President Joe Biden spent the day in Greensboro on Thursday, April 14, and that gave the president an opportunity to converse with another very powerful Democrat: Chairman of the Guilford County Board of Commissioners Skip Alston.

Alston was one of a select group of people who got to talk with the president when he came to town last week to visit NC A&T State University and make a speech.

Alston was part of the welcoming crew when Air Force One landed at Piedmont Triad International Airport.

“I met him on the tarmac and was able to speak with him briefly,” Alston said.

How did Alston use his time with the most powerful man in the country?

Answer: The same way he did when Alston got a chance to speak with Vice President Kamala Harris in Greensboro in April of 2021.  Alston invited Biden – as he did Harris a year ago – to visit the International Civil Rights Center and Museum in downtown Greensboro.

In 2021, Harris indeed changed her plans on the fly and visited the museum in the old Woolworth’s building where the civil rights Sit-in movement began in 1960.

Alston said that Biden told him he would see if a visit to the museum could be arranged and mentioned it to a member of his staff.  Alston said he later got the news that the president’s schedule – and security and logistical considerations – meant a visit to the museum wasn’t feasible on this trip to Greensboro.

Alston, one of the museum’s founders, has been trying to draw attention to the museum – especially in recent months – as the museum embarks on a major expansion and an attempt to become a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Alston said that, during the conversation, Biden told Alston that he, Biden, had been a county commissioner at the beginning of his political career.

Alston also said that Biden was very sharp and alert – that is, he’s nothing like he’s constantly portrayed on Fox News.

“The man is in good shape – he’s very spry,” Alston said.

Greensboro Mayor Nancy Vaughan and Alston got to ride in the president’s motorcade from the airport to downtown Greensboro.  Alston said that was a real treat.

According to Alston, the two men had met once before – when Biden was running as the vice-presidential candidate on the ticket with former President Barack Obama.