Davis raises $140k in U.S. House bid

SNOW HILL — State Sen. Don Davis, Democratic candidate for Congress in North Carolina’s Second Congressional District, reported raising more than $140,000 in less than a month following his December campaign launch.

With more than 90% of those contributions coming from in-state supporters, Davis ended the quarter with more than $132,000 cash on hand.

"As a native eastern North Carolinian, the grassroots support for our campaign has been inspiring," Davis said. "In just 30 days, we’ve earned endorsements from over 100 leaders across North Carolina with over 90% of our contributions from in-state donors."

Davis said his campaign for Congress isn’t the first time he’s felt the call to serve.

"As a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, Presbyterian minister, educator, former Snow Hill mayor and state senator, I have a proven track record of delivering for eastern North Carolina," Davis said. "Our community needs an experienced leader that will fight to expand rural broadband, connect rural communities with the health care we need, and revitalize our economy.”

Davis currently serves in the state Senate and lives in Greene County with his wife Yuvonka and three sons. He is running to replace G.K. Butterfield in the U.S. House representing Nash, Wilson and multiple other counties.

Davis announced endorsements by VoteVets, New Politics and more than 100 state and local leaders across the Second Congressional District and statewide.

The long list of endorsements includes: (Read more)

Edgecombe County Citizens’ Academy

The DCN Online TV – I would love to attend but I have pledged to help some folk on every 2nd Tuesday evening. My word is my bond.

Applications are open for the 2022 Edgecombe County Citizens Academy – SIGN UP TODAY!

To learn more, visit: sites.google.com/view/EdgecombeVoice/Citizens-Academy

Judge rejects plea deal for man who killed Ahmaud Arbery in federal hate crime trial

BRUNSWICK, Ga. (AP) — A federal judge rejected a plea agreement Monday that would have averted a hate crimes trial for the man convicted of murdering Ahmaud Arbery.

Arbery’s parents denounced the proposed deal for Travis McMichael, with mother Wanda Cooper-Jones and father Marcus Arbery emotionally asking the judge to reject agreements filed for McMichael and his father, Greg McMichael.

In rejecting the deal, U.S. District Judge Lisa Godbey Wood said it would have locked her into specific terms — including 30 years in federal prison — at sentencing. Wood said that in this case it would only be appropriate to consider the family’s wishes at sentencing, which the proposed deal wouldn’t allow.

Travis and his lawyer asked for a 10 minute break to discuss whether he moves ahead with pleading guilty. The judge had yet to rule on his father’s proposed deal.

Marcus Arbery told reporters outside the federal courthouse in Brunswick that he’s “mad as hell” over the deal, which lawyer Lee Merritt said could enable Travis and Greg McMichael to spend the first 30 years of their life sentences in federal prison, rather than state prison where conditions are tougher. (Read more)

Graham: Nominating a Black woman to the Supreme Court wouldn’t be affirmative action

The DCN Online TV response: It is sad that the good ole boys can do whatever they want but as soon as a Democrat does something, they got to be doing something illegal, immoral and/or giving somebody a handout or special favors. But these same folk have . . .  never mind!

(The Hill) – Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) on Sunday pushed back against the notion that President Biden‘s vow to nominate a Black woman the Supreme Court was akin to “affirmative action,” saying he was in support of making U.S. institutions “look like America.”

“Put me in the camp of making sure the court and other institutions look like America. You know, we make a real effort as Republicans to recruit women and people of color to make the party look more like America. Affirmative action is picking somebody not as well qualified for past wrongs,” Graham said on CBS’s “Face the Nation.”

Graham’s remarks come after Mississippi Republican Sen. Roger Wicker said in an interview last week that any Black female candidate whom Biden nominates to the court to replace the retiring Justice Stephen Breyer would be a “beneficiary” of affirmative action.

During his interview on Sunday, Graham gave a glowing endorsement of South Carolina U.S. District Judge J. Michelle Childs to be considered for the Supreme Court, saying he couldn’t think of a better person for Biden to consider. The White House has confirmed that Childs is under consideration.

“Michelle Childs is incredibly qualified. There’s no affirmative action component if you pick her. She is highly qualified,” Graham said. (Read more)

Cheslie Kryst, former Miss NC and Miss USA, dead at 30

The DCN Online TV response: A great career but to end her life this way just so sad.

NEW YORK — Cheslie Kryst, the 2019 Miss North Carolina who went on to be Miss USA 2019 and a correspondent for the entertainment news program "Extra," has died at age 30.
Police said Kryst jumped from a Manhattan apartment building and was pronounced dead at the scene Sunday morning. Her family confirmed her death in a statement.

"In devastation and great sorrow, we share the passing of our beloved Cheslie," the statement said. "Her great light was one that inspired others around the world with her beauty and strength. She cared, she loved, she laughed and she shined. Cheslie embodied love and served others, whether through her work as an attorney fighting for social justice, as Miss USA and as a host on EXTRA. But most importantly, as a daughter, sister, friend, mentor and colleague – we know her impact will live on."

Kryst, a former college athlete and a North Carolina lawyer who was from Charlotte won the Miss USA pageant in May 2019 and competed in the Miss Universe pageant that year.
When Kryst was crowned, it marked more than a personal triumph: It meant that for the first time, three Black women were the reigning Miss USA, Miss Teen USA and Miss America. Kryst appeared on GMA to highlighted the achievement. (Read more)

Don’t Be Nobody’s Fool!

Click here or on photo to listen to audio.

Sermon by Rev. Felix Pettaway on Step 98.1 Radio Sunday January 30, 2022.

This is powerful. I can relate to this sermon. I did just that!

You can also listen here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/12T9HXQ76VhmDKOd9n1v7yd5M7qqelZpZ/view?usp=drive_web

I Am Really A Loner! But Most Folk Would Not Know

I have never been the one to hang out with a lot of folk. I have never liked crowds.

I have had many friends and associates but I can count the number of times I have been to their house and the same when it comes to them coming to mine. Actually I could count on one hand how many times I have been to their homes and they to mines. But we talk often and attended events, church and etc. When I went to the club, I liked sitting in the car talking to folk as they went in came out.

I have always hung around family and many times they were older.

I have a couple of folk special to me and we talk daily but we don’t visit each other. But we are there for each other when we need be.

Before the pandemic a couple of my church brothers we would go visit the sick and go out to eat regularly.

My best friend/brother that recently transitioned we didn’t visit each other homes  however he lived in Virginia but when he came here we would meet at his moma’s house, a ballgame, restaurant and elsewhere. My point is just because I talk to folk don’t mean that I know where everybody lives.

When I am not at work, at the car wash, a ballgame, in church, at a funeral or other events, i am at home on my computer. I don’t have to hang out with folk and I am good.

I am a loner but I am not alone.

Folk When You Say Something Say Something With Value

Folk when you say something, say something with value. Pretty words with no action is just that words. I like this because she said if the states ban abortion then they ought to do the things she mentions. Almost daily I see folk saying stuff, trying to criticize others but what have they done and what they gonna do? These folk play on folk emotions but have done nothing and ain’t going to do no more than what the person they are criticizing is doing. It depends on the space that one is in what they can do as a group and individually.

St. Stephens MBC Goldsboro Pastor Malcom E. Lewis Invite You To Sunday School & Western Union Morning Service Sunday January 30, 2022 10:00 AM & 11:00 AM

Pastor Malcom E. & Mother Lois Lewis along with the church congregation invite you to St. Stephens MBC Sunday School and Western Union Morning Service Sunday January 30, 2022 Sunday School 10:00 AM with Rev. Lous Wright & Western Union Worship 11:00 AM morning Service.

You can also join the live service by clicking on the following Zoom Video Link.
Meeting ID: 810 6032 8160 Passcode: 538587

Free Conference Call: 701-801-6982

You can also join in person 206 Pearson St Goldsboro, NC 27530. CDC guidelines followed.

Note: On your phone or other devices click on the Zoom link or dial the Free Conference Call around 10 minutes before so you will not forget.

Please come back to the page later today and/or in the future to see the recording of the program.

Pastor Malcom Emmanuel Lewis
St. Stephens MBC Goldsboro NC
Anderson Chapel MBC Macclesfield NC

Dangerous Teen Threatens Principal First Day Of School Turns Tragic

Click Here Or On Photo To Watch Video

Interesting Read Steve Cederberg & Bernie Taylor – The Noise

The following was shared with me because I am not friends with these guys on their personal pages and I am blocked from Concerned Citizens. I receive stuff like this daily about what some White folk are saying. Damn from what I have read and seen on the news is that this Black woman is not only retiring but has agreed to be a consultant to the city. So if that be the case I just don’t get it why folk say she was fired. When did anyone get fired and is allowed to have ties to that same entity. Did anyone not read the last paragraph of the newspaper article?

Press Release: Brown named Director of Communications, Marketing and Public Relations

The DCN News Blog Online TV response: Welcome to Rocky Mount NC.

Rocky Mount, N.C. – City Manager Rochelle D. Small-Toney has appointed Kirk Brown as Director of Communications, Marketing and Public Relations. Brown, 58, has more than three decades of award-winning journalism experience, including coverage of national politics and county government.

Brown most recently was a reporter for The Greenville News in South Carolina. He also has worked for the Anderson Independent-Mail, The Palm Beach Post and Florida Today. Brown, a graduate of the University of Iowa, has been honored by the South Carolina Press Association and the Florida Press Club for his reporting.

“Kirk Brown has proven himself to be an experienced communicator, and I look forward to him bringing those skills to our community as we share vital news and information with our citizens and stakeholders,” Small-Toney said.

Brown is married, and he and his wife reside in Rocky Mount with their 3-month-old daughter, Cora, and a 7-year-old golden retriever named Jack. Brown’s salary will be $110,000.

“I’m excited to embark on a new professional challenge,” Brown said. “I’m committed to providing the news media and Rocky Mount residents with accurate and timely information about the city, as well as focusing on marketing initiatives.”

About Rocky Mount

The city of Rocky Mount, located in the Coastal Plains of North Carolina, was incorporated in 1867 and lies in Edgecombe and Nash Counties. Rocky Mount is a two-time All-America City on the Tar River. Serving as the Gateway to Eastern North Carolina, the city’s 875 employees serve approximately 58,000 residents daily.

The city’s mission is to advance community well-being, safety and quality of life by delivering excellent public services and actively collaborating with the community toward a fulfilling and inspired future for its citizens. As a publicly owned utility, the city of Rocky Mount is committed to safe, reliable service for its customers and operates in Nash and Edgecombe counties, providing customers with electricity, natural gas, water, wastewater (sewer), refuse, recycling and/or stormwater services. To learn more, visit http://www.rockymountnc.gov for news and updates.

Note: Sorry for just posting this but some times I forget to go back and post things. I have got to do better however some times I get overwhelmed with information.

Press Release: City resumes energy audit program

Rocky Mount, N.C. – The city of Rocky Mount has resumed the in-person energy audit program for residential customers.

“The energy audit program is a great resource for the city’s customers,” says Chris Beschler, director of Energy Resources. “Energy audits help customers learn ways they can reduce their energy usage, which can help lower utility bills. Customers can often reduce their energy usage by making simple changes in their home, such as adjusting the thermostat. Energy audits help by making customers aware of these changes.”

To protect the health of customers and employees, the energy auditors will maintain COVID-19 protocol by wearing face coverings and maintaining social distancing during the in-person energy audits.

Energy audits are free for all city of Rocky Mount customers. The audit includes a walk-through of the home, including the attic, crawl space and interior of the home. The auditors look for ways the customer can save on electric, natural gas, water and sewer costs. The findings and recommendations are documented in a report that is mailed to the customer after the audit. Customers also receive a complimentary Energy Kit that includes three light-emitting diode (LED) bulbs, an air filter whistle, a digital thermometer, self-stick weather stripping, and leak detector dye tablets.

Energy audit appointments are available on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 9 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. Residential customers may sign up for an energy audit by calling the Energy Resources Dispatch office at 252-467-4800.

Through a partnership with ElectriCities of North Carolina, Inc., the city also provides a commercial and industrial energy audit program. This program identifies energy saving opportunities by analyzing existing facilities and making recommendations for energy efficient practices and technology. Commercial customers interested in scheduling an energy audit may call the city’s key accounts representative at 252-972-1220.

About Rocky Mount

The city of Rocky Mount, located in the Coastal Plains of North Carolina, was incorporated in 1867 and lies in Edgecombe and Nash Counties. Rocky Mount is a two-time All-America City on the Tar River. Serving as the Gateway to Eastern North Carolina, the city’s 875 employees serve approximately 58,000 residents daily.

The city’s mission is to advance community well-being, safety and quality of life by delivering excellent public services and actively collaborating with the community toward a fulfilling and inspired future for its citizens. As a publicly owned utility, the city of Rocky Mount is committed to safe, reliable service for its customers and operates in Nash and Edgecombe counties, providing customers with electricity, natural gas, water, wastewater (sewer), refuse, recycling and/or stormwater services. To learn more, visit http://www.rockymountnc.gov for news and updates.

Cooper vetoes Republican effort to delay primary election

The Political Agitator’s response: I agree with Governor Cooper on this one. I’ll wait to see how this all unfold.

RALEIGH, N.C. — North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper has vetoed a bill that would have delayed the state’s primary election by another three weeks.

The proposal that Republican lawmakers advanced last week was intended to ensure the GOP had ample time to redraw voting maps if the state Supreme Court decided to strike down recently approved legislative and congressional boundaries that heavily favor Republicans.

"This bill is an additional attempt by Republican legislators to control the election timeline and undermine the voting process,” Cooper wrote in a veto message Friday afternoon. “The constitutionality of congressional and legislative districts is now in the hands of the North Carolina Supreme Court and the Court should have the opportunity to decide how much time is needed to ensure that our elections are constitutional."

The proposal was approved along party lines in both chambers of the state legislature last week. Republicans lack the support of Democrats that would be required to override Cooper’s decision.

In a statement, GOP House Speaker Tim Moore called the effort to delay the election "a reasonable measure" designed to "ensure a thorough and constitutional process." He accused the Democratic governor of making a decision to benefit his own political party.

"(Cooper) wants to sow chaos and confusion in the hopes that the Supreme Court will usurp the constitutional duty of the General Assembly to the benefit of his Democrat allies," Moore wrote.

The high court will hear the case Wednesday. State elections officials have said finalized maps must be in place by Feb. 18 to maintain the current May 17 primary schedule.

If the North Carolina Supreme Court rules against Republicans after Feb. 18 or shortly ahead of that date, Republicans fear they could effectively lose control over the process. State law requires lawmakers to have at least two weeks to redraw maps. (Read more)

Public Comments During Rocky Mount City Council Meeting Monday January 24, 2022

Because folk are afraid to speak out we will continue to have the noise we have that is directed toward the Black Community coming from White and Black folk.

Only 2 White Speakers but used to be more attending the meetings. But now they don’t have to because they have some Special Black folk who speak for them. They also stay home now and post their racist mess on the council page, Concerned Citizens, Fighting Crime and other pages that allow mess be it coming from White folk and Black folk.

I ain’t mad with anybody. But I will be responding to mess when folk come for me and also folk around me when I know they are telling half-trues.

Tom Harris – Requesting that the vetting process do not start for a city manager until the 2 city council members are replaced but he says it could me a possible 3rd new councilmember. I wonder who is the 3rd seat he is talking about. But actually 4 seats are up so why didn’t he say it could possibly be 4 new council members. Interesting.

My response: Yes there will be 2 new council members because 2 Whites Chris Miller and WB Bullock are not seeking re-election. Fact! Yes there are 2 more seats that are up and they are Reuben Blackwell and Richard Joyner. So when Harris say a possible 3 new councilmembers I guess he is saying that either Blackwell or Joyner will not be re-elected. I don’t think anyone had filed during the filing period to run against Blackwell but the filing period will reopen. I think that Crystal Anderson is the only one that filed to run against Joyner but Bronson Williams is on his TV Station almost daily talking about he is running against Joyner. Since Harris is running for office it appears he wants to be a part of the process when hiring the next manager.

I sure hope Linwood Williams replace Chris Miller. I hope a Black person will file to run against Harris. I hope that Blackwell is re-elected as well as Joyner. I know there are controversial conversations in the media but all I can go by is what is at face value that that I can see versus the noise.

What do you think about his request for revamping the grant process for granting loans?

Go to Video at 14:25 to hear Harris requests.

Sam Battle – Wow! He talked about Ward 2 councilmen said it was crazy that he talked about Jay Z and mentioning OJ. Sam said it is crazy to talk about 2 Black men against a Black man. Well what is he doing differently when he comes to the city council meeting to talk about Black Men?

My response: Sam attends the monthly meetings talking about Black men with half trues. This guy and his friend Gregb from Word On The Street are during weekly podcasts about the council almost weekly from what I am screenshot because I don’t watch them half-trues. I don’t understand why good citizens don’t challenge these guys.

Go to Video – 16:50

Ashton Haughton – President Birkshire Community Association – Rehabilitation getting rid of slum lords and bringing in ownership. Bought a home rehabbed and a family living there. Working on another house now.

Go to Video 21:20

Monica Puddy Bland – Jaquay Bland – Housing Grant – They are both Realtors retired from the military and Mrs. Bland wanted to move back home. Wow! They said they have been targeted because of lies that has been printed in the Spring Hope Enterprise about drugs.

My response: Before this meeting I have heard much noise in the media and from the critics who are voicing their concerns about the city. I read the noise and seen the noise before the meeting but it appeared that one of the critics Adrienne Copeland didn’t speak the same tone she did before the meeting about the Puddy family.

Go to Video 23:56

Rev. Mack Battle – Thanked council for being a blessing to East End MBC for Grant for the Neighborhood. Area need a lot of revitalization. Holly Street still need a lot more work. Asked the council work together.

Go to Video 29:13

Adrienne Copeland – Housing Incentive Grant – Her issue is about the amount of money they are spending they could help more folk by spending less money with certain people. That they are turning down certain people. Focus on more bang for our bucks. She act as if the council is doing some illegal activities.

She says she is spending money in impoverished areas.

My response: Copeland is doing series of videos and addressing the City Council during every meeting. That is fine however I question is what she is presenting is all trues. She says some folk are getting too much and some folk ain’t getting enough. Well that is interesting because there are always going to be people that fall in those categories.

Go to Video 31:30

Tamara Puddy – Sister of Monica Puddy Bland – Said her daddy’s name has been mud. Talking about the article in the Puddy family and professionals from all walks of life.

Go to Video 33:55

Rev. Nehemiah Smith – Puddys are some of the best people he know. Said he is confused. Talked about how previous white folk did mess within the city but nothing was said.

Go to Video 36:50

Bronson Williams – Said the council need an updated plan of transparency and not one that is in a back room so developers from all over would be ready to come.

My response: Interesting the transparency thing. I am had a hard time trying to follow him before I quit watching his show because he was all over the place. I worked with him on his campaign for Mayor. I didn’t know he did not live where the address he has been using for his residency. I was shocked and mad as hell when his residency was challenged. The sad part is this is coming up on the 3rd appearance as it relates to wanting to serve on the City Council 1st being the appointment for Ward 3, next when he ran for Mayor although as long as you live anywhere in the city of Rocky Mount you can run for Mayor but you must use a legit residency at the Board of Elections Office. It appears he is using his TV Show to go after the council and that is okay as long as facts are presented from him and the callers and not half trues. When half-trues are allowed that is a problem. He knows I am supporting Joyner. I was embarrassed after the residency issue and especially after I did my own homework. The TV show dedicated a whole damn week trying to discredit me and also some other time. The other part to that is how many folk spoke out when they were doing that mess. I have folk calling and sending messages to me but when folk do stuff publicly it need to be responded to publicly. But don’t take this as I need anyone to validate me but I look at folk different when folk allow folk to do mess if it is done to me and/or others and folk be silent.

Go to Video 39:34

Kyia Darden (Spelling of name problem incorrect) – Sudden issue that comes up whenever communities that has been passed by begin to do some things some folk have a problem. Area over by Princess Mart looks bad. Don’t understand why Hilsdale illegal activity has a bearing on trying to do something with buildings that are vacant.

Go to Video 41:14

Pastor Antionette Cutler – President of Hilsdale Community – Talked about grant for fixing up a building in the area for the community to have a place to meet.

Go to Video 44:40

Mary Warren – Active in Ward 3 for 35 years. Thanked the council for the work they have done in Southeast Rocky Mount. Said she was hoping she would be alive when the community would get some things done. Asked if anyone don’t know the story to ask come and talk to them.

My response: I have been knowing Mrs. Warren all of these years. I too am glad she got to see some of the things she wanted to see done that she has been working so hard for.

Go to Video 48:36

Troy Davis – Thanks for ending his nightmare about Small-Toney. Said there is 8 million dollars in back taxes that the city need to go after.

My response: Now that his nightmare is over I am going to see how he move forward. The city has been good to him and given him a chance to show that in spite of his past he is doing some good things.

Go to Video 51:08

Crystal Anderson – Tired of being discredited told to wait her time. Said she has issues that she has experienced.

My response: Anderson whom I met on filing day in Tarboro when she came to run against Richard Joyner I was shocked because I had never heard of her. I learned that she had been in Edgecombe County for about a year. I told her she is new to Rocky Mount and she need to learn all she can and to get involved politically before trying to run. I told her she need to learn the political climate. Her comments at the meeting was somewhat confusing to me. I told her that some folk mentioned to me about her concern with the city was valid but then didn’t understand the other. I told her to run if she want to run and forget about being discredited. She know I am supporting Joyner.

Go to Video 52:53

Councilman Blackwell gave a great summary of the public comments and the atmosphere around the city council. Damn someone hollered out that Blackwell was out of order and wanted to put a time on him. It is sad that racist white folk want to tell Black folk when to speak, how to speak and how long they can speak. No damn respect and we have Black folk who say nothing. We have one Black TV Station, several Black folk with podcasts and none are fact checking mess but appears to have their own motives. Their motives are because they want to take over the city especially with this talk about elected Officials giving up their seats to young folk. Well name the young folk who should just be handed over power. What have they done to deserve a seat at the table? I’ll wait!

Click here to watch entire Video.