It was morning on May 10, 2019 when a source reported that Patrick Ryan Humphries, 30, was allegedly caught by law enforcement with a naked 9-year-old girl in his car at about 1:00 AM that very morning.

Humphries was allegedly parked outside the residence of the child’s mother with his car radio playing loud. So loud that neighbors called the law. And when the law arrived, Humphries was caught red handed with the naked girl. My report did not say whether or not Humphries was also naked, or what.

My first thought was to “scoop” the Star with the story. But scooping the Star has become so easy. Besides, I smelled a rat in this whole episode. So, I decided to hold off just to see what would happen next. Humphries was in jail under $100,000 bond so he wasn’t going anywhere. Humphries was charged with Kidnapping, statutory rape and statutory sexual offense on a child by an adult. What was going on with the mother?? was also the question in my mind.

The next Tuesday, May 14, 2019 the Star published a short article on page 3. On a Front-Page worthy story. About the only difference in my report and the Star article was the little girl was 8, not 9 as I had been told. Still nothing about the mother.

Then on Wednesday, May, 15, 2019 the Star published another article, again om Page 3 titled “Court Docs: Woman allowed child sexual abuse.” Now, the mother, Kelly Anne Smith, 32, is charged with felony child sexual abuse for allegedly willfully allowing her 8-year-old daughter to be sexually abused. Smith’s bond was set at $75,000. Humphries, due to further investigation, had three additional charges lodged against him and his bond was raised to $350,000.

Well, those high bonds will likely keep Patrick Ryan Humphries and Kelly Anne Smith in jail for two years or more before the District Attorney’s Office gets around to trying the cases. So, in the meantime, let’s just think about this situation.

1. The first thought has to be, where was the Cleveland County DSS? Had there been any reports made to DSS about this strange and sick conduct that obviously had been going on over time? Did the girl talk to anybody? School teachers, friends, etc. and they did not make reports to anybody. The fact that the Star hid these articles on Page 3 provides some indication that the Star is playing down this news. News that deserves Front Page coverage and is too big to ignore gets hidden away on page 3?? Also, were there any other children in the house? Not a peep about that or any DSS involvement. The Commissioners, now overseeing DSS ought to be investigating this. Do more heads need to roll at DSS? There are aplenty.

2. Why did the woman and mother, Kelly Anne Smith, get off with only one charge and only a $75,000 bond for allowing Humphries to do what he did and Humphries got a $350,000 bond? In my mind, the m other is just as guilty, maybe more guilty than Humphries. Although both are assumed innocent until proven guilty.

3. Is this coming down like the murder of the elderly woman by her Granddaughter’s fiancé when the fiancé got life in prison and the woman got set scot-free? Hopefully ADA Rick Shaffer does NOT get assigned to this case. Neither should Sally Kirby-Turner or Beth Lari as they seem to go hard on men and “light” on women.

Anyway, this is a serious case and it needs serious prosecution. And serious investigation to see if DSS let this situation fall through the cracks, as they often do.

Stay tuned!!!

When sources reported to me that the “official” Cleveland County Republican Party and the “official” Women Republicans of Cleveland County (WeRoCC) were feuding, I laughed. What a Hoot! I thought. Knowing this had been going on for years. But when my sources reported further that both “official” groups were trying hard “to keep Robert Williams from finding out;” well, I decided, this deserves looking into and reporting to the people.

First of all, The Cleveland County Republican Party is an “official” organization under the auspices of the North Carolina Republican Party. However, every person that meets the qualifications to vote in Nort5h Carolina and registers with the Cleveland County Board of Elections as affiliated with the Republican Party is a member of the Republican Party. Every person registered as a Republican can attend the official meetings of the Cleveland County Republican Party free of charge. There are no membership fees. Every Republican can show up at the Republican Party meets to select their officers and nominate someone and vote as they please.

However, the Cleveland County Republican Party, over the years, has not been a party of the people. They don’t like to advertise the fact that the rank and file Republican can hold office in the party. They don’t advertise their meetings very well and it has been a long-time joke that Republicans “could hold their official meetings in a phone booth.” For those that are too young to remember phone booths, now that almost everyone has cell phones, a phone booth was a small 2 foot by 2 foot glass enclosure with a phone that had coin slots so you could pay to use it. I can remember when local calls were 10 cents with unlimited minutes.

On top of that the Republican Party in Cleveland County, I have heard that Cleveland County Republicans are the only county that does this, have an Executive Board that has to pay $100 per year to be on the board. This Executive Board being the ones who officially decide what actions the Cleveland County Republican Party will take. This $100 fee is like the Poll Tax of the Jim Crow South, levied to keep the blacks from voting. This CC Republican Party Executive Board fee does exactly the same thing, keeps the rank and file (riff-raff Republicans from having a vote or a say in how the Executive Board votes.

Maybe now I understand why the Republican Party and WeRoCC didn’t want Robert A. Williams from finding out about their feud? But stay tuned!! The news about the feud that is about to become a Civil War is coming up shortly.

But more background information is necessary to set the record straight.

Since Cleveland County was formed in 1841, the Democrat Party, with exceptions pretty much limited to the after the Civil War Reconstruction, has run Cleveland County and North Carolina for about 150 years. Under these circumstances, nobody much cared what the Republican Party did or was doing. The first Republican Cleveland County Commissioner since Reconstruction was the late Charlie Harry back in the 1990s. The late John Weatherly became the first NC House Representative for Cleveland County at about that same time frame. Dennis Davis was elected the First NC Senator since Reconstruction from Cleveland County in 1994, but was defeated in 1996 in what many, including myself, believe was a clear case of the Democrats “stuffing the ballot box” in November, 1996. Using blank ballots marked up in mass by selected members of the black community. Probably the first successful and necessary use of Plantation Politics in Cleveland County. A practice that has thrived and continues to this day to elect white Democrats. Although the Plantation Politics as used in the Re-elect Eddie Holbrook campaign in 2018 not only managed to defeat two good black candidates as well as “Massa” Eddie himself. In large part because many members of the black community became informed and were tired of being used and abused by white Democrat candidates. Anyway Holbrook and his Plantation Politics was defeated and disgraced, even though Holbrook spent $68,000 in his re-election campaign for Commissioner While winners Doug Bridges and Deb Harding spent less than $5,000.

So, when the Republican candidates across North Carolina began to be elected into various statewide elected positions in the early 1990’s the Cleveland County Republican Party found themselves stuck with a slate of officers and an Executive Board filled with leftovers from the old days when nothing the Republicans did mattered to anybody. This Old Guard Republican slate who would NOT support Republican candidates unless they bowed down and “kissed their asses” so to speak. The Old Guard Republicans who would rather have a Democrat in office than a Republican that would NOT kiss their asses. And that was how it was.

And, to a large part, that is how it still is. Down to this very day in 2019. Especially on the Cleveland County Republican Party Executive Committee. The $100 a year crowd that still call the shots.

Mostly, these holdovers from history in the Cleveland County Republican Party don’t get to do much. But, from the appointment of Ronnie Whetstine in 2017 to fill the unexpired term of the late Ronnie Hawkins as Commissioner and the appointment of Doug Bridges in 2017 to fill the unexpired term of the loser commissioner Jason Falls shows just how important the Executive Committee can be under such circumstances.

Now comes the Republican Women.

As the Old Guard Republicans held control of the Cleveland County Republican Party back in the early 1990’s and Republican candidates began to run and win, the Old Guard Republicans were proven to be lazy. They were used to getting by with only their $100 per person membership dues from the Executive Committee members (now around 24 members) and used to not having any candidates to support. And they are the same to this very day.

But the Republican women took up the task of fundraising for candidates. Although never raising large amounts.) The women had a choice. Form a Republican “Auxiliary,” under the regular official Republican Party-who never did anything. Or form under the “Federated Republican Women of North Carolina” as a group that was NOT under the control of the regular Cleveland County Republican Party. The original Republican Women’s group chose to be independent. To become “Federated” under the Federated Republican Women of North Carolina. To be independent of the Cleveland County Republican Party. To actually do something to support Republican Candidates running for elected office.

But problems soon arose. The lazy Republican Party didn’t want to raise any extra money to support candidates. So, they wanted the money that the independent “federated” women had raised. Sometimes the federated women would give the lazy Republican Party some money and sometimes they did not. When they did not, the Republican Party would always get mad. Thinking they were the “king” rulers of all Republicans and that they should always get other people, especially women, to give then what they had worked for too. While they were too lazy to work to raise their own money.

This took a toll on the women who ultimately just dropped out and became unfederated. But around 2013 the woke up and became federated again. They became the WeROCC crowd, the Federated “Women Republicans of Cleveland County.”

Now, fast forward to 2018-2019.

Incumbent Shelby City Council Member Dennis Bailey, the “Imperious” Dennis Bailey gets himself defeated by a young Democrat woman, Violet Arth Dukes. An embarrassment for Bailey so the Cleveland County Republican Party voted Dennis Bailey in as their President. An obvious blunder.

So, what is one of the first things Republican Party President Dennis Bailey do? He tells the WeROCC women that he wants them to provide him with their financial reports. They rightly and indignantly refuse. Who in the Hell does Dennis Bailey think he is? they are thinking. So, they start asking the State women what they have to do and the State Women say they don’t have to give Dennis Bailey anything. So, Dennis Bailey tells WeROCC that he can get their financial records through the Freedom Of Information Act. A threat that he makes, maybe even knowing that FOIA and North Carolina Public Records Laws do not apply to WeROCC. But a threat just the same.

Threats probably followed by more threats and then, most likely, dirty tricks. Even more dirty than trying to cause division within WeROCC. A totally foolish thing to do with the 2020 elections looming and the crazy Trump hating liberal Democrats trying to take back their power and control and turn the nation toward socialism. The same socialism that has failed everywhere it has been tried. Usually with large death tolls. 55-65 Million in World War II alone.

And here goes Republican Party President Dennis Bailey and his lazy allies starting an Un-Civil War with the hard-working Republican women. Is that stupid or what?

Sources report that the Cleveland County Commissioners have selected Katie Swanson from the Buncombe County DSS as the Director of the Cleveland County DSS. This report has not been officially confirmed, but my sources are reliable.

Reliable sources also report that CCDSS Interim Director Jane Shooter is mad as a hornet that she was NOT promoted to the CCDSS Director position. Even after all the insider wheeling and dealing that made her the Interim Director to begin with. But Shooter’s long and corrupt past at CCDSS caught up with her. Shooter is not expected to last very long.

The sad part is Jane Shooter, Pam Bright Prichard, Karen Ellis Prichard and others should have been fired 25 years ago. The fact that they have lasted so long-to retirement age-is a tragedy and sheds a very bad light on all of Cleveland County’s so-called leadership. The 2020 Elections can put an end to that.

Editor’s Note: I have written articles about the scandals at Cleveland County Schools as well as Cleveland Community College. But, up until now, all I have had to go on is percentages of students who have been failed by CCS. And failures at CCS limit what CCC can do.

When you consider CCS graduates about 1,000 students every year, that is 3,000 for the past three years, these 1,900 former CCS students represent a 63.3 CCS failure rate in meeting the CCS Triple E goal. Remember that when you read this article!!! Some of those students graduating this year may be YOUR children. YOUR kids who can’t find a job, can’t join the Army to learn a trade, or qualify for college.

If you scroll way back, you will see that the major scandals at Cleveland Community College were the “fuckshannon69” CCC college computer password that former President Steve Thornburg had that eventually led to his disgrace and demise from CCC. And the Career and College Program (CCP) where CCC would send teachers to CCS High Schools to teach supposed college level courses for college credit for high school students. Allegedly those CCP classes were eventually “dumbing-down” so more and more high school students could be funneled into the CCP program-for the explicit purpose of generating more revenue from the State for both CCS and CCC. Some allege as much as 30% of CCC funding comes from the CCP Program funding fraud.

Now, throw in the workforce development revelations-students were graduating from CCS without workforce development (vocational) skills sufficient enough to find jobs. So, the “send them to the CCC” fandango idea allegedly comes to the rescue. And then, all of a sudden Danny Blanton discovers the CCC and CCS “calendars” don’t match by thirty days a year. And what do we have. A range of CCS and CCC courses that are stuck-on-stupid because many students don’t have the grades to qualify for the CCP classes to begin with, but are thrown into supposed college level courses anyway. Thrown in on top of the fact that the so-called college level courses that were dumbed-down also are compressed into six weeks for the unqualified high school kids while qualified college students at CCC or other colleges get 13 weeks. Workforce development-vocational-courses are schedule bound and the CCS Board then sabotages the proposed change in state law that would have synchronized the CCS and CCC schedules. Is that a mess or what???

Then, the Commissioners do nothing while CCS and CCC can’t get their acts together. Everybody is all talk and no EFFECTIVE coordinated action has ever been taken.

And now, here comes another lawsuit against Cleveland Community College because of the fraudulent CCP program. And related cover-up.

Virginia “Ginger” Bullock has filed against the CCC Board of Trustees alleging she was wrongfully terminated and her employment contract was breached because she complained about the improper goings-on with all this dual enrollment CCP mess, all the way back in 2012. And nobody, especially the CCC Board of Trustees, CCS and the Commissioners did anything to correct the problems. The only thing that happened was Ginger got wrongfully terminated for blowing the whistle on CCC’s part in the destruction of the future of countless students who were run through dumbed down CCP and perhaps other dual enrollment courses. (Note that the 1,900 students noted previously are just for the past three years only.)

And now, Ginger has filed her lawsuit against the CCC BoTs. And the CCC BoTs, through their lawyer says Ginger didn’t allege anything where CCC violated state policy. When I saw that I had to wonder, does that mean, according to the CCC BoTs, that it is STATE POLICY to dumb down courses and under educate our children just to defraud taxpayers with this phony CCP and all the other dual enrollment stuff??? In my opinion, all us taxpayers should be giving Ginger Bullock a medal for being HERO enough to spill the beans on CCC. It is obvious that many others have not been so brave.

Anyway, I have said enough. Like I sometimes say, “don’t you believe a word that I said. Just read for yourself” about how the CCC BoT’ screwed over Ginger Bullock and a countless number of YOUR children over the past seven years.

Here is a copy of Ginger Bullock’s lawsuit and the BoT’s phony answer. Be sure to read the BoT’s Motion to Dismiss Ginger’s lawsuit because she didn’t state anything that was against STATE Policy. Ask YOUR Commissioners, Tim Moore, Kelly Hastings and Ted Alexander if defrauding an education from our children, defrauding taxpayers and lying to the Citizens of Cleveland County is State Policy. No matter how this lawsuit turns out. Ask them now because this lawsuit may take two years before it goes to court, which would add another 1,200 to the list of YOUR children who will have received a failed education at CCS at the hands of the CCC BoTs.

[gview file=”https://citizensforgoodgovernment.org/online/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Ginger-Complaint.pdf”]

[gview file=”https://citizensforgoodgovernment.org/online/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/CCC-BoT-Answer-and-Motion-to-Dismiss.pdf”]

A report came several days ago that the Dover Foundation has donated $75,000 to the Community Math Academy. So, I did some checking.

The first thing I found, was that I could not find confirmation of the report. But the source is trustworthy and I believe that the report will turn out to be true.

Next, I checked out the Math Academy’s website. The Board of directors included Larry Corry, Lamont Littlejohn, Richard Hooker and Ron Harrill. Names that I have heard from sources who consider them “Uncle Toms.” Perhaps there are other “Uncle Toms” on the Math Academy Board. One has to conclude that the Math Academy Board of Directors are heavily involved in prolonging the Platation Politics that has permeated Cleveland County for so long.

I searched for any verifiable information that students who attended the Math Academy had any long-term measurable improvements in their math skills. I could not find any such information. I did find that the Math Academy makes large efforts to increase funding and expand their operations to all Elementary Schools in all CCS Zones. The Zones being Shelby, Kings Mountain and the County-Burns and Crest. Same as before the failed school merger about 20 years ago. More proof that the so-called school merger did not merge the three original school districts in Cleveland County. A clear indication that the present Cleveland County Schools have failed their original purpose and also appear to be failing our students as well. Otherwise, there would be no need of a Math Academy, Communities-In-Schools and other such organizations that say they want to “close the gap.” But the gap never seems to get closed.

I also looked for Math Academy financial information. Just how much funding do they receive. A breakdown on where they spend their money and any information that indicates that the students are benefitting in any way that justifies the cost. I could find no such information. Without such information and measurement of results, you have to make the considered judgement that the Math Academy is a waste. Maybe a total waste. One student stated in his testimonial that he “had fun at the Math Academy.” This was at the top of the testimonial list. Having fun without results that show improvements are not good recommendations in my book.

Another thought regarding my search for information about the Math Academy. I found where the Math Academy was going to expand into all the elementary schools in Cleveland County. But no mention of the Math Academy needing to include the elementary school grades at the charter school, Pinnacle Classical Academy. One has to wonder why students attending Pinnacle Classical Academy do not need such help as CCS does from the Math Academy. Although it appears the CCS students are not getting much from the Math Academy either.

Does that indicate that CCS should be looking more at the curricula and teaching methods at Pinnacle Classical Academy instead of sending kids to the Math Academy? It certainly appears so.

All this is what I found from MY research into the Cleveland County Math Academy. Maybe some readers can find some good in the Math Academy and share it with us, but I didn’t. What I found was just another costly gimmick to hide the many failures at CCS. Perhaps the School Board could provide the information that I was looking for on the Math Academy’s website that I could not find. The information I have found on the CCS website on such matters is that CCS has failed in the education of our students just as much or more than the Math Academy.

End of Report.

But this is the Beginning of the effort to elect a new majority on the School Board in the 2020 elections. We certainly need to look for good school board member candidates as well as Commissioner candidates who can recognize that the Math Academy has not worked and the Pinnacle Classical =Academy does work. And make the right choice in deciding what direction the failed CCS needs to take. More Math Academies or more Charter Schools? More successes of a continuation of costly failures.

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

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.

Moderator’s Note: 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.

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

Rev. Dante’ Murphy

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

Jasmine Bell submitted a comment regarding a comment from the Rev. Dante Murphy that I made into a separate article. I am providing Jasmine Bell and others that same opportunity to provide their comments, hopefully to enhance a dialogue regarding the issues at hand.

In this experiment, I will only moderate and make sure the Dialogue is kept current with each comment and attached in a chain, newest comment on top for everybody convenience.

So, everybody interested please provide your comment, either on the format of this website or by direct emails to me at raw@shelby.net. Let’s explore the issues at hand until we reach a consensus or just agree to disagree. I will moderate out comments that use profuse profanity or uses offensive and hateful language. If there are those with comments and good ideas that want to be anonymous, please send you comments directly to me at the email address noted above and I will make sure your identity is kept confidential.

Jasmine Bells comment on May 6, 2019 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.

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.