North Carolina: Courageous Conversations in a Climate of Fear

Many questions remain about the recent attack on North Carolina’s electrical grid, which left tens of thousands of citizens unsettled, frightened and without power or heat for days. Officials say it was a “malicious” and “intentional” attack, but who is responsible  for this destruction of vital infrastructure, and what was their motive? In a growing climate of fear and political intimidation, many residents in North Carolina — the most militarized state in the union, where law enforcement officials are active in paramilitary groups such as the Oathkeepers and a white sheriff was recently re-elected despite making racist remarks about Black employees — are deeply concerned and had begun organizing a multi-racial coalition to respond. One example is a series of revelatory “Courageous Conversations.” In this episode, Laura joins one such conversation, featuring Curtis Hill, the head of the Columbus County NAACP and leader of the recall of Jody Greene; Keith Rivers, his counterpart in Pasquotank County; Serena Sebring, the Executive Director of Blueprint NC, the largest coalition of grassroots groups in the state; and writer and organizer Mab Segrest, one of the country’s leading right-wing researchers who is also a consultant with Blueprint. How can community safety be ensured in this moment? It will take courage from us all.

“This is a full assault on everybody's rights in America. I believe that we have the power as individuals to transform our communities, one person at a time, having real courageous conversations, empowering each other, understanding and being a leaning voice.” - Curtis Hill

“That percentage of people that are extremists, we can put them in a box and let people know that they are not the ones running this country. We're not going anywhere.” - Keith Rivers

“The questions of sheriff accountability, or responsiveness to the needs of community, which include COVID-19, disaster relief, safety — I know that Black people have to have a seat at that table and be able to express the needs of our communities.” - Serena Sebring

“I want the conversation about white courage, and what I learned is white courage is really Black and Brown courage . . . I would invite people into these conversations to take risks, because you would get your life.” - Mab Segrest

Guests:

Curtis Hill, President, NAACP Columbus County, NC

Keith Rivers: President, NAACP Pasquotank County, NC; Director, Sunshine Station

Serena Sebring: Executive Director, Blueprint NC

Mab Segrest: Writer, Organizer & Consultant Blueprint NC

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