Greensboro's African American Community Newspaper since 1967
With only a week left until early voting begins in Greensboro, the Guilford County Democratic Party is working hard to mobilize and energize voters here and across the state.
Greensboro faith leaders and Black Voters for Harris-Walz hosted U.S. Rep. James ‘Jim’ Clyburn (D-6) on Tuesday at Providence Baptist Church, where he encouraged people to help get voters to the polls.
“There’s only one candidate in this race that will invest in our community and build a new way forward,” said Rev. Darryl Aaron, lead pastor of Providence Baptist Church. “There’s only one candidate in this race that has plans that will bring jobs, grow key industries, build skills in our workers, and usher in a new wave of innovation. There is only one candidate in this election that is tackling racial inequality head on. There’s only one candidate that is addressing disparities in access to capital to start a small business. There’s only one candidate that is concerned about low-come people, and cares about your grandmother, your mother, your daughter and your sister’s choices. And it’s not Trump.”
N.C. House District 58 Rep. Amos Quick noted that under the Biden-Harris administration, Black wealth is up 60 percent, Black small businesses have started at the fastest rate in 30 years, and Black unemployment is at an historic low.
“She (Harris) is the only presidential candidate on the ballot who shares our values and is committed to fighting for our families and our community. From our children’s education to our parents and grandparents’ access to Social Security. There could not be more at stake in this election and the difference between the two candidates could not be greater,” said Quick.
Before introducing Clyburn, N.C. District 28 Sen. Gladys Robinson reiterated how the state races are equally as important, and Mark Robinson, the Republican candidate for N.C. Governor, is an extension of Trump’s Project 2025 agenda.
“Donald Trump, on the other hand, has only one plan for the economy. His extreme Project 2025, supported by MAGA (Make America Great Again) allies like Mark Robinson here in our state will raise taxes for the middle class, raise prices on everyday goods and make it harder for our community, especially Black and Brown people, to provide for their families. Donald Trump and Mark Robinson will do nothing to solve racial and economic disparity. Remember, Trump believes in something called a “black job” rather than being Black and being successful in all parts of our economy and society,” she said.
During Clyburn’s remarks, the former history teacher gave a brief history of Jim Crow and how it began with the election of Rutherford B. Hayes as the 19th U.S. President, in 1876. The Reconstruction period after the Civil War ended, and Jim Crow, and all its segregationist ideals immediately became the law.
“I want to say just a few things to let you know how important this election is. Some elections are more consequential than others. This election, without a doubt, is the most consequential election in this country since 1876,” he said. “That is what makes North Carolina so important in this election.”
Clyburn encouraged people to get the message to vote out in their social circles, because history teaches us that if it’s happened before, it can happen again.
“North Carolina voted for Barack Obama. You have delivered before. What we’ve got to do is turn this vote out. We cannot leave any stone unturned,” said Clyburn.
Clyburn is also seeking reelection this year to continue as South Carolina’s 6th Congressional District representative. He was first elected to the 6th District post back in 1992 and he became the first African American to serve as a U.S. representative from S.C. in Congress since 1897. Clyburn is seeking his 17th two-year term in the position.
