TCB April 7, 2022 — The First, But Not the Last

APRIL 7-13, 2022 TRIAD-CITY-BEAT.COM

Winston-Salem’s first annual Trans Pride Festival shines bright

by Autumn Karen | pg. 16

The First, But Not The Last ELECTION 2022

THIS ISSUE:

WS/FCS D1 & D2 school board races GSO D1, D2, D3 & D5 city council races PGS. 4-12

UP FRONT | APRIL 7 - 13, 2022

Coronavirus in the Triad

(as of Wednesday, April 6 ) Documented COVID-19 diagnoses

NC 2,633,131 (+4,844) Forsyth 92,149 (+110) Guilford 116,792 (+475) COVID-19 deaths NC 23,239 (+126) Forsyth 792 (+1) Guilford 1,159 (+2) Documented recoveries NC 2,603,548 (+5,816) Forsyth *no data* Guilford 112,637 (+276) Current cases NC 7,344 (–8) Forsyth *no data* Guilford 861 (+228) Hospitalizations (right now) NC 381 (-84) Forsyth *no data* Guilford 7 (-9) Vaccinations NC Partially vaccinated 6,389,037 (+6,556) Fully vaccinated 6,469,499 (62%, +6,281) Boosted: 3,286,418 (+33,929, 50.7% of vaccinated) Forsyth Partially vaccinated 251,765 (+169) Fully vaccinated 236,443 (62%, +190) Boosted: 117,953 (+1,180, 49.8% of vaccinated) Guilford Partially vaccinated 346,758 (+221) Fully vaccinated 329,065 (61%, +297) Boosted: 164,069 (+1,615, 49.8% of vaccinated)

BUSINESS PUBLISHER/EXECUTIVE EDITOR

Brian Clarey brian@triad-city-beat.com

PUBLISHER EMERITUS

Allen Broach allen@triad-city-beat.com

OF COUNSEL

Jonathan Jones

ART ART DIRECTOR

Charlie Marion charlie@triad-city-beat.com

SALES KEY ACCOUNTS

Chris Rudd chris@triad-city-beat.com

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1451 S. Elm-Eugene St. Box 24, Greensboro, NC 27406 Office: 336.681.0704 EDITORIAL WEBMASTER Sam LeBlanc MANAGING EDITOR Sayaka Matsuoka PHOTOGRAPHY INTERN sayaka@triad-city-beat.com

CHIEF CONTRIBUTORS

Stan Sussina

Michaela Ratliff michaela@triad-city-beat.com

COVER:

James Douglas james@triad-city-beat.com

Kassandra Hylton performs during the first annual Trans Pride Festival on Saturday.

CONTRIBUTORS

Photo by Stan Sussina Design by Charlie Marion

Carolyn de Berry, John Cole, Owens Daniels, Suzy Fielders, Luis H. Garay, Kaitlynn Havens, Jordan Howse, Matt Jones, Autumn Karen, Jen Sorensen, Todd Turner

TCB IN A FLASH @ triad-city-beat.com First copy is free, all additional copies are $1. ©2022 Beat Media Inc.

EDITOR’S NOTEBOOK

The soul patch, and other casualties of the pandemic

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e’ve all named Aidan Gill, convinced me to lost a trim it down and shape from a wispy lot over spider into a clean chevron. the last couple Over the years I tinkered with the years: loved ones, shape until it became a thin stripe, careers, relationthe barest whisper of a beard. It was ships, fortunes, so subtle, so sublime, that for a lot friendships, vehiof people it never even registered,

by Brian Clarey cles, carefully laid especially after it turned white. But plans, long-held beliefs, precariously it provided symmetry with the deep structured illusions… not to mention crease between my eyebrows, gave a the last two years themselves, which pleasant accent to my chin, gave me were not a total waste but which we that little bit of an edge afforded to all could have done without.

Men With Interesting Facial Hair.

Like everyOr so I thought. one else, I am a But really, isn’t different person that the only on the back end Hate if you must, but thing that matof the pandemic ters? that little swatch of — It is the back It was the virus coolness sat end, right? — than that made me do I was at the front. underneath my bottom it: In those early Literally though: days, when there I’m pounds heavi- lip since I was 19 years were no groceries er, there are new old, when I grew it in on the shelves, networks of wrinno people on honor of the great kles around me the streets and Stevie Ray Vaughan. some asshole eyes and more gray hair around had bought up all my temples that the hand sanitizer makes me look and toilet paper; like Reed Richards or, conversely, when I thought I could almost feel Paulie Walnuts. And right at the the virus on my hands after I inadbeginning, when my germ paranoia vertently touched a bathroom door was at its height, I shaved off my or grabbed a handrail; when every soul patch. time I coughed I was pretty sure I had Hate if you must, but that little COVID and would die from it. swatch of coolness sat underneath I thought about it for a week my bottom lip since I was 19 years before I shaved it off; seemed like a old, when I grew it in honor of the small sacrifice in the face of everygreat Stevie Ray Vaughan, a personal thing. And like a lot of those things hero who died the next year. Before I thought were important before the he became New Orleans’ most coronavirus came to town, I don’t prominent barber, an Uptown stylist miss it at all.

THURSDAY April 7 National Beer Day 2022 @ World of Beer (GSO) 11 a.m.

Celebrate National Beer Day at World of Beer by competing for gift cards, winning brewery merch and enjoying “Golden Beers” — five draft and five bottles worthy of recognition. Find more information on the Facebook event page.

SATURDAY April 9 Celebrating the Horse Artist Reception @ Creative Aging Network-NC (GSO) 10 a.m.

FRIDAY April 8 Harlem Globetrotters @ Greensboro Coliseum (GSO) 7 p.m.

The Harlem Globetrotters will be at Greensboro Coliseum ready to dazzle you with their theatrical slam dunks and fancy footwork during this family-friendly basketball game. Tickets can be purchased at harlemglobetrotters.com.

Creative Aging Network-NC will display Celebrating the Horse, an original art exhibit by 82-yearold Jean Musòn. The exhibit features paintings inspired by scenes from Musòn’s native Jamaica and her love of horses. If you miss this reception, another will be held on the April 22. Contact Lia Miller at lia@can-nc.org or 336.303.9963 for more information.

SUNDAY April 10 Superhero Soundtrack! @ R. J. Reynolds Memorial Auditorium (W-S) 3 p.m.

UP FRONT | APRIL 7 - 13, 2022

CITY LIFE APRIL 7-10

by Michaela Ratliff

Winston-Salem Symphony is calling all superhero fans for a concert in which they’ll perform memorable themes from flicks such as The Avengers, Spider-Man and more. Pre-concert activities begin at 2 p.m. and include a meetand-greet with Wonder Woman and Spider-Man, superhero mask decorating and keychain creating. Dressing as your favorite hero is encouraged. Tickets can be purchased at wssymphony. org/event/superhero-soundtrack.

Send your events to calendar@triad-city-beat.com for consideration in City Life and the Weekender.

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NEWS | APRIL 7 - 13, 2022

NEWS

A slate of Democrats, including one incumbent, face off in WS/FCS District 1 school board primary

by James Douglas

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he Winston-Salem/Forsyth County School Board primaries have attracted 28 candidates, the largest field in recent history.

District 1 is the centralized core taking up the eastern part of the city, with some overlap into the northwestern portion. The voting precincts representing District 1 are primarily in majority-minority neighborhoods.

Members of the Forsyth County School Board serve 4-year terms with a total of nine members. Two are elected to District 1, four to District 2 and the remaining three members are voted at-large and serve countywide.

The primary elections start on April 28 with early voting and continue until May 17. The general election takes place on Nov. 8.

Five Democrats contend for two open seats in District 1 this year, including incumbent Alexandre Bohannon. The other incumbent, Malishai Woodbury, declined to run again, seeking instead an open seat in this year’s county commission race.

The top two vote-getters will automatically win the two seats in District 1, essentially making the primary the real election.

TCB reached out to all candidates in District 1. They are listed in alphabetical order, following the incumbent.

Alexandre Bohannon (i)

Young incumbent looks to future in re-election bid lexandre Bohannon unsuccessfully ran for school board in 2018, coming in third with 17 percent of the vote, behind Barbara Hanes Burke with 33 percent and Malishai Woodbury who got 24 percent. In Feb. 2021, 26-tear-old Bohannon was appointed to the school board after Burke was elected to city council, making him the youngest member ever to serve on the WS/FCS school board.

Bohannon graduated from Parkland Magnet High School in 2012 and from Elon University in 2017. Prior to being appointed to the school board, he served on a variety of committees including the Climate, Culture, and Equity Committee that drafted the School System’s Equity Plan, as well as the Facilities Advisory Committee and Strategic Planning Committee.

Asked about why he was running for re-election, he said that it’s the same reason he ran in 2018: “[T]to bring additional energy and urgency to the work of the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County School System in providing the future of

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our community with an education that equips them with the tools to shake off the shackles of limitation and exceed all expectations.”

The largest issues Bohannon thinks Forsyth County schools face are a lack of funding from the state, low literacy rates and the impact of COVID-19.

Bohannon said that critical race theory isn’t taught in our school system, but “a framework developed for the purpose of understanding how American racism has shaped public policy.”

He did note the importance of representation in schools.

“I firmly believe that you can’t be what you can’t see,” he said. “It is essential that all Black and Brown children in our school system see themselves in every facet of the curriculum.”

His views on LGBTQ+ rights are similar.

“LGBTQ+ [students] are no different from any other students in our district, meaning that there is nothing about their identity that should preclude them from receiving the same quality of education,” he said. “Even though sex education is often brought up in relation to LGBTQ+ students it’s important that they receive sex education that gives them the knowledge to make informed, safe decisions as they mature into young adults.”

On the book bans that are sweeping the country, Bohannon is vocal.

“We need to be teaching children how to process and engage with material that challenges them intellectually, not banning every book that makes us uncomfortable,” he said. “We should ensure that children have access to age- appropriate material. [A]nytime governments have banned literature, the results have not been good at all.”

Bohannan is adamant about his goals.

“I would push for a focus on the delivery of high-quality instruction for every child, investments in more experiential learning, more funding from the state to address pay, and cultural infusion in the curriculum,” he said.

Trevonia Brown-Gaither

Former math teacher focused on student wellbeing CB reached out to Trevonia Brown-Gaither multiple times for this story but did not receive a response. According to her campaign website and social media accounts, Brown-Gaither taught mathematics for more than 19 years in both middle and high schools in the district including at Atkins Middle, Wiley Middle, Robert B. Glenn High and the Middle College. She is the niece of former WS/FCS board member, Geneva Brown, who served for more than 18 years.

She is a native of Winston-Salem who graduated from RJ Reynolds High and attended Spelman College and NCA&T State University.

A post on her campaign’s Facebook account states “it is imperative that we address common safety issues such as bullying, harassment, and school discipline policies. Ensuring that every school has a dedicated social worker and school resource officer will provide a layer of safety not only for our students but also staff and a safe space for dialogue and solutions.”

Her priorities, as listed on her website, include keeping schools safe, equity in the classroom, advocating for students and teachers and pushing for transparency within the school system.

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A parent and student advocate critical of school choice henita Barber Johnson is a graduate of Winston-Salem State University with a degree in political science/public administration with a minor in history.

She has a paralegal certificate with a concentration in civil litigation. She is a cofounder of the Coalition for Equity in Public Education, which has advised policies to the school board, including the study of the 2016 school bond proposals. The goal listed on the coalition’s Facebook page is “to promote and ensure equity and anti-racism policies, curricula, cultures and environments. Asked about her background, Johnson said, “I have raised children in the WS/FCS, I have substituted in the public schools, served as PTA parent liaison, and am serving on boards that deal with the impact of poverty, education, housing, and community empowerment.”

Johnson mentioned several issues facing the school district including school choice, basic resources (books, computers, etc.), safe environments for students as well as the lack of minorities in teaching and leadership positions.

“The school system must attract high-quality educators to allow our students to achieve excellence,” she said. “This includes pay for teachers and administrators who will teach in areas where so called ‘low performing’ schools are designated.”

If elected, Barber Johnson wants to address the school choice system, noting that it is detrimental to the entire community.

School choice provides private alternatives to public schools for parents who do not wish for their children to attend the local public school to which they are assigned.

“School choice has damaged the school system financially but may have caused issues for students,” she said. “Children are constantly told in our county which schools are good or bad. That perception can make a child equate their school with their self-worth. How will that help in their education if they are considered not to be able to achieve?”

When it comes to her views on critical race theory and LGBTQ+ issues, Johnson is clear. She thinks LGBTQ+ students should be treated fairly, saying “rights for all students must occur regardless of sexual orientation.”

“Critical race theory is not taught in secondary schools,” she also said. “It is a course in graduate school of law. The term is being used to politically segregate populations rather than working together to improve our educational system.” She noted that book bans are censorship and are unconstitutional.

She is a proponent of collecting community data about racial inequities and gaps to increase reading/literacy. The continued funding of home/school parent coordinators is a necessity to her, along with increased counselors.

“It is important to encourage the community to become more involved,” she said. “Public education touches us all, as we all are stake holders.”

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Ricky Johnson Jr.

Volunteer and outreach worker focused on increasing POC educators icky Johnson Jr. holds a BA in psychology, a masters in adult education, a post-masters degree in community/ higher education, and is working to complete his doctorate in organizational leadership. His education background consists of 10 years of volunteering and working in K-12 schools and working in higher education institutions in dif-

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ferent federal outreach programs, used to identify and provide services to students with disadvantaged backgrounds. His volunteer work is primarily involved with minority students from poor and working-class neighborhoods.

Johnson said he wants to serve District 1 because it “needs strong and bold leaders and voices that will push the school system to provide an equal education for all students.”

Johnson said there’s no evidence that CRT is being taught within school systems and many who make the argument that it is being taught have misconstrued what it is. “When it comes to African-American history, I think that it should be mandated,” he said. “We [must] ensure that it is a part of curriculums when it comes to teaching history if we are a school system that pushes inclusiveness and equity.”

As for LGBTQ+ issues in current schools, Johnson is welcoming.

“Because we do have students that identify as LGBTQ+, we have to acknowledge that they have the same rights as any other students,” he said. “[I]f students identify as LGBTQ+ and wish to raise questions, I think we should allow them to.

If we wish to teach students how to think critically, we cannot limit that because of their sexual orientation.”

Johnson’s approach to multi-pronged policy attacks is clear.

“Conflating everything people disagree with, like what history should be taught in schools, is not critical race theory,” he said. “As a school system, we have more urgent issues to address than irrelevant arguments about a theory that is not in our curriculum.”

Johnson said he would push for academic achievement and discipline.

“Both fall under the guise of inequity and should be addressed as such,” he said.

“There have been recent remedies implemented by the school system, but I think we can do a better job.

He would also push for more teachers who are racially diverse.

“We have no excuse as to why we cannot recruit more Black and Brown teachers,” Johnson said. “Within an hour, we have at least seven HBCUs that graduate hundreds of Black and Brown students each year. We should take advantage of that opportunity that is right in front of us.”

NEWS | APRIL 7 - 13, 2022

Chenita Barber Johnson

NEWS

Tarsha Shore

Longtime educator focused on the academic achievement gap arsha Shore is a graduate of Winston-Salem State University and has 30 years of experience working within the WS/FCS system. Among her many roles in education, she has worked as a teacher’s assistant, EC Assistant and has taught middle and elementary grades. She has also served on various leadership committees.

The largest issues Shore wants to address is the educational growth gap between minority and non-minority students. She also wants to look at the ways in which the pandemic has affected children.

“The other issue our children face are their social emotional needs not being met, which contribute to them not having a sense of belonging,” she said.

Shore did not speak directly about critical race theory being taught, she noted that “if you fail to learn from history, you are bound to repeat it.”

Shore described book bans as “controversial.”

Shore advocated for taking care of teachers and students alike.

“I would push for promoting highly qualified teachers, increasing supplemental pay, and training staff to become highly qualified employees,” she said.

Her aspiration to be elected is a longtime passion.

“I believe all children can learn,” she said. “I want the children of Forsyth County to have a quality education with the necessary resources they need to become productive citizens.”

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NEWS | APRIL 7 - 13, 2022

Ten Republicans face off in District 2 WS/FCS school board primary

NEWS

by Suzy Fielders

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riad City Beat has previously reported on the large number of candidates — 28 to be exact — running for seats in the Winston-Salem/ Forsyth County School Board election this year. In the race for District 2, 10 Republican candidates are running for the four seats that are up for grabs. The top four vote-getters of the primary will advance to the general election in November to run against Democrat Jennifer Castillo, who is running unopposed in the primary.

Currently, Republicans hold all four seats, but incumbents Dana Caudill Jones and Marilyn Parker did not filed for re-election this year. District 2 encompasses most of Forsyth County minus the central area which is taken up by District 1.

We asked candidates about their thoughts on critical race theory, teaching African-American history in schools as well as what they think the biggest challenges facing the school district are.

Candidates are listed alphabetically by last name, starting with the incumbents.

Their responses have been edited for clarity and length.

Lida Calvert-Hayes (i)

Incumbent who helped pass school bond

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ida Calvert-Hayes was first appointed to a District 2 seat in 2015 after board member Jeannie Metcalf resigned.

She then won re-election in 2018 and currently serves as vice chair.

She has children who graduated from WS/ FCS, grandchildren currently in WS/FCS and has substituted in the system.

Dealing with the aftermath of the pandemic is her campaign’s biggest focus, she told TCB. “The pandemic was a difficult adjustment for our teachers, students, and staff,” she said. “We lost teachers as a result of pandemic-related stress.

We now have a shortage in teachers. Students are falling behind due to the loss of interaction that occurs with being in a classroom setting. Additionally, students are now more afraid to attend school due to all the violence.”

One of her proudest achievements as an incumbent is her work on the buildings and grounds committee, she said.

“I worked hard to pass the $350 million school bond,” she writes on her website. “This bond enabled the construction of two new schools and allowed for much-needed maintenance and repairs to many more.”

When it comes to the highly politicized topic of critical race theory and the teaching of African- American history in schools, Calvert-Hayes is more measured in her response compared to some of her opponents.

“Critical race theory has not been discussed in detail nor voted on by our board at the present time,” she said. “I am for teaching all history for all groups.”

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Leah Crowley (i)

Incumbent for school choice, against CRT eah Crowley successfully won a District two WS/FCS board seat in 2018, coming in second place behind Lida Calvert Hayes.

She currently has two children attending schools in WS/FCS and two that have graduated from the district. Over the years, she has volunteered as a PTA board member, coach, mentor and substitute teacher.

Her campaign focuses reading and math proficiency, disparities in resources, and competitive salary and wages for staff.

If re-elected Crowley said she will push for, “more support (pay, personnel, and professional development) for teachers to address reading and math proficiency, equity in school facilities and resources and making decisions based on what is best for students.”

Crowley has been a supporter of school choice and continues to push for options for parents. “I do think when parents have a choice, there’s more buy-in,” she told TCB in 2018.

On her website and campaign Facebook page, Crowley regularly talks about the importance of reading. When it comes to the wave of book-bannings across the country, she said, “children should have access to as many books as possible that are age appropriate (no pornography). Books that feature a non-traditional family (i.e. two moms) is not pornography.”

Regarding critical race theory Crowley spouted the popularized conservative rhetoric that argues that CRT is divisive, but said she supported teaching African-American history.

“Critical race theory makes assumptions about people and our nation based on race,” she said. “Teaching African American history is important for all students, as is other peoples’ history not represented in the curriculum. It is important that all students see themselves in what they are learning and that students learn about people who do not look like them.”

In 2019, initially Crowley supported the implementation of a mandatory African-American studies course. In the end, efforts by local groups to require the course failed and the school board voted 7-1 to approve the superintendent’s recommendation to expand an infusion program instead.

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Robert Barr

Former school board member and pastor CB did not receive candidate responses from Barr and there is currently no campaign website for him.

Robert Barr formerly served as an at-large member of the school board after being elected in 2014 until 2018. He ran for re-election in 2018 and lost in the general election as a wave of Democratic female candidates won all three seats. A 2018 article published by Winston-Salem State University, Barr’s alma mater, notes that he received a master’s in education from Wake Forest University and was appointed to WSSU’s Board of Trustees in 2018. Barr has served as a staff pastor at Agape Faith Church since 2002 and prior to that, worked as both a teacher and curriculum coordinator for WS/FCS for 14 years.

A devout Christian, much of Robert Barr’s social media presence revolves around his association with Agape Faith Church. He posts morning devotions almost daily and recently took a trip to Israel.

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WS/FCS parent against teaching LGBTQ+ issues immie Boyd is a parent in the WS/ FCS system and does not have a background in education, a lack of experience that Boyd said makes him more relatable.

“It is apparent those who have had an educational background failed miserably at creating a strong and proper education system for our kids,” he told TCB. His campaign focuses on curriculum and giving parents more access to engage with their children’s education.

“As parents the school system has become over politicized,” he said. “It is time we educate our kids and not indoctrinate them. Public schools should be teaching core classes (not to be confused with common core) such as reading, writing, math, science, English, health, economics, etc. There is no room in our kid’s education for overly politicized or pornographic trash curriculums.”

As is evidenced by his responses, Boyd is part of a wave of conservative Republicans who view the fight for schools and school boards as one revolving around the teaching of race and LGBTQ+ issues.

On teaching critical race theory and African-American history in schools he said, “critical race theory is a disease of division. When any student walks into a school, that student will get the quality of education, equivalent to the quality of work they have put into it. As for Black history, yes it needs to be taught just as all history needs to be taught. History is a core element of our society.”

When asked about LGBTQ+ rights in schools and how it relates to sex education, Boyd stated “I would have to say absolutely not to LGBTQ rights being taught in school, that is a sexual preference and not an educational point. LGBTQ rights have nothing to do with sex education.”

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Stanley Elrod

Former WS/FCS principal with in-classroom experience tanley Elrod has served more than 30 years in the WS/FCS system with a range of positions that include teacher, coach, athletic director, assistant principal and principal.

His goals if elected focus on supporting teachers and helping students get back to pre-pandemic learning.

“Everyone has suffered through these past two years,” Elrod said. “Our students have lost crucial educational and social learning skills. It is our responsibility to work with students, parents and teachers to evaluate these losses and work together to find solutions to help overcome them as best we can.”

Elrod discusses how his past work as an educator in the WS/FCS system will allow him to achieve his goals.

“I feel I have walked in the shoes of most of our school employees,” he said.

“I understand where the rubber meets the road. I understand the importance of forming partnerships with our parents and our community. I know that by working together, we can provide the best education possible for our students. I know why teachers go into the teaching profession, to teach our students and I know all they want is our trust, our respect and our support.”

When asked about critical race theory and teaching African American history, Elrod shares, “I have taught NC History, US History, and World History. I have never taught critical race theory. I have also never heard it being taught in our school system, so it is very difficult for me to comment on it.”

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Ronald Jason Lucero

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Conservative focused on transparency CB did not receive a response from Lucero and there is currently no campaign website or campaign social media accounts for him.

According to a recording of Ronald Jason Lucero speaking at the Forsyth County GOP Women’s meeting on March 24, his purpose of running for school board is to get back to the basics such as teaching reading, writing, arithmetic in WS/FCS. When the question of critical race theory came up, Lucero shared he had different views than most. He said, “the way we stop this is right in this room. If we put seven people on this board from here, then there’s no way that’s happening.”

He also stressed the importance of transparency for parents as one of his main causes. “[Parents] share there is currently a lack of transparency that is incredible, and they don’t have the transparency they’d like to have,” he said. “There’s a process and parents need to make sure the process is followed first. Once we go through the process then we get to structed problem-solving. This involves going and seeking answers, getting involved, visiting the schools and talking to these people. We need to find out what the root cause is before we try to make changes. We need to know what the problem actually is before we can solve and address it.”

NEWS | APRIL 7 - 13, 2022

Jimmie Boyd

NEWS

Susan Miller

Former WS/FCS employee focused on literacy usan Miller was a Reading/Literacy Specialist with WS/FCS for over two decades up until 2019. Miller received a bachelor’s degree in education and a master’s in education in Literacy/Reading (K-12).

Her campaign focuses on literacy and improving reading levels for all students in the WS/FCS system.

She is very concerned about the reading proficiency rate for grades 3-8 in WS/FCS as it is currently at 38 percent.

Miller shares if elected she will, “focus on literacy as a priority and support Superintendent McManus 100 percent in her Initiative “90 by 25”.” The goal of that initiative is to ensure that by the end of the 2024-25 school year 90 percent of third graders test as proficient readers.

When asked about the current wave of banning books, Miller made the following statement, “Books should always be age and subject appropriate.”

Miller also told TCB that “critical race theory is not a part of our curriculum, and I don’t believe in it. African American history is part of our curriculum and that is appropriate.”

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Holly Pegram

TCB did not receive a response from Pegram and there is currently no campaign website or campaign social media accounts for her.

Yvonne Williams

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Retired educator with a collaborative spirit vonne Williams was an educator for 30 years whose background includes teaching in public schools and private high schools as well as teaching Spanish at the college level. She is currently retired but still volunteers and substitutes in the WS/FCS system.

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NEWS | APRIL 7 - 13, 2022

NEWS

Her platform focuses on increasing active community and parental engagement in schools, working to provide more after school activities for students, increasing pay for certified/classified educators and scheduling evening town hall talks with all educators.

“Members of the school board should be of sound judgment, even-tempered, be willing to collaborate and have a sincere interest in public school education,” she said. “If elected, I want to work with my fellow board members to focus on student achievement, help ensure success for all students and advocate for strong public schools.”

Williams shares the following statement on teaching African American history in schools, “It is important that all forms of American history are taught in our public schools. All Americans deserve to be proud of their cultural history.”

On his Facebook page, Wood shares posts fundraising for crisis pregnancy centers and articles in support of charter schools.

Steve Wood

Former legislator in support of charter schools hile TCB did not receive a response from Wood, voter registration records and candidate filing information suggest that this candidate is the same Steve Wood who served as a NC State House representative from 1984-2005. Wood was elected as Speaker Pro-Tem from 1997-99, becoming the second Republican elected to the post during the 20th century.

On the candidate filings for Stephen Wray Wood, a PO Box address also affiliated with Global Missions Group is listed. On the Facebook profile for Steve Wood, the former state lawmaker, a link to Global Missions Group is also listed.

One of Wood’s main accomplishments during his tenure as a state representative was his push for charter schools as well as lateral entry for teachers from the military, higher education, business and non-governmental entities and a proposal for the first online public school academy.

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February 5–May 8, 2022 The exhibition is organized by Aperture Foundation, New York and Kwame S. Brathwaite. The exhibition Black Is Beautiful: The Photography of Kwame Brathwaite and the accompanying Aperture publication are made possible, in part, with generous support from the National Endowment for the Arts and the Photographic Arts Council Los Angeles.

Major Sponsors

The Cathleen and Ray McKinney Exhibition Fund

PLAN YOUR VISIT

reynolda.org/beautiful Reynolda House Museum of American Art 2250 Reynolda Rd. Winston-Salem, N.C. Kwame Brathwaite, Carolee Prince wearing her own jewelry designs. Prince created much of the jewelry and headpieces featured in Brathwaite’s work. African Jazz-Art Society & Studios (AJASS), Harlem, circa 1964; from Kwame Brathwaite: Black Is Beautiful (Aperture, 2019). Courtesy the artist and Philip Martin Gallery, Los Angeles.

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by Sayaka Matsuoka

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n Districts 1 and 2 of the Greensboro City Council, incumbents Sharon Hightower and Goldie Wells will face off against a number of incumbents to keep their seats this election season.

Early voting starts on April 28 and goes until May 17. The general election for the Greensboro City Council races will take place on July 26.

While the Greensboro City Council race is nonpartisan, Triad City Beat has included the political party that each candidate has registered under as noted on their voter registration.

The candidates are listed in order of last name; incumbents go first.

DISTRICT 1

District 1 starts just south of Gate City Blvd. and stretches east down I-40W towards Sedalia and south towards Old Randleman Rd.

Sharon Hightower (i, D)

An incumbent with a mixed history on racial justice hile TCB did not receive answers from Sharon Hightower in time for publication, her history as a two-term incumbent shows her voting record and her priorities.

Hightower won her seat back in 2017 with overwhelming support, garnering more than 84 percent of the vote.

In a previous TCB piece, Hightower pointed to her work as the city council liaison on the Ad-hoc Committee on African-American Disparity as well as passing the city’s $15 per-hour minimum wage as efforts she’s made to close racial disparities in Greensboro. She also mentioned wanting to continue being involved with the city’s Minority Women Business Enterprise program which provides opportunities for minority contractors.

Hightower was also pivotal in the passage of Juneteenth as a citywide holiday, an act that was finalized in 2020.

When it comes issues of policing, Hightower had had a measured response. In the previous TCB piece, she rejected the notion of defunding the police, stating, “When we talk about defunding the police, it’s really not ‘get rid of the police’ because we need policing. I think it’s really a conversation around, can we do both?

Can we have policing, but also have the resources that the community really needs to strengthen their community, whether it’s more community recreation centers, more mentorship, more education.”

She expressed support for Cure Violence as well as racial-equity training for

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police as well as investments in affordable housing, job training and mental-health services as alternatives to defunding law enforcement.

In 2020, in the aftermath of the George Floyd killing, both Hightower and Goldie Wells — the incumbent for District 2 — opposed a written-consent policy that was suggested by the city’s criminal justice advisory board. The policy would have required police to receive written consent from people for all searches. Both rejected the idea, arguing that a piece of paper wouldn’t lead to systemic change.

In 2019, Hightower supported an independent investigation into the death of Marcus Deon Smith but has remained fairly silent on the issue since then.

NEWS | APRIL 7 - 13, 2022

Two incumbents face a slew of challengers in District 1 and 2 GSO city council primaries

NEWS

Felton Foushee (D)

A political newcomer who was born and raised in GSO irst time political candidate Felton Foushee was born and raised in Greensboro. He grew up in the Greenfield Homes community and graduated from Dudley High School before attending UNCG. Eventually, Foushee found work at the Hayes-Taylor YMCA and became the Director for the Black and Latino Achievers program there. Currently Foushee works as a history professor at UNCG and as a racial equity and engagement officer for the Racial Equity Learning Community.

With his varied background, Foushee told TCB that he’s running for office because he is “informed in a way that centers history and people.”

If elected Foushee said he will focus on alleviating issues of economic disparity in the city, particularly those that face the Black community in southeast Greensboro.

To do that, Foushee said he would create pathways to homeownership and encourage investment in Black communities through development.

“I would like to somewhat invert the idea of incentives for businesses and engage with them as to how we can incentivize the communities they will affect and from which they will draw their workforce,” Foushee said. “From improving modes of transportation.”

Better public transportation, creating environments that encourage healthy food choices, developing shared public spaces and providing wages that enhance the lives of employees are also high on his list of priorities.

When it comes to the issue of police reform, Foushee stated that he supports the release of body-camera footage to the public as well as de-escalation training as well as an “impeccable screening process.”

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Timothy Kirkpatrick (R)

TCB did not receive answers to candidate questionnaires for Timothy Kirkpatrick and at the time of publication, he did not have a candidate website.

DISTRICT 2

District 2 covers most of the eastern portion of the city, starting around Church Street and stretching east and northeast towards Keeley Park, all the way up to the Lake Townsend area.

Goldie Wells (i, D)

An incumbent who has served in the past CB did not receive responses from Goldie Wells, but like Sharon Hightower, her record from her two terms as city councilmember gives voters a glimpse

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Well has served in District 2 since she was appointed to city council in 2017 after Jamal Fox resigned from the post. Wells also previously represented the district from 2005-09.

She is a graduate from NC A&T State University and a former educator with Iredell-Statesville Schools, Wake County and Guilford County schools. She also served as the president of Saints Academy and College.

Wells played an instrumental role in founding the Renaissance Community Coop and helped get the White Street Landfill closed prior to her time on council.

In 2018, Wells supported the installation of a metal detector in a credit union which sat between the co-op and a Family Dollar. Those who opposed the measure at the time said it reinforced negative stereotypes about commercial real estate that serves Black residents. However, Wells pointed to homicide statistics in District 2 as reason for the safety measure.

“It was a lot of negotiation to get a bank over here,” she said in a past interview with TCB. “I’m pleased that they came. I’m pleased that they’re using safety measures so that we don’t add to negative statistics.

Also in 2018, Wells opposed the solicitation ordinance that replaced the city’s panhandling ordinance after then-city attorney Tom Carruthers said it wouldn’t stand up to a constitutional challenge. At the time, she said that the ordinance discriminated against panhandlers directly.

Like Hightower, Wells opposed a written consent policy in 2020, arguing that it wouldn’t stop racial discrimination.

“I think everyone should know their rights, but having them sign a paper is not going to stop [police] from stopping Black folks,” she said. “It sounds like we almost have a better policy than most places. I don’t see why we need to make that drastic change…. We need to have police that have a change in heart.”

On her campaign website, Wells lists improving safety, eradicating food deserts and increasing health care awareness as some of her top priorities. She also mentions working with developers to build more affordable housing.

Cecile Crawford (D)

A progressive candidate with a focus on affordable housing ecile Crawford has touted herself as the people’s candidate, expressing more progressive views than incumbent Goldie Wells. As part of her priorities if elected, Crawford noted making sure families have affordable housing, addressing root causes of violence and increasing the minimum wage past just $15 per hour.

“I think I’m the strongest candidate because at various points in my life I found myself where many residents currently find themselves: navigating the challenges of parenthood, serious illness or the struggles to earn a liveable wage,” she said.

She mentioned that many residents are just one illness, injury or financial emergency away from disabling debt and that she can empathize with that issue.

She pointed towards building up the local economy by supporting local businesses, ensuring rental housing is financially viable, as well as setting up an eviction legal defense fund and a right to counsel for renters. She also supports the right to first refusal, a policy that would ensure that landlords and property owners must offer tenants the opportunity to buy the property first if they are looking to sell. This policy is a direct response to the plight of many of the residents have been forced out of their homes at the Jamison Mobile Home Park off Hiatt Street.

Many of Crawford’s answers to questions led back to the issue of affordable housing. Keeping recent graduates in the city, ensuring the immigrant population is well taken care of and looking out for lower-income populations all led back to

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issues of affordable housing stock.

“I believe that housing is a human right and will unceasingly fight to provide avenues for transitional housing for those caught in a system that further harms people when asking for help,” she said.

When it comes to police reform, Crawford is one of the most progressive candidates in the city council race. She supports giving the city’s criminal justice advisory commission more power to investigate police conduct and said she supports the CAHOOTS model of policing, which is an alternative response where mental-health providers respond to certain calls without armed police. Currently the city employs a co-response model.

She told TCB that she also supports diverting police resources to address violent crime as well as having pre-arrest diversion programs like those in Durham and Atlanta so young adults are less prone to committing crimes.

LaToya Bernice Gathers (R)

Sole Republican with left-leaning policies hile LaToya Bernice Gathers is the only Republican candidate in the running for the District 2 seat, many of her answers were indistinguishable from her Democratic counterparts. In her professional career, she has worked for global nonprofits such as Doctors Without Borders and will use that expertise if elected. As a medical health professional, Gathers stated that she believes poverty, education level and housing are the three social determinants of health.

She noted that increasing area income, combatting climate change, prioritizing housing affordability and investing in higher education institutions were high

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on her priority list.

When it comes to public safety, Gathers noted that she supports the police department and would work to recruit officers to fill vacancies. She also stated that the city should increase workforce development programs for young people to interrupt violence.

Gathers is involved in the Triad Pride Performing Arts as the treasurer and the Guilford County Planning Commission Board.

“If elected, I would have an open-door policy to any person,” she said. “I believe more transparency is needed in meetings and how money is spent. Budgets should be able to be reviewed by anyone and laws and decisions are open to discussion.”

Portia Shipman (D)

Nonprofit leader focused on Black communities ike Cecile Crawford, candidate Portia Shipman is pushing herself as a community social justice advocate in this race. A former member of the city’s zoning commission and redevelopment committee, Shipman has years of serving the city under her belt. She was also the regional director of the state’s NAACP for three years and is the founder and executive director of the Sherri Denese Jackson Foundation, an organization that advocates for domestic violence awareness and prevention.

“People know me and can trust that I will work hard to get the answers they have been waiting to receive,” Shipman said. “I’m not afraid to call out the disparities and challenge the status quo.”

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ARTWORK—STEPHANIE BAILEY

Racial inequality is the biggest issue facing the city, according to Shipman.

“It’s been evident for quite some time that specific neighborhoods are simply undeveloped and are overlooked,” Shipman said. “Certainly, in District 2, those neighborhoods are predominantly low-income and communities of color, specifically Black and Latino.”

While she didn’t give specific policies as to how to improve these neighborhoods, Shipman did give specific answers when it came to the issue of policing.

She said that “positive policing and trust is another main issue” facing Greensboro and that “all police are not bad.” Still, she mentioned not being happy with the Marcus Deon Smith settlement, stating that “the city of Greensboro got off easy with this settlement. I am not happy about the result.”

In her response about how she would work with immigrant and refugee communities, Shipman gave a perplexing answer. She said that while the city should be welcoming to newcomers, that by doing so, the Black community “suffers more when this happens.”

“Let us find a way to make room for our immigrant friends and make sure to take care of our permanent residents as well,” she said. “To improve the quality of life for all communities is to make sure that other communities are not left out, neglected or abandoned.”

NEWS | APRIL 7 - 13, 2022

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NEWS | APRIL 7 - 13, 2022

District 3 and 5 Greensboro city council candidates talk policing, development and the city’s future

NEWS

by Sayaka Matsuoka

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andidates for the Greensboro city council races eagerly await the opening of the polls for early voting on April 28. In both Districts 3 and 5, there are three candidates running. In District 3, currently represented by Justin Outling, Democratic candidate Chip Roth faces off against Republican former city council member and developer Zach Matheny and Republican Bill Marshburn for an open seat. Outling, who is running for mayor this year, is not running for re-election in District 3.

In District 5, Democratic incumbent Tammi Thurm will also face off against two Republicans: long-time political organizer and former council member Tony Wilkins, and political newcomer Robert Bodenhamer.

While the race is nonpartisan, Triad City Beat has included the political party that each candidate has registered under as noted on their voter registration.

The candidates are listed in order of last name; incumbents go first.

Early voting starts on April 28 and goes until May 17. The general election for Greensboro city council this year takes place on July 26.

DISTRICT 3

District 3 starts in central Greensboro just north of Friendly Avenue and stretches north along Battleground through Greensboro Country Club and Country Park to the edges of the city to include all four lakes — Lake Jeanette, Lake Townsend, Lake Brandt and Lake Higgins.

Bill Marshburn (R)

Right-wing extremist with history of threatening city council his is Republican Bill Marshburn’s first time running for office.

In 2008, Marshburn made the news after threatening to shoot members of city council. As reported by the News & Record, Marshburn was arrested outside of the city council building downtown after he called a senior city planner and threatened to come to the city council meeting the next day and “shoot all the council members.” Marshburn was charged with nine counts of communicating threats — one for each councilmember — and one count of disorderly conduct.

Marshburn’s outburst was in response to plans to annex his home by the city.

TCB did not receive a response from Marshburn about his arrest.

Much of Marshburn’s responses to TCB’s questionnaire focused on global issues such as the COVID-19 pandemic, which Marshburn asserts is the “greatest hoax ever perpetrated on an unsuspecting public,” and the Ukrainian crisis.

In addition to conerns about increasing crime and rising prices, Marshburn condemned the media’s coverage of the pandemic, stating that “they have completely misinformed the public through falsehoods and zero reporting of any dissenting information on COVID-19 and the lockdowns.”

As of Monday afternoon, more than 6 million have died due to the COVID-19

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pandemic, 980,000 of them in the US. Expanding on his ideology, Marshburn appeared to condone police’s behavior in both the George Floyd and Marcus Smith cases, stating that “the safest way to restrain someone is to restrain more than apparently necessary. Restraint protects both parties.”

He also expressed racist views towards immigrants, noting that he would jail and “try to find out the history” of “illegal aliens.” He made an exception for asylum seekers.

Zach Matheny (R)

Former city councilmember with ties to downtown epublican Zach Matheny was first elected to the District 3 Greensboro city council seat in 2007, a position he held until he left office in 2015 to become president of Downtown Greensboro Inc., a position he still holds. In 2014, Matheny unsuccessfully ran for the US House District 6 seat, placing fourth in the Republican primaries.

Since his run the first time around, Matheny has become a well-known entity within the Greensboro community, particularly in the downtown area.

When asked about whether he would continue to work for Downtown Greensboro Inc. if elected, Matheny responded that neither he nor the city attorney, Chuck Watts, have found a direct conflict of interest.

“I will continue as president of Downtown Greensboro, Inc.,” Matheny said in an email. “Outside of the DGI budget vote, there are not many votes that I would have to recuse from.”

In a previous interview with TCB, Matheny pointed to both Mayor Pro Tem Yvonne Johnson and former councilmember Michelle Kennedy as examples of city councilmembers who have run nonprofits while on council without any issues.

When asked if he would show bias towards projects in the downtown area, Matheny said that “all city council members have projects that they work particularly hard on. Having represented District 3 for almost eight years, I know firsthand what constituents expect as their representative. I have worked in th city for a long time and have helped all parts of the city and will continue to do so.”

When it comes to accomplishments during his time on council almost 15 years ago, he cited the development of businesses such as the Tanger Center and the Greensboro Aquatic Center, Honda Jet, Haeco, the Toyota megasite and downtown revitalization. He also told TCB that he worked “across all districts to progress Greensboro forward, including the Renaissance Center and Revolution Mill.

In November, Matheny told TCB that he wanted to see the old News & Record building — one of the largest and most expensive properties in downtown Greensboro — turned into a large Riverwalk.

His understanding of economic development is what gives him a leg up from the other candidates, Matheny argues. That’s why he sees working with developers as integral to the growth of the city.

“Greensboro is growing and needs private firms to partner with for smart strategic growth,” he said. “If you turn your back on any one group, you will hurt strategy. We can and should all collaborate.”

If re-elected, he said he would focus on strategic vision, housing, jobs, public safety, future growth and smart leadership.

As a Republican, Matheny said he is a “long supporter of the Greensboro Police Department” and that he has a great relationship with officers and Police Chief Brian James.

Still, Matheny supported some form of police reform in theory, stating that the city should “have a strategic focus on mental health, which is beyond the police department and is an area in need of reform.”

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Political strategist with connections to Washington DC oth Chip Roth and his wife Denise Roth have extensive experience in politics.

Though this is Roth’s first time running for office, he has previously held a leadership position within the Small Business Administration after appointment by former President Obama; his wife, Denise, was appointed to head the federal government’s General Services Administration in 2015. In 2018, the Roths returned to Greensboro, where Chip started a business-strategy consulting firm. Using this experience, Roth told TCB he would build a “new Greensboro” if elected to council.

His priorities include creating strong economic development and good jobs. He points to recent successes such as the contract with Toyota and Boom Supersonic as examples of where the city is headed. Because of his experience at the SBA, Roth said he has experience advocating for small businesses as well.

“I learned much about how businesses can access badly needed capital,” he said. “This perspective is key to helping small businesses, the chief job creators in Greensboro, succeed.”

Roth has also worked for the Teamsters union, a position he said helped him to understand the needs of first responders. He said one of his main concerns is the high crime rate. In order to address that, Roth said he would raise officer pay to help recruit more officers.

When it comes to police reform, Roth stated that he wanted to “make sure that our police department and our criminal justice system is colorblind.”

As the husband to a Black woman and father to a mixed-race son, Roth said he is a supporter of forming use-of-force policies, redefining public safety and combatting systemic racism within the department. He also told TCB that he supports community policing and developing trained personnel to respond to mental health-related incidents.

Looking at the future, Roth said he wants to ensure that “Greensboro’s roads… adapt to a future where digital linkages support driverless and fully automated vehicles” because the city is a “key hub for logistics and distribution firms.”

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DISTRICT 5

District 5 covers the entire western portion of the city, starting in the north near Sedgefield Country Club, making its way down towards the airport and then south towards High Point and Jamestown to include the Grandover Resort.

Tammi Thurm (D, i)

First-term incumbent looking to build on accomplishments ncumbent Tammi Thurm, the only Democrat in this race, wants to keep her seat, which she first won in 2017. During that election, Thurm beat Tony Wilkins, who is running to take back his seat this year, by about 10 percentage points in the general election.

Thurm mentioned her work on the city’s first permanent supportive housing project as well as the passage of a non-discrimination ordinance in 2021.

The biggest issues facing the city, Thurm said, are affordable housing, public transportation and public safety. To ensure the last item, Thurm said she would invest in embedding mental-health professionals within the department to work with officers on calls. A program like this already exists in Greensboro and is

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expected to expand after receiving funding from the state. Expanding on police reform, Thurm said that the move is not about reallocating funds from the police department but rather making sure they have the tools and training they need to be effective. Thurm also expressed support for moving sworn officers away from areas such as traffic enforcement and traffic accident investigation.

In 2020, Thurm and former councilmember Michelle Kennedy were the most vocal supporters of a written-consent policy for police searches that was suggested by the city’s criminal justice advisory committee. In the end, the proposal failed.

Thurm told TCB that the city as to do more to help the immigrant and refugee communities in Greensboro and suggested creating a curriculum through Guilford Works, an organization that helps businesses hire and train workers.

When it comes to utilizing the many higher education institutions in the city, Thurm had a multi-point response.

She said she would like to see the city create grant opportunities for research projects that address council priorities, hire student interns into government, contract with university faculty for surveys and research rather than consulting firms, and create mentoring opportunities by matching students with city staff or vendors.

When it comes to economic development, said she wants to prioritize ensuring minority and women-owned business entities land contracts and expanding the city’s transportation system so workers can get to their jobs easily.

NEWS | APRIL 7 - 13, 2022

Chip Roth (D)

NEWS

Robert Bodenhamer (R)

Political outsider who wants to speak for the average citizen obert Bodenhamer is a political outsider who touts his lack of political experience as a plus in his campaign.

“I’m running to hopefully speak for the average citizens who have been overlooked and ignored due to where they may live or their financial situation,” Bodenhamer wrote to TCB. Bodenhamer has served as an EMT and a firefighter for 25 years and worked in the emergency room at Wesley Long Hospital as well. His time on the frontlines impacted his worldview and has helped him to empathize with different groups of people, he said.

“By working in these areas, I have worked with people from all walks of life from the very fortunate to the homeless,” Bodenhamer said. “I’ve worked with all ethnic groups and understand how each feel. I have been fortunate and have had to live from paycheck to paycheck and go to the food pantries to feed my family, so I can work with all the city has to offer.”

A first responder, Bodenhamer said he supports his fellow officers but that if they are accused of wrongdoing, he would be the “first to throw them in the fire.”

As a solution to the increased tensions between police and communities of color, Bodenhamer suggested a more transparent hiring process.

“Maybe if the community had some sort of input on the hiring process, relations would improve,” he said. “Citizens have a say on their elected officials, why not have a say in on who polices them?”

Like some of his Republican colleagues, Bodenhamer expressed concerns over vaccine requirements, and asked whether large companies that have recently begun to call Greensboro home, like Toyota and Boom Supersonic, are requiring employees to get vaccinated.

“If an employee doesn’t comply with vaccinations, what will their employment status be?” he asked.

He also said that councilmembers should look at not just what companies provide in terms of service, but also what they contribute to the community at large.

“Do they plan to donate to needy organizations?” he asked.

To increase collaboration between the different universities, Bodenhamer suggested a large festival — hosted by NCA&T State University and Bennett College

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— that would celebrate the Feb. 1 sit-ins every year.

“This festival would feature Black and Brown artists and allow them to set up and sell their works,” he said. “It would also feature singers, poets, comedians, food trucks. Admission would be $5 and one nonperishable food item and the money would go to the Boys and Girls Club to keep young people out of trouble. The food item could go to local food pantries for the less fortunate.”

Bodenhamer ended his response by stating that once elected, officials should work on representing those who got them into office.

“Once a person gets elected to a public office, their personal opinions should no longer count as much as the people they represent,” he said. “Government should go back to the basics: for the people by the people.”

Tony Wilkins (R)

Former city councilmember with strong police support ony Wilkins is the executive director of the Guilford County Republican Party and a former city councilmember who served from 2012-17, when he lost to Tammi Thurm by 10 percentage points.

Now Wilkins has re-entered the political realm to take back his old seat. When asked what sets him apart, Wilkins directed his response against Thurm. He called Thurm “the anti-police faction” on the council and mentioned her actions such as voting against federal funds for the police department and against take-home cars for officers.

“For those reasons the 600 members of the

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Greensboro Police Officers Association and four former GPD police chiefs are endorsing me this election, along with former Guilford County Sheriff BJ Barnes,” he said. “This is a clear indication she has let her own police department down during her time on council. For an incumbent to not get the support of her own police department speaks volumes.”

In an email, Thurm responded to Wilkins’ statement by stating that she didn’t support the take-home cars at the time because she didn’t know where the $5 million for them would come from but that she did support Chief James’ request for increased compensation for officers instead. However, when in November, the vote for take-home cars was brought up again, Thurm said she voted in favor of them.

As a candidate who has aligned himself closely with law enforcement, Wilkins failed to answer the question about whether or not he supports police reform.

Instead, he stated that his biggest concern as a candidate is getting crime under control and maintaining a strong police department by supporting the police chief with money and tools.

When it comes to his past accomplishments as a councilmember, Wilkins pointed to the renaming of High Point Road to Gate City Boulevard and helping to fund the Out of the Garden Project.

If re-elected, Wilkins expressed his goal of making Greensboro the “most business-friendly city in the state.”

Looking towards the future of Greensboro, Wilkins said that the city “must figure out a way to keep recent graduates here by improving our everyday quality of life and making this the city they want to raise their family in while providing vibrant entertainment venues for the younger crowd.”

He also wants to redo the city’s logo from the “old floppy leaf logo” to “something more modern and upbeat.”

OPINION

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f there were a playbook for corrections officers to avoid accountability for the death of an inmate on their watch, it might look a lot like the case of John Neville, the Greensboro man who died two days after being asphyxiated at the hands of detention officers at the Forsyth County Jail in December 2019.

Remember, Neville was cuffed in a prone position when he told the officers: “I can’t breathe.” A key broke off in the cuffs when they tried to release him according to the autopsy, and then officers broke a pair of bolt-cutters trying to get them off.

The jail did not report his death until six months after it happened, sparking enough outrage to launch a social movement in the city and an activist occupation of Bailey Park that lasted 49 days.

In an unusual turn, Forsyth District Attorney Jim O’Neil actually charged five corrections officers with felony involuntary manslaughter, along with a nurse who seemed to have been the only one to help Neville as he was dying.

That was on July 8, 2020, at the height of the Black Lives Matter movement, barely a month after the death of George Floyd at the hands

of police that sparked it all, this time around.

What else could he do?

On Monday, a Forsyth County grand jury declined to indict the officers, which means they will not face trial. They did, however, indict the nurse, whose employer, WellPath, no longer provides healthcare services at the Forsyth County Jail.

Grand jury proceedings are secret, so we can’t know what evidence was – and was not — presented.

But we do know that the autopsy described the nurse’s role as a benevolent one, and the cause of death as “asphyxia.” And we’ve seen the video showing the corrections officers piling on top of a restrained Neville as he pled for help.

O’Neill said in a statement that he was “disappointed” by the outcome of the grand jury, which is not a trial but a hearing to determine if a criminal trial should be held at all.

If there were a playbook for this sort of thing, that’s exactly what it would suggest.

But there’s not, right?

There’s another opportunity to seek indictment at the next grand jury convention in a few weeks. At that time, actions will speak louder than words.

Jen Sorensen jensorensen.com

OPINION | APRIL 7 - 13, 2022

EDITORIAL Steering John Neville’s death into the ground

John Cole

Courtesy of NC Policy Watch

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CULTURE | MAR 31 - APRIL 6, 2022

CULTURE

Winston-Salem’s first annual Trans Pride Festival shines bright

by Autumn Karen

STAN SUSSINA

Devonte Jackson, one of the organizers, performs at the first annual Trans Pride Festival in downtown Winston-Salem on Saturday.

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parkling spring sunlight streams through the vaulted glass ceiling of an indoor courtyard in the Innovation Quarter, reflecting off the broad smiles of people laughing and talking at large, round tables draped in white.

The atmosphere here is collegial, familial, even in a room of mostly strangers. A parent hurries past with a stroller, looking for a place to change a diaper, while a little girl in a bright fuchsia sweatshirt waves a pair of pink, white and blue flags.

For many members of the transgender community, the warmth of this space is not the reality of their day-to-day lives, especially not in a public venue like this. According to a report by the Human Rights Campaign, violence against transgender and gender non-conforming individuals is at its highest level in the US since the group began tracking data in 2013. Moving the cultural needle towards safety and inclusion was a primary driver in organizing the first annual Trans Pride Festival in Winston-Salem, which took place on Saturday.

“There’s so much youth trans violence,” says organizer Devonte Jackson as he stands behind the sound booth. “There’s a lack of resources and a lack of knowledge of how to get those resources.”

To that end, the festival aims to be a place to provide those resources, besides being a safe space for self-expression and belonging.

Inside the venue are booths where people can get information from groups like Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays, Wake Forest Law’s OUTLaw program, the Winston-Salem Police Department, New Faith MCC Church and more. Sprinkled throughout the afternoon’s dazzling drag performances are informative talks from the groups.

One such speaker is Peyton Aldrich, a law student at WFU. When she takes the mic, she tells the crowd about OutLaw’s free clinic on April 16, where attorneys and students will guide people through legal name and gender-marker changes, free of charge and with courtesy notary services on site.

And although the event moves along smoothly, putting this festival together was not without challenges. Inspired by a similar festival in Hickory, planning began in late 2019, with the original event planned for spring 2020, according to organizers. The idea grew through monthly sessions of T with a Tude, a discussion group exploring transgender and non-binary issues sponsored by Pride WS. The pandemic had other ideas, and it took until now for it to come to fruition.

Three days before the festival was set to take place in Winston-Salem Park, the city discovered a double booking thanks to an error with its new reservation system, leaving organizers Jackson and Jerry Morin scrambling. They were able to land an indoor venue at Wake Forest BioTech Place Atrium at the last minute, but not without some sacrifice as everything would now be indoors.

“We would have liked to have had it out in public because it’s freeing for people to be themselves,” Jackson says.

Despite the setbacks, Jackson’s body language is energetic and his face jubilant as he interacts with festival-goers and entertainers.

A waterfall of strawberry-blonde hair cascades down to hostess Jamie Monroe’s bejeweled waistband, where her curls meet a torrent of dark fabric feathers that ruffle to the floor in a majestic train. She steps lightly through the audience, her eyes kindly meeting the gaze of the people in the crowd, even as she herself is larger than life.

“Sometimes when you make that transition you lose friends, you lose family members,” she explains.

Her earnest voice is confident, but it communicates a truth and a struggle that is intimately familiar to everyone in attendance. But this festival, one hoped to be the first of many, has shown that for the most vulnerable in the community, family is something that can be found.

“People have the chance to get together and truly be themselves for a day,” Jackson says.

Learn more about T with a Tude on their Facebook page or at pridews.org.

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SHOT IN THE TRIAD | APRIL 7 - 13, 2022

SHOT IN THE TRIAD

BY CAROLYN DE BERRY

North Elm Street, Greensboro

Bob Dylan’s tour bus outside the Steven Tanger Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Greensboro.

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“Room Dividers”--some partitioned phrases.

by Matt Jones

Across 1. Letter before lambda 6. Tale spinner 10. Ear warmer 14. Snacks in sleeves 15. Award now presented by the American Theatre Wing (previously the Village Voice) 16. Huron’s neighbor 17. Classical symphony also called “Eroica” 20. Wild West Wyatt 21. Showtime show that returned with “New Blood” 22. Twelvesome in a Crash Test Dummies title 23. “The Last King of Scotland” name 25. Go on the radio 27. Outdoor alternative to D&D with actual props 36. Minecraft substance 37. Power 38. Madagascar primate 39. Have an itch for 41. DMV worker in “Zootopia” 43. Response when you identify with something that happened to you 44. Provide with gear 46. Went over like ___ balloon 48. Pester 49. Marathoner’s specialty 52. Jacques Plante’s jersey number (retired by the Montreal Canadiens) 53. Official language in Vientiane 54. Garment with hooks 57. Response when you identify with something that maybe happened to you?

61. Outscore 65. Modernist sculptor who became a Dame in 1965 68. Leave voluntarily 69. Hair colorist 70. “Absolutely Fabulous” mother 71. KFC side 72. Princess who’s Dorothy Gale’s best friend, in the book series 73. Up to this point

LAST WEEK’S ANSWERS:

PUZZLES | APRIL 7 - 13, 2022

CROSSWORD

© 2022 Jonesin’ Crosswords (editor@jonesincrosswords.com)

12. Mattress option 13. Government agents, for short 18. Execrable 19. Experimental period 24. 76ers legend, familiarly 26. Dark deli breads 27. Emulated a cow 28. Mosul resident 29. “King Richard” character 30. Pale purple color 31. School, on the Seine 32. Director Bogdanovich 33. Singer Coppola 34. “Cars” and “Are ‘Friends’ Electric?” singer Gary 35. Duane Allman’s brother 40. Second-oldest of the Jackson 5 42. Use a pulley 45. Bamboo-munching beast 47. Type of test no longer done on “Maury” (once the series ends in 2022) 50. ___-well 51. Z-lister Down 54. Grilling events, briefly 55. Gomez Addams portrayer Julia 1. Japanese seaport famous for beef 56. Operatic highlight 2. Geometry class calculation 58. Blue Ivy Carter’s dad 3. Member of the jury pool 59. “Uh, I’m right here ...”

4. Crusty frozen food entree 60. Designer Wang 5. Barty with a March 2022 tennis retirement 62. Brockovich who inspired a movie announcement, to fans 63. ___ point (never) 6. Valentine’s Day theme 64. Leave out of the freezer 7. Alpine wild goat 66. Texting shorthand that some end with 8. “___ No Sunshine” “dubs” 9. Put back in a baggie 67. Haunted house decoration 10. “It’s just OK” 11. Panic! At The Disco singer Brendon

SUDOKU

© 2022 Jonesin’ Crosswords (editor@jonesincrosswords.com)

LAST WEEK’S ANSWERS:

19

JOSH TURNER

GREENSKY BLUEGRASS

OLD CROW MEDICINE SHOW

EMMYLOU HARRIS

TRAMPLED BY TURTLES

THE WOOD BROTHERS

COLIN HAY

NITTY GRITTY DIRT BAND

DURAND JONES & THE INDICATIONS

WE BANJO 3

SAM BUSH

JERRY DOUGLAS

THE EARLS OF LEICESTER

PETER ROWAN BLUEGRASS BAND

STEEP CANYON RANGERS