NCABCO marks 20-year anniversary

Edgecombe County's Harris re-elected as president of organization

Edgecombe County Commissioner Viola S. Harris will serve a second consecutive two-year term as president of the North Carolina Association of Black County Officials. NCABCO members held a business session and their annual awards luncheon in Craven County during the NCACC's Annual Conference.

NCABCO members elected officers for 2008-10 during their Aug. 22 business session. Pictured above are Secretary Fannie P. Greene, First Vice President Howard Hunter III, President Viola S. Harris, Treasurer Valerie Foushee and Second Vice President Fred Belfield. (Photo by Jason King)

Joining Harris on NCABCO's Executive Committee are First Vice President Howard Hunter III (Hertford), Second Vice President Fred Belfield (Nash), Secretary Fannie Greene (Northampton), Treasurer Valerie Foushee (Orange), Parliamentarian Jerry Stephens (Robeson), and At-Large Directors Deborah Brown (Vance), Lindy Brown (Wake), Pearl Burris Floyd (Gaston) and Robert Carter (Northampton).

Exactly 20 years from the day that NCABCO was formed, members met for their annual awards luncheon Aug. 23 and saluted six past presidents, including founding member Moses Carey, who did not seek re-election this year after 24 years of service on the Orange County Board of Commissioners.

"We had a vision to bring people of color together," said Carey, who was honored Aug. 22 during the business session for exemplary leadership and exceptional service. One of NCABCO's goals is to promote effective representation within the N.C. Association of County Commissioners; Carey became the first black president of the NCACC in 1993.

"He has really helped me to become a much better servant," fellow Orange County Commissioner Valerie Foushee said of Carey. "He has been and will continue to be an advocate for those who look like you and me."

NCABCO announced four award winners during its luncheon:

• NCACC Policy Advocate Anthony Allen was presented the Service Award;
• Rep. Larry Womble (Forsyth) received the Frederick Douglas Award;
• Commissioner James Leach (Hoke) was honored with the Outstanding Leadership Award; and
• Dr. William J. Barber received the Humanitarian Award.

NCABCO also presented scholarships to: UNC-Chapel Hill freshman Che'risse Aldave, a Tarboro High School graduate; UNC-Pembroke freshman Kerby Cooper Jr. (North Edgecombe High); and Elizabeth City State freshman Shaniqua Cherry (Bertie High).