Chairman of the Guilford County Board of Commissioners Alan Branson got an earful from the county’s three African-American commissioners over what they said were highly insensitive remarks Branson made in the Rhino Times.
In an article last week, Branson said he believed that the county’s discussions with regard to incentives, as well as to awarding county contracts, were too race-centric. He said he felt like it created an unfriendly environment for businesses when a company’s leaders come before the Board of Commissioners for incentives or for a contract and they are hit with multiple questions regarding the racial makeup of their workforce, the number of black executives in the company and other very detailed matters related to race.
Branson said in that article that, at times, he felt as though the commissioners were attempting to “micromanage” Fortune 500 companies.
Commissioners Skip Alston, Carolyn Coleman and Carlvena Foster – the three African-Americans on the board – had read those comments, were upset by them and spoke up about them at the Guilford County Board of Commissioners Thursday, March 21 meeting.
Alston said he represented an overwhelmingly African-American district and he had a right and an obligation to ask those questions.
“So if anyone comes to this board asking for money from the taxpayers, including from my constituents, I have to ask those questions,” Alston said. “And I am going to continue to ask those questions.”
He added, “I really don’t appreciate you setting the tone for corporations out there that it’s alright not to answer those questions.”
Several times during his speech, Alston made the point that the board’s majority consists of “five white male Republicans” who are going to make the decisions – and this appeared to be a case of Branson, Alston said, telling those companies, “You don’t have to worry about using African-Americans.”
“This is a sad day for this board, Mr., Chairman,” he said, “and it sets a bad tone for Guilford County for you to send dog whistles out there that it’s alright not to have African-American participation.”
Coleman likewise said Branson’s comments were very troubling.
“Even if you felt like that, you shouldn’t have said it to the newspaper,” she said. “You could have talked to us.”
She said the problem with America today is the divisiveness among the people and she added that comments like the ones Branson had made exacerbated that division.
The black commissioners asked Branson for an apology and he gave one.
“I apologize to all three of you,” he said, adding that he was a Christian who has worked diligently 52 years to serve those who are less fortunate. He said he was very open to anyone of any color getting the contracts that the county has available, but he added that he did feel the repetition of questions on race to the executives sometimes seemed excessive.
Branson also said that the jobs are open to all who wish to apply and he pointed out that Guilford County has now hired a new director whose job is to increase participation of women- and minority-owned businesses in county contracts.
Someone needs to step up , not be afraid of Skip Alston calling them racist and ask him how many white or Hispanic people he has working in his upper management of all the companies he owns or runs.
The real problem is that there are not that many small businesses that are capable of working on large proposals or they would rather stay in their niche. This includes white, red, black ,brown men or women who for one job can’t bring the knowledge and employees that is necessary. One can’t force companies to bid, period. And this kind of thinking keeps exploiting the difference in people’s color and not their capabilities . Now, having a special office that will inform, help with putting together bids and filling out the proper forms is highly recommended. So drop the color , we are all the same. Lets just help people to work and provide for their families and the Greensboro community .
Why is everything that comes out of Alston’s mouth about race? It’s never what is good for the county. It’s never about unity. It’s never about finding common ground. Yes he represents a majority black district. Do you think the White, Asian, and Hispanic residents in his district are being well represented by him? I do not. Alston is only about what is good for him and staying in power. The sooner his constituents figure that out, the better.
Skip’s constituents are racists. That’s why they vote for him, and will continue to vote for him. He actually DOES represent them– and that’s a frightening thought.
Such an overgenralizing & self believed intelligent…unintelligent, comment. Skip is a man. Singular. That serves many. Plural. And YOU single-handedly, labeled ALL based on nothing more than YOUR belief system. Which, by the way—is the main way the racism you speak of is able to thrive.