Shelby Resident Bill Gray Speaks Out—Loud and Clear!! Says his “White Privilege” supports Willie Green!! Clyde Edgerton Responds—Racism is like a snake in the grass- You can’t kill it Part V of a Dialogue Experiment!! Comment by Bill Gray and Clyde Ederton–Published by Robert A. Williams

Moderator’s Note:
1. The most recent comments are at the top and in bold letters for the convenience or those who are following this dialogue experiment. If there is confusion, you might want to scroll to the bottom and read the comments from first to the latest. I thank all those who are participating.
2. This dialogue is not limited to African-Americans. We are all American taxpayers and citizens.

Clyde Edgerton Responds: Insight and recommendations

I’m happy to be a part of this dialogue. It feels a little different from weird back and forth that made me stop doing these on-line things years ago. I’m just beginning to learn about what is happening to Mr. Green. I can only guess from my own experience with the racism I grew up with–and practiced like every single person I knew did (part consciously, part unconsciously)–the racism that so many southerner’s grew up with and still grow up with. It’s like a snake in the grass–you can’t kill it. I would guess that simply because he’s not white, Mr. Green is thought of as a little bit invisible, a little bit not important–both because of the color of his skin. He’s been not lessed, not blessed. Some white people get uncomfortable when black people begin to get a little power. While I don’t know a lot about the case yet, I wonder how officials would have responded to Mr. Green if he were Mr. White instead of Mr. Black. What would have been their first conscious and unconscious thoughts.

I think what you can do is write a letter to the editor or go stand before some relevant board and speak your mind in a way that does not mince words. You’ve got to get comfortable with making certain people uncomfortable. Before I meet Reverend Murphy I never understood the power of free speech and how precious it is. But free speech also depends on newspapers that have not been bought out, and people like Mr. Williams who relies on the power of words. The free speech part of our society is part of the apparatus that can help some of us point out how white power tends to roll over minorities without looking back, and then when a minority has the platform and the courage to speak out about racism, they get this: “Oh, you’re pulling out the race card.”

We don’t have to hate anybody. But it helps if the system makes us very angry.

Bill Gray Responds: Interesting Dialog—My “White Privilege“ Supports Mr. Green

This short dialogue has been interesting. Not having the King’s English skills of Mr. Murphy, I do have a couple short remarks. First, I feel that Ms. Bell had all of her opinion reduced to tribble. Secondly, I request that Mr. Edgerton encourage me how to use my white privilege to prevent what is happening to Mr. Green.

Rev. Dante Murphy’s Response to Jasmine Bell 5/8/19:

Jasmin Bell,
I’m still excited that someone is actually allowing their voice to be heard. With that said, I want to elaborate on some valid issues you raise and attempt to bring clarity to some others.

“…currently on a personal vendetta mission regarding several different issues” would imply that I have a personal vendetta against a specific person or specific entity. I admit that I was angered when Karen Ellis Pritchard forced my immediate supervisor to tell me I could not preach, but she has since been forced out and no longer works for DSS. I admit that I was angered with Wanda Marino, former Deputy Director of New Hanover, who had refused to promote any black employees over a period of 20 years of her serving in upper management, but she has since been forced out and no longer works for DSS. And lastly, I was angered by the plantation politics of former County Commissioner Eddie Holbrook, but he was upset in his re-election bid and is no longer an elected official. These being the only people that have really angered me over the years is justification that my motive for social activism is simply a sense of calling. As a strong advocate of the “jury box” and the “ballot box” I have no problem with seeking vindication in court for myself or anyone else who seeks my assistance when wrongdoing is suspected. The tenacity to battle an issue out in court should not be confused with a “personal vendetta.” I am currently engaged in major movements in both North and South Carolina. These movements include an elderly woman who wrongfully had $150,000 taken from her, a university professor who contacted me as a result of an organized school scheme to discriminate against black children, institutional betrayal of child sexual abuse victims, and the Willie Green lawsuit against the City of Shelby and Rick Howell. This does not include the numerous cases of helping people wrongfully terminated or mistreated on their job or in school. Since most people initiate contact with me, I have no personal connection to these issues. I admit that I am as passionate about social justice issues as I would be fulfilling any other calling.

“…..unsolicited emails to several individuals” is not clear to me, but I’m going to assume this means emails that people did not ask me to send them. Social media is a powerful tool that creates a paper trail, disseminates information, and prevents relevant persons from invoking “plausible deniability.” Email is no different than Facebook in regard to the level of control that the owner possesses. Persons wishing to terminate “unsolicited” emails have the option of blocking. Therefore, continuing to receive “unsolicited” emails seems more of a choice by the receiver.

“…threats, demands, and ultimatums….” requires clarity regarding the level of such acts. A “threat” has legal implications and I believe that my emails have not involved criminal activity, else I would have served jail time. Threats, demands, and ultimatums are also terms that define what social activism is all about (e.g. Harriett T. carried a gun, Rosa P. was defiant, MLK spent a few nights in jail, Dr. William Barber lead a group to take over the NC Legislative Building and many arrests took place, etc.). Freedom, justice, and equality has never been freely given by the oppressor, but rather demanded by the oppressed. People, especially women and minorities, have suffered greatly because they lacked the means to demand fair treatment. Consequently, every threat, ultimatum, and demand I ever made had everything to do with justice. You should also note that it is my practice to inform relevant persons when I am about to do anything that may compromise safety. Threats, demands, and ultimatums are widely used tactics in bringing about results in our society. For example, supervisors and managers often use these strategies to maintain control in the workplace-mostly deemed as fear and intimidation. I have personally found this to be an effective strategy when fighting against racism, discrimination, and corruption.

“bully” is almost a compliment for a social activist. Most corruption, abuse, and discrimination is perpetrated by bullies. Consequently, it often takes a similar suited person to adequately deal and cope with a bully. History books would never record it as such, but MLK was a “gangster” preacher who took strong and courageous stances against white superiority. His untimely death may have been linked to his unwillingness to back down. You may refer to an article published on Robert Williams website to get a better understanding of this concept (Trump’s Brand of Civil Disobedience).

“….if any individual in Cleveland County or any county has an issue, he may not be the best advocate” is a judgement best suited for those who call me for assistance in various matters. One must consider that I am nearly five hours from Cleveland County. I’ve been called upon numerous times since leaving to assist residents in a range of matters. Even I wonder at times why I am still being called upon when there are other preachers in the area who have the ability to assist in local matters.

So, this issue brings me back to where I started in this writing. What is the real issue: social justice or Rev. Charles Webber? There are those who would strongly agree with you that calling out Mayor Anthony and Rev. Charles Webber for a concerted effort to gain support in the black community was disrespectful, pitting black against black, preacher against preacher, causing division in the black community, etc. I get that. At the core of this conversation is a painful truth that white people, mostly white men, are constantly in search of a perceived black person who will assist unwillingly in the announcement that black people are being treated fairly. Some blacks refer to this as “coons” or “sellouts.” These are by no means bad people or people who do not care about justice and equality, but rather, they have a different approach to social justice issues. As stated in a previous article, this has always been a debated issue among African American leaders as some believe that black inferiority is a reality and we should negotiate what we can and leave well enough alone. Booker T. Washington was a proponent of this ideology and suggested that blacks should “Let down your buckets where you are.”

I do not know your connection to Mayor Anthony, Rev. Charles Webber, or Mr. Eddie Holbrook, but commend you for your defense of them all, especially, Rev. Charles Webber. I am saddened that you seem to be the only one, especially when there is much to gain from this conversation.

Lastly, we still have to deal with Willie Green v. The City of Shelby and Rick Howell. The other side to this matter is that Rev. Charles Webber chose to sit on the Shelby City Council. “To whom much is given, much is required.” He has influence and a say in the matter and therefore faces a moral and ethical responsibility to do the right thing. The public filings so far indicate serious improprieties during negotiations that negatively impacted Mr. Green. Among the worst things that can happen is that the perpetrators receive no reprimand. It is also an unfortunate reality that lawsuits does damage the reputations of all involved persons. Even buying a car becomes difficult because once the salesperson googles your name and sees that you were a participant in a lawsuit, then they fear the same if something goes wrong with a purchased car. Being litigious is advantageous for social activist, but not for citizens wishing to live out their calling in other areas. Mr. Green, importantly, is hoping to assure justice and restore his life to where it was prior to unfortunate and wrongful events. This issue is now far from just building a sports complex, but rather Willie Green’s name having been defamed, his credibility damaged, and no indication from council members that they are willing to right the wrong. I personally will use all of my God-given ability to assist in seeking justice in this matter and the prevention of plantation politics by corruption and cover up.

Rev. Dante’ Murphy

Willie Green’s Response to Jasmine Bell on the Sports Facility & the true Victim of Character Assassination:
May 7, 2019

Jasmine,

In response to your comments on the Kings Mtn proposed sports facility and my proposed sports facility in Shelby and who would “reap the benefits.” I only know of one organization in KM that is working to build a sports facility, and if it’s the organization I think you are referencing, then I believe you are comparing apples to oranges and I don’t think you have done your homework on my proposed sports facility and just who would actually benefit.

Just a few side-by-side comparisons of my sports facility and the KM sports facility I think you are talking about. My facility will have 6 basketball/volleyball courts to host large travel ball events and other sports competition throughout the entire year, the KM facility will have 1 basketball courts and will not have the ability to host large travel ball events, my facility will have indoor and outdoor turf field for sports specific training and weightlifting for all the student-athletes in Cleveland County and surrounding Counties who wish to participate and will be trained and supervised by certified trainers, the KM facility will not have turf fields for training, my facility will have an on-site physical therapy/rehab center for injured athletes to receive treatment, the KM facility will not have a therapy/rehab center. My facility will help student-athletes get the needed exposure to college scholarship opportunities and will have a scholarship program for those athletes through my foundation who did not receive a sports scholarship but want the ability to have a second chance to walk-on and possibly make a college sports team. I am a product a prep school that gave me a second chance to get a football scholarship and go on to play in the NFL and I want to make sure that I give the hard-working athletes on our Cleveland County sports teams, including the kids in the KM sports organization a second chance to see if they can play on the college level and possibly professional level. I don’t know if the KM organization will have a program to address a second chance scholarship program. I also met with the KM organization and its’ key stakeholders to discuss a partnership, like I did with several other sports travel ball organizations in Cleveland County and they were not interested in a partnership.

I also urge you to watch or read my presentation, I gave in front of the County Commissioners last year, you will see that “no one individual will reap the benefits” of my proposed sports facility. Under my proposal, (a) there will be an $8-$10 million annual economic impact to the county and municipalities from hosting year around weekend travel ball tournaments, and other sporting events taking place at my facility. Revenue will be generated from teams and families staying in our local hotels paying a 6% Travel Tourism Tax that goes to the county and city governments and given to organizations in the form of a grant that promotes travel and tourism, those visitors will eat at our local restaurants, and shop at our local retail stores, none of which I own and would individually reap the benefits. (b) [T]he student-athletes would benefit from my sports facility from sports specific training so that they can compete with other top athletes across this country, the use of multiple courts for either league games or just pick-up games for our young kids, and other organization using the facility for fundraising events to help their organizations. And (c) the local government benefits from my sports complex by the way of property taxes and utility services. So, as you can see, this is not just about me, it’s about me helping others in this community especially our youth and young adults. Something I have been doing consistently year after year using my own personal resources since I arrived here over 22-years ago.

Since you mention character assassination, if you read my Federal Civil lawsuit, one of my claims is about the character assassination on me by the City of Shelby’s City Manager.
I hope my detail explanation addresses your concerns about who actually benefits from my sports facility and who has truly been the victim of character assassination by his own local government officials.

Willie A. Green

Jasmine Bell Responds:
May 7, 2019
I applaud anyone who stands up for justice issues, however the individual you speak of is currently on a personal vendetta mission regarding several different issues. I’ve had the pleasure of reviewing years up to the present day of his unsolicited emails to several individuals that have included threats, demands, and ultimatums that had absolutely nothing to do with justice. These emails were sent to several individuals by a bully sitting behind a computer monitor which is the person you speak of. Perhaps if any individual in Cleveland County or any county has an issue, he may not be the best advocate. I’ll allow you to keep your positive opinion of his mission rather than expose these bullying tactics to Mr. Williams for publication.

(Moderator’s Comment: Jasmine, I assume the person you are talking about is Rev. Dante Murphy. If not please advise. We welcome your comments as well as Rev Murphy’s. We extend the courtesy to both you and Rev. Murphy of explaining yourselves in more detail in this Dialogue Experiment. Our goal is to find the truth in the matters at discussion. No more, no less. And you seem to have knowledge that we all want to hear about. Thanks, Robert A. Williams)

Rev. Dante Murphy Comment
May 6, 2019 at 8:24 pm
Dr. Edgerton, thanks for your kind words. As a widely known author and university professor I would think that you have benefited from white privilege. It is my hope and prayers that one day you and others like you will be moved to write about the exploitation of a few blacks in order to maintain that “cheap peace.” This is in no way intended to minimize the work that you have already done to promote social dignity for all human beings, but rather, to encourage those who benefit from white privilege to use that privilege to prevent what is happening to Willie Green. Corruption at the local level of government is real.

Clyde Edgerton Responds:
Reverend Murphy understands that there are people of all colors who work together to fight the systemic causes of racism—to fight racial injustice. Many are willing to talk the walk but not willing to walk the walk. Reverend Murphy walks the walk, daily. Many are willing to talk racial reconciliation but not live daily for racial justice. Reverend Murphy understands that there can be no racial reconciliation without racial justice. His steadfast determinism, his principled stands against a sometimes cheap and fake peace between the races should be applauded by all people who hold high the precious memory of Martin Luther King and all the other leaders and followers in the civil rights movement. Reverend Murphy does not sit one day and stand the next. You cannot sit when you are walking the walk. Additionally, the spirit of justice should reside in in every county of every state in this country. You didn’t have to live in Selma to speak for justice in Selma. You don’t have to live in Shelby to speak for justice in Shelby.

Rev. Dante Murphy’s Responds to Jasmine Bell-May 6, 2019
Jasmine Bell is to be commended for the response to my statements as that is what free speech in America is all about. A few observations: 1) With the amount of social media at our disposal there are so many missed opportunities for persons to speak out for and against issues that are important in our society. 2) J. B. brings to light an historic dilemma among the African American community and the plight for justice and equality; that is, the late Dr. King expressed in his famous writing “Letter from Birmingham Jail” that pastors throughout the nation were divided on how to proceed in the fight for justice and equality. Some believed that King should “leave well enough alone” and not make things hard for those African Americans that had excelled into prominent positions. The once unified Baptist Denomination split over this issue as a result of the tensions among African American leaders. 3) I am tempted to respond to “frivolous lawsuits” but do not quite understand the term as it is used in the statements by J. B. Filing frivolous lawsuits poses penalties against both lawyers and petitioners who engage in such acts. Neither I or my attorneys have ever been reprimanded for such acts. It is also worth noting that frivolous and unmeritorious lawsuits are dismissed by the courts. I have both filed and encouraged others to file lawsuits when they have been wronged. In most situations persons either lack the resources (money) or they are flat out scared. “The jury box or the ballot box” is my motto for real change.

Lastly, whatever work I choose to engage in as a civil rights activist will never compare to what Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. accomplished and the ultimate sacrifice he made. It is only my intent to continue what I believe to be a good fight and encourage others who are not afraid and have the guts to do so one way or the other. Thanks J. B. for your bravery.

Jasmine Bells Speaks Out–comment on May 6, regarding Rev. Dante Murphy’s statements:
As an African American and member of the local faith community it’s sad that a pastor would place two groups of people in a box and say that they should be disgraced for not standing behind Mr. Green. There is a local athletic group in Cleveland County, Kings Mountain specifically that has had the support of the community to build a facility and have made great strides over the years to have fund raisers and community donations to purchase land and move forward. This project will actually benefit the community and no one individual will reap the benefits.

If anyone should be disgraced it’s the writer of this article for attempting to assassinate the characters of Mr. Anthony, Mr. Webber, and Mr. Holbrook in this dramatic written piece. The writer of this article doesn’t even reside in the county yet continuously has negative commentary and ongoing filings of frivolous lawsuits in Cleveland and New Hanover counties. Perhaps the writer should look at his own actions as they don’t currently stand nor in the past-have they stood for what Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and other civil rights icons spoke about.

Rev. Dante Murphy’s Original Statements:
Mayor Stan Anthony and Rev. Charles Webber recently met with the Cleveland County NAACP. This reminds me of the appearances Mr. Eddie H. (Holbrook) used to make around election time to smooth the black community over to gain support. Blacks and minorities should be outraged when pastors and community leaders allow such exploitation. It is bad enough to remain silent, but a pure embarrassment to be used in such a vicious way.

NAACP members should have demanded an explanation of the pending lawsuit involving discrimination and defamation charges against city (actually against Mr. Willie Green). For a former NFL professional football player to go through a lawsuit without the support of the faith community and civil rights organizations is a pure disgrace to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and other civil rights icons.

Any interested person is welcome to provide their input into this dialogue. Thanks for your interest and especially for your participation.