NC Alliance of Black Elected Officials holds 20th Annual NC Black Summit

 By, Mildred Robertson

The NC Alliance of Black Elected Officials held it’s 20th Annual NC Black Summit April 23-24 at the Raleigh Marriott Crabtree Valley. This year’s theme of "Unleashing OUR Power, United in Purpose," provided a platform  for Black leaders throughout the state to connect, share their experiences, and collaborate on addressing mutual challenges. The organization’s foundation was built on the belief that collective problem-solving among community leaders would strengthen advocacy and foster positive change.

The 2026 Black Summit recognized founding staff and executive leadership of the Alliance of NC Black elected officials. 

U.S. 4th District Congresswoman Valerie Foushee, pictured 2nd from right, is current president of the Alliance. 

Challenges and Growth

Over the past twenty years, both the state and nation have faced increasingly difficult challenges. Despite these growing pressures, the NC Black Alliance has not only endured but has grown stronger, showcasing remarkable resilience and adaptability in the face of adversity. The organization’s current strength reflects its enduring mission and the unwavering dedication of its members.

 4th District U.S. Congresswoman Valerie Foushee, Alliance President, speaks with constituent Ivey Bruce

Among the Alliance’s many accomplishments are its efforts to train the next generation of African American elected officials While there is no comprehensive public database tracking every North Carolina Black elected official since 2006 at local, municipal, and state levels, representation now includes numerous municipal leaders, dozens of state legislators, and several members of Congress. The Alliance fosters collaboration among these officials on critical policy and advocacy issues, including education, economic and environmental justice, and affordable housing. Additionally, the Alliance encourages civic engagement through training initiatives and voter mobilization, and it advocates for financial literacy and equitable economic opportunities within Black communities.

Over the past two decades, the difficulties facing both the state and nation have become significantly more pressing. Despite these heightened challenges, the NC Black Alliance has grown stronger, demonstrating resilience and adaptability in the face of adversity. The strength of the organization today is a testament to its enduring mission and the dedication of its members.

Statewide Advocacy

Thanks to the persistent efforts of the NC Black Alliance, Black advocacy remains vibrant and effective throughout the state. The organization continues to serve as a driving force for progress, ensuring that the voices of Black leaders are heard and their concerns are addressed.

 

Accountability and Misconduct in Congress

 By: Mildred Robertson

I am disappointed with Democratic Congressman Eric Swalwell. If he is guilty, and evidence suggests he may be, he should face appropriate consequences for his actions. However, there is a troubling inconsistency in how justice is applied within our country. While Democrats are held accountable for their misdeeds—as they should be when found at fault—Republicans who commit similar or even more serious offenses often seem to escape punishment and walk free.

The allegations against Congressman Swalwell are just part of a broader pattern of sexual scandals that have involved members from both political parties. These incidents helped ignite the 2017 #MeTooCongress movement, which called for greater transparency and accountability regarding sexual misconduct in Congress. Among those implicated is Republican Congressman Tony Gonzales, who admitted to having a sexual relationship with a staffer who later died by suicide.

Both Swalwell and Gonzales have resigned their positions, ensuring that the balance of power within Congress remains unchanged. However, this raises important questions about what would happen if only one of them were credibly accused of abuse, and the implications such a situation might have for Congressional power dynamics.

Historically, misconduct among members of Congress has often been addressed through closed-door investigations. These processes tend to shield members from public scrutiny and prioritize their protection over that of the victims. Additionally, until recent reforms, taxpayer funds were used to settle harassment complaints. These settlements aimed to safeguard the perpetrator's reputation and finances, rather than holding them personally accountable for their actions.

Many witnesses and victims hesitate to come forward with allegations, primarily due to fears of retaliation. The process for filing complaints is not only intimidating but also lengthy and complex, involving multiple steps such as counseling and mediation. This cumbersome approach discourages individuals from seeking justice, as it places significant emotional and procedural burdens on those affected.

The current system is structured in a way that consistently favors the protection of the institution over the welfare of victims. This approach is evident even in situations where there is considerable evidence of misconduct—for example, the extensive documentation of credible accusations of sexual misconduct against a sitting president. Despite the existence of such evidence, Congress often responds with sluggish and insufficient actions. These delays persist even as public pressure mounts, with many Americans calling for greater transparency and accountability. Ultimately, this pattern highlights how the system continues to shield politicians, neglecting the needs and concerns of victims who seek justice and resolution.

While the Congressional system often acts to shield its members from the fallout of sexual misconduct allegations, the response to such accusations varies considerably depending on party affiliation. Democrats generally advocate for more stringent and immediate consequences when one of their colleagues faces accusations of sexual misconduct. This approach reflects a tendency within the party to prioritize accountability and swift action, aiming to address misconduct decisively. 

On the other hand, Republicans tend to be more skeptical of allegations made against their own members. They frequently perceive these accusations as less credible or as being motivated by political interests, which can lead to a more cautious or defensive response. 

This partisan divide underscores the challenges in establishing uniform standards of accountability within Congress, as both parties navigate the reputational risks and political consequences associated with addressing misconduct among their ranks. In the end, it is the victims who incur the reputational risks and suffer political, social and employment consequences. 

Thwarting Trumps Ambition to be King

 By Mildred Robertson

I am not sure Americans understand the threat the Trump administration poses for our nation’s continued democracy. Legal scholars, advocacy groups and political opponents have noted his sustained assault on constitutional norms and principles that maintained our democracy nearly 250 years.

The Trump administration has initiated an aggressive campaign targeting a wide range of fundamental rights and protections. This assault extends to immigrants, voting rights, civil rights, states’ rights, and women’s rights, undermining the progress and security these groups have achieved over decades. By challenging and diminishing these rights, the administration has shown a disregard for the foundational values upon which the United States has long stood.

Central to this effort is the administration’s willingness to overlook, and in many cases, actively contravene established legal precedents and constitutional safeguards. For example, actions related to birthright citizenship directly challenge the 14^th Amendment. Similarly, the administration has disregarded the principle of Separation of Powers and has overstepped its authority in congressional spending, ignoring the checks and balances that are crucial to the functioning of American democracy. These departures from tradition and law reflect a broader pattern of governance that puts personal and political interests ahead of constitutional norms.

Despite their often disorganized and seemingly incompetent behavior, the administration has made alarming progress toward a deeply concerning objective: the systematic rollback of constitutional rights for American citizens. The aim appears to be the establishment of a government resembling a monarchy, with Trump and his family positioned as the central figures of power. This gradual shift away from the democratic principles and constitutional framework upon which the United States was founded signals an unprecedented threat to the nation’s longstanding traditions of liberty and justice.

The consequences of these actions are stark. America is witnessing the slow dismantling of its constitutional foundation, a process that leaves the country vulnerable and exposed. This erosion is comparable to a scenario in which an individual, worn down by persistent advances, ultimately yields to an unwelcome suitor—only to discover that her initial fears of mistreatment and brutality were justified. As constitutional safeguards continue to be weakened, the nation faces an uncertain future, one in which the values that have defined its democracy are increasingly at risk.

Though Trump appears to be quite mad when you view his behavior on the world stage, he is nonetheless cunning. Many of his goals are so absurd that they seem to have no chance of succeeding, but he constantly and consistently pursues them. He chips away at our foundation the way a prison inmate chips away the wall that stands between him and freedom with nothing more than a kitchen fork.  

His cabinet is comprised of sycophants who are both unqualified and who place Trump’s desires over constitutional norms. Their primary goal seems to be the implementation of his every whim, whether constitutional or not.

Chief among them is Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth who has embarked on a rampage to kneecap the armed forces by firing top military leadership, even as the U.S. is embroiled in a war against Iran. The abrupt dismissal of leaders such as Army Chief of Staff Gen. Randy George and Army Gen. David Hodne blindsided military leadership. While troops are being deployed to the Middle East, Hegseth summarily dismissed Hodne, the four-star general tasked with providing appropriate equipment to protect U.S. forces.

Dozens of other military leaders, many of them female and/or black, recently were terminated from their positions. It makes one wonder why this administration so desperately wants to decapitate the military. This pattern of dismissals raises significant questions about the administration’s intent in destabilizing the military’s leadership structure.

The judiciary has made only weak attempts to contain the rise of authoritarianism fostered under the Trump administration. Congress, on the other hand, has buckled beneath Trump’s onslaught. 

In this critical moment, the preservation of American freedom and democracy rests squarely on the shoulders of its citizens. The institutions that once served as reliable safeguards—such as congress, the courts and the military—can no longer be counted on to defend our democratic principles. Instead, it is up to the American people themselves to protect the nation’s future.

Our most effective tool in this fight is the ballot. By voting, we exercise our fundamental rights and affirm our commitment to democracy. It is through collective action and vigilance that we can ensure the survival of the liberties and values that have defined our country for generations.

In the current climate, where threats to democracy are increasingly present, it is essential for every citizen to exercise their right to vote. Even when confronted with challenges such as militarized polling stations or intimidation from groups like the Proud Boys, we must not be silenced. The act of voting is not only a right, but a crucial responsibility that ensures our voices are heard and our values are protected.

We must steadfastly defend our right to vote, making certain that every ballot is counted fairly and accurately. By standing up against any form of suppression or intimidation, we play a vital role in preserving the democratic process. The survival of democracy in America depends on our collective determination to participate, protect, and promote free and fair elections. Only through this unwavering commitment can we guarantee that democracy continues to thrive in our nation.