emergency When It Comes To Education, Murder And Racism To Name A Few. I Am Tired Of The Call To Action After The Tragedy Has Occurred

Yep! Black folks we are in a state of emergency when it comes to education, murder and racism. When are we going to have an ongoing national call to action day across the nation? I have said it before and now I am saying it again.

Our black children are being targeted when it comes to the education system. But the data you have heard over the years is it really the truth? Check out who are presenting the data and then challenge the data presented.

Our young and old black brothers and sisters are being killed in numbers and most of it is black on black crime. It is sad but what are we doing in our communities when we see things going on that is not right? Do we say anything to the brothers and sisters who are walking around with their pants sagging showing their butts? Do you allow your children to roam the streets and to hang out with older children?

Racism has become the norm and seems like even more since we have a black President. It is a damn shame that racist white folks are saying and doing whatever they want to say and do and nothing is being done. I have never seen a President being disrespected as President Obama. We all know that this was not acceptable during the time of the 43 presidents before our current president.

Folks I am sick and tired of the call to action after a tragedy has occurred. Do we tell our family and friends how much we love them and that they can not get caught up in worldly things because this is a dangerous world.

Folks we must change the way we do things or things are going to continue to get worse.

So are you sick and tired? If yes, what are you going to do? Black folks when we come together and hold each other accountable oh what a time. And then we can hold others accountable also.

 

I am Just As Black As They Come But I Am Not So Black That I Am Ignant, A Message To Black Candidates

It takes money for me to do what I do with The DCN News Blog/Online TV but folks act as if I owe them something. It tickles the hell out of me when folks don’t value my work but when they want my support I am the computer guru and all of that when they want my resources. And they think I am going to just stop what I am doing and help them work to get themselves in office, oh hell no. Now if they don’t support me now, why in the hell would I be ignant enough to help them because if they don’t support me now, why in the hell should I expect them to help me when they arrive.

Now I am just as damn black as it comes but I am not so damn black that I am ignant to the facts of where folks stand and what is going on around me. Some black folks lie and do all kinds of things during election time when they are running for office but talk about what the white man ain’t doing. Well sir and ma’am you ain’t no damn better than those whom you talk about.

This week I have purchased $180.00 worth of gas, $50.00 daughter’s car, $50.00 my car and $80.00 in a vehicle I borrowed while having daughter’s car repaired.

I have purchased one part for $250.00 and one for $119.00 and this is not counting labor for the person doing the repairs.

I run into folks who want me to help them by buying tickets for banquets, raffles and etc. but again they have never donated to The DCN TV/Online TV and these same folks in the Democratic Party have not supported me when I was nominated for office on the county level. Trust me it did not matter if they supported me because if I wanted a position I would have campaigned for it but what tickles the hell out of me is to watch how they vote. And then those same folks when they need me they want me to support them. You see that shows you how inferior they are of me because I know I am damn good at holding folks accountable in meetings and etc. because I am very much politically inclined and very, very knowledgeable of the process because I do my homework.

I have been very, very busy over the past couple of weeks attending workshops and other across the state and attending some local meetings in the county. I work a real job and then work at home downloading pictures and videos almost daily because it is so time consuming. I have 2 computers running and that still is not enough. I take my equipment everywhere I go so I can do a little work wherever I am if I am going to be at place 1 hour or more.

Well I am going to continue to educate folks about what is going on around them and at the same time I am not going to promote nor support folks who want to represent me and others when I know they are all about themselves and really don’t give a damn about the people. If you do you would tell us why you are running against another person, what they have not done and why you feel you are going to do more.

Well in my closing you don’t have to respond to me but remember I do not have to respond to you either. But what you need to remember is that I am an active black man and you are not going to just represent me in any kind of fashion. Since you say you are going to do more than those you are running against then I am going to hold you accountable.

Okay let the showdown begin. Are you ready? I am. I know why it is a good thing to have good people in office but I also know what I feel I can expect out of those who are running and want my support. And those who have not asked for my support I know what to expect from them also.

In my closing I am just a nobody but I do have The DCN TV/Online TV and I can be your friend or your worst nightmare. When you go messing with my future and my children’s future then you will hear from me. So if you have not heard from me, know that you will be hearing from me in the near future.

Note: Original March 15, 2012.

All Black Boys & Black Men Are At-Risk

Yep! I said it, all black boys & black men are at-risk and if you have not experienced it yet just keep on living. You see if a black boy or a black man has been mistreated and/or killed because of ignance then I have too. You see if I am my brother’s keeper then I feel other brother’s pain also.

Note: Original March 19, 2012.

I Just Sit Back And Read What Other Folks Post And/Or Respond To On Blogs, Facebook And Etc.

Yep! I just sit back and read what other folks post and/or respond to on blogs, facebook and etc. I just love how so many folks will respond to things that are not important but controversial and important issues are less likely to be posted and/or commented on.

I use my blog and free sites such as facebook wisely and do not have time to play games and/or to respond to things that are not important to me. I appreciate those who send me request for things like adding my birthday but I don’t respond ya’ll because that is not important to me. I have so much other important things to post and/or to respond to.

I have so much to do that I don’t get to do it all in a days times so therefore the next day just add on to the things today that I may not get to.

Just a moment in education about where I stand when it comes to my blog, facebook and etc.

Note: Original March 19, 2012.

Received A Voice Mail Today Questioning Me About A Post On My Blog “Barbara Ann Cole Wants To Unseat Robin Carpenter For Edgecombe County Register of Deeds”

I received a voice mail today from a person who knows me telling me they had read my post on my blog, “Barbara Ann Cole Wants To Unseat Robin Carpenter For Edgecombe County Register of Deeds.” The caller said they wanted to know did I know Carpenter before she became Register of Deeds? The caller said to call them. Now I may not have responded to them if they had not asked me to call them.

Damn I was so tore up that I was trying to finish listening to the message and call them at the same time and was not getting anywhere. I had to go back to the message and hear the entire message so that when I called the person I would know what they said.

Well folks I had an ignant moment. I called the person and I told them they know me and they better not ever call me again and questioning me about why I say I  am going to vote for someone. I said first of all I don’t think I could spelled it out any clearer on my blog why I could not vote for Cole who is black. I told the caller that they know I do my homework. If I don’t know a candidate then I call my trusted sources which is a few to get their opinion and if I feel good about what they tell me, then many times I will think about it. Later I will decide if I am going to support that person.

Folks many of you who read my blog know me and for those who do not I will entertain some things from you but folks like the caller today, hell no I am not going to entertain their ignance. I ain’t mad with the caller but they don’t need to let that happen again because I don’t play when it comes to politics.

See related:

Barbara Ann Cole Wants To Unseat Robin Carpenter For Edgecombe County Register of Deeds

Tarboro NC – 2012 College Round-Up Saturday March 10, 2012. Learn More Through An Online Interview With Dianne Valentin, Co-Founder & Executive Director The Black Heritage Museum & Cultural Center, Inc.

Dancy Communications Network College Round-Up Q & A

Question (Q). Will you share briefly a little about what is The Black Heritage Museum & Cultural Center, Inc.

Answer (A). The Black Heritage Museum & Cultural Center, Inc. (BHMACC) is a nonprofit organization with federal 501 (c) 3 tax-exempt status. The BHMACC is being developed (yes, we are still in development) because we understand the need for an independent institution that reflects and supports our rich and diverse history.

Our mission is to document and preserve Black heritage, culture, and scholarship and use it to encourage, empower, and uplift current and future generations through scholarly engagement, art, and artistic expression while cultivating critical thought.  

I developed four cornerstones that we will use to build a strong institution upon.

Education: Because we believe and have historically believed that education is of the highest importance. 

Economic Empowerment: Even though opportunities may have been deferred or denied, we believe in being prepared and trained to take advantage of them. 

Unity: It has historically been the key to our survival and is something it seems that we must relearn. 

Faith: Without faith we could not, would not have survived all that we have as a people

Do you remember when we started and maintained strong institutions like banks, insurance companies, colleges? Remember Maggie L. Walker who founded the first bank ever founded by a black woman in the U.S. and it still exists, just with another name. It still exists because of unity in the community back then.  She made loans to black businesses, she made loans to students, and she made loans to people to buy houses.

Ms. Walker started the St. Luke Penny Savings Bank in 1903 with $9,430 in deposits gathered from members of the Independent Order of St. Luke, an African-American benevolent society. Consolidated Bank & Trust Co. is the current name of the bank she started. 

Speaking of unity, while many of the largest black-owned banks went under during the Great Depression, Ms. Walker’s bank survived, in part by merging with two smaller, black-owned banks in 1930, when it was renamed Consolidated Bank & Trust.

I know that I haven’t been brief, but I had to give a historic point of reference. I would also like to share our vision with you so that your audience can get a sense of what we are trying to accomplish, and bring to the communities that we serve. We are developing and with everyone’s help will become the type of strong, well rounded institution like we used to have in our culture and within our communities. I am faithfully committed to that. 

As a museum it will engage in the acquisition, exhibition, preservation, and study of works of artistic, scientific, and historic value.

As a cultural center it will engage in social, intellectual, and artistic activities that reflect our impact on society, its growth and development.

As an education center it will elevate and advance discussion on our history and heritage, engage in discourse to advance our cultural, technical, and scientific knowledge through scholarship.

We need an independent place; to document our cultural contributions and accomplishments, to assure an accurate depiction of our participation in this society, while providing a place for scholars and performers to share their knowledge, gifts, and talents with everyone.

We are taking steps to create that independent space. We acknowledge that even the building blocks need rebuilding. Yet, this is where we are beginning. Albeit a virtual beginning, we have to start somewhere.

Folks can visit our website at www.bhmacc.org

Q. How did the College Round-Up become into existence in Edgecombe County?

A. Before 2001, even as a strong family keenly focused on education, with many educators in their family, the Whitehead / Taylor family which is based in Tarboro, had encountered what they noticed to be difficulties with their student family members gaining access to college preparation. 

They correctly assumed that if their student family member was facing obstacles, surely other students who didn’t have anyone advocating for them would be having similar, if not even more difficult problems preparing for and getting into college or university.

In the Whitehead / Taylor family’s spirit of community service they began collaborating to find a vehicle that would best serve students who had be overlooked, marginalized in one way or another, and in some cases discriminated against when it came time to engage in and be guided on using their high school career to prepare for a post-secondary education.

Bob Whitehead began using his networking skills to bring colleges and universities to the table of discussion. He shared with them that there were students out there who just were never given a chance to prepare or be prepared for college. He explained to the colleges that they may need a little remedial assistance in the beginning since they had not been well served by the school systems, and that they may need financial assistance due to the fact that many were from communities that have been systematically marginalized within our economic system.

He challenged the colleges and universities to put their admissions and financial aid capabilities behind their community engagement rhetoric and give these students a chance to get a college education. They were asked to waive their application fees, because many students could not afford to pay twenty-five to one hundred dollars for applications to college over and over again.

Initially several colleges showed up at the Tarboro High School auditorium knowing that they were going to be meeting with students and their families who had faced and were still facing challenges. I commend and applaud those Historically Black Colleges and Universities that came through from the very beginning for the first College Round-Up in 2001!

Q. How many years has the College Round-Up been held in Edgecombe County?

A. This will be the twelfth year that the College Round-Up has been held in Edgecombe County.

Q. Who were the previous speakers for the event?

A. My gosh, I would probably, very unintentionally, leave some folks out. Let me see if I can remember some of them. I hope anyone not named forgives me this senior moment. Clifton Davis, Judge Glenda Hatchett, Uniqua Wade, Kaiem Frink, (both Uniqua and Kaiem came through the College Round-Up program), Kwame Brown, I think Willie Gilchrist, Arjun Makhijani, Kim Coles, and this year Judge Betty Staton and Rep. Jean Farmer-Butterfield (who has been a previous keynote) will join us.    

Q. What is the purpose of the College Round-Up Day in Edgecombe County?

A. The bottom line purpose is to bring students and their families to a place where they can meet with colleges and universities that have a sensitivity to some of the issues and barriers that have faced marginalized, poor and minority students over the years. Students who don’t historically fall into those categories attend and benefit from it as well.

Q. How has the participation been over the years?

A. It started with about eighty people and then grew to about two hundred while it was being held at Tarboro High School. By the time we moved it to Edgecombe Community College it had grown to about eight hundred and now between fifteen hundred and two thousand people come to the College Round-Up.

Q. Is the College Round-Up Day limited to Edgecombe County students and/or a certain age group?

A. By no means do we limit access to anyone who wishes to attend. There are students from all over North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, Washington, D.C who attend the College Round-Up. One year we even had students from New Orleans, Colorado and California.

Students who are Freshmen, Sophomores, and Juniors in high school attend the College Round-Up to become familiar with the schools and attend the break-out sessions, which are always really informative. They find it helpful to hear from the colleges and universities firsthand what type of courses they should be taking during their high school careers to be successful during their college careers.  And of course high school Seniors attend to focus directly on getting accepted into college.

We even have some middle school students who have been in attendance as sort of a field trip to see what happens in that type of setting, to see what they have to look forward to and work toward.

Older college age students have attended so that they can speak with the college representatives about transferring to or starting attendance at their schools. So we have no age issues. Everyone can come on down to see what the College Round-Up might have to offer them.

Q. How many colleges and other are scheduled to attend this year’s College Round-Up?

A. We have about twenty colleges and others committed to attend so far. Usually between twenty-five and thirty schools show up. Actually there are schools that consider themselves part of our College Round-Up family and just show up every year, that sort of commitment to our program makes us happy!

Q. Will you share how some students have benefitted from attending the event?

A. Some students and their families have told us that the benefits experienced by attending the College Round-Up have been immeasurable.  Students have said that they had never been in that type of setting before. From a more tangible perspective, we have students who have been accepted in to college or university on the spot, we have students who have gone on to complete their undergraduate work, engage in their Master’s, go on to become educators themselves, become lawyers, college professors. I am so proud of them, even though I don’t get to meet each and every one of them.

Q. Do you have anything you would like to add?

A. Just that I appreciate you for showing up and documenting our work. I am proud to be able to say that I know someone who has started a communications network and that you support our efforts!

I really just want people to show up so that they might benefit from attending the College Round-Up. Parents, teachers, everyone needs to bring the students that they know who need to prepare for a college education. We are a holistic event if I may use the term. We have the morning program which gets everyone going and into the spirit of the event, we have very enthusiastic college and university representatives who are wonderfully competitive, and we have great facilitators of our break-out sessions who want our students to be well rounded when they go off to fulfill their dreams of a post-secondary education, whether it is at a community college, a technical institute, or a four year college or university.

I can’t thank you enough for doing this and supporting us the way that you have over the years.

Dianne Valentin, Co-Founder & Executive Director
The Black Heritage Museum & Cultural Center, Inc.

dianne.valentin@bhmacc.org 
www.bhmacc.org 
404.431.9593 

See Related:

Press Release: THE BLACK HERITAGE MUSEUM & CULTURAL CENTER, INC. PRESENTS THE 2012 COLLEGE ROUND-UP ON MARCH 10, 2012 

College Round-Up