Inside the Black Political Structure of Guilford County (an idea...and a call for interviews)

I'm about to ruffle some feathers with this one.

I'm looking to do a story, or a blog post...or heck, I may have enough grist at the end of this thing to write a book or a multi-series piece like Jerry Bledsoe is doing for the Rhino Times...but I'm looking to write about the black political structure of Guilford County. From Greensboro to High Point to the county itself (even on the state level), we have a number of elected officials in our county who are black...some are doing a fair amount of good for its citizens; others have questionable ties according to some, questionable relationships according to others. Some vote against ethics legislation, some perceive racism, others consider their "struggle" as a "historical struggle."

I'm looking to dive head first into this struggle.

Some questions...

Q--Is this a separatist project?
A--Let me first say that I'm not looking for this project to be a separatist project...it's not.

Q--Why don't you write about the "white political structure" in Guilford County?
A--Is there such a thing? If you're referring to the political structure that runs Greensboro from Action Greensboro to the developers, then there must be. And GSOMetro will continue to focus on the good (and the shady) aspects of these other organizations. But it is time to explore the major players within the black political structure of Guilford County. Separately, we need to define if it is a true power structure.

Q--Is it?
A--Greensboro has a black mayor, a black police chief, Guilford County Schools has a black superintendent of schools, Guilford County is being run by a black county executive...that's a lot of power. It's likely not a deliberate power structure, but some things said recently and actions made in the public eye among some of these elected officials prompt a major and swift cause for concern.

Q--Such as?
A--Recent on-the-record statements by Guilford County Board of Commissioners chairman Skip Alston and Greensboro City Councilman Goldie Wells. Recent votes by Greensboro City Councilman T. Dianne Bellamy Small. Past votes and public statements by Guilford County Board of Education member Deena Hayes...these are all examples. Moves such as a reported lack of transparency and secret meetings not held in accordance with sunshine laws are other examples.

Q--Where do you go from here?
A--I'm issuing a call for interviews. I'm looking for those who would be willing to sit down, perhaps over coffee, to do one-on-one interviews, let's approach this subject with an open mind and let's bring everything to the table. I'm looking to interview bloggers, citizen activists, established media figures in our county, even citizens themselves. I would like to interview some of the major political players in the county although I will not be at all surprised if no one responds for any requests for interviews or comment to this story/project. I would also be interested in meeting with up-and-coming political figures in this county.

Q--Will this be an opinionated piece?
A--I really want this to be objective. Some of the figures shown above obviously bring a perceived notion among some of us. I've commented on some of these figures posted above, some positive, some negative. But all opinion aside, this is a subject that I feel needs some exploration, needs some ink (or bandwidth) and needs to be told.

If you're interested in being a part of this project, drop me a line and let's talk further. If you feel this is a project that could be much more than a simple blog posting, let's talk. This is something merely on paper for now, but I would love to get this off the ground and get it moving.

E.C. :)