CASH COMMENTARY FOR JANUARY 1, 2026

                                                              REP. AMOS L. QUICK III

NC’s FUTURE DEPENDS ON INCLUSION - 

                                               NOT RETREAT

                           Guest commentary by Rep. Amos L. Quick III

                                        District 58 (D- Guilford)

As always during the last week of the year, I take off for the New Year and my birthday. Indeed, this week I’ll be celebrating my 70th, something I genuinely thought I’d never see.

But this gives me a chance to share a commentary sent to me by the legislative office of Rep. Amos L. Quick, Democrat of Guilford County’s District 58. 

Rep. Quick makes the case for DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion) in North Carolina, and, in my opinion, is worth a read. And I’ll be back in the saddle next week. Happy New Year!

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North Carolina is experiencing one of the most dynamic periods of economic growth in its history. People are moving here from across the nation and the world because this state has long embraced innovation, education, and opportunity. But a thriving economy requires a strong, diverse, and well-prepared workforce and recent actions by state leaders threaten to undermine the very foundation of that success. 

Instead of strengthening our talent pipeline, the General Assembly and the UNC Board of Governors have chosen to dismantle diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives across public universities. These decisions are not only morally troubling they are economically reckless. 

A Coordinated Dismantling of DEI Across North Carolina 

In 2024, the UNC Board of Governors voted to eliminate DEI programs across the entire UNC System, affecting nearly 250,000 students statewide. This decision repealed longstanding policies requiring each campus to maintain DEI leadership and accountability structures. 

The consequences have been sweeping: 

• Multiple universities: including North Carolina A&T State University, closed or restructured their DEI offices.
  
• Dozens of DEI-related positions were eliminated across the system.
  
• Identity-based centers that support historically marginalized students were
  weakened or defunded.
  These changes were not driven by student needs, workforce demands, or economic strategy. They were driven by politics and they jeopardize the very institutions that fuel North Carolina’s economic engine.
  The Economic Case for DEI Remains Overwhelming
  DEI is not a slogan. It is a proven economic strategy.
  

• Companies with racially and ethnically diverse leadership teams are 36% more
  likely to outperform peers.
  
• Diverse companies are 70% more likely to capture new markets.
  North Carolina’s own success story proves this.
  North Carolina A&T State University, the nation’s largest HBCU, produces more Black
  

 

engineers than any other institution in America. These graduates are the backbone of the Triad’s growing advanced manufacturing, aerospace, and clean-energy sectors. 

Major employers like JetZero, Boom Supersonic, and Toyota have invested billions in this region because of the skilled, diverse workforce trained here. Undermining DEI undermines the very reason these companies chose North Carolina in the first place. 

A Troubling Pattern: Silencing Voices Alongside Dismantling DEI 

The rollback of DEI is not happening in isolation. It is part of a broader pattern of restricting access, representation, and participation. 

This year, Guilford County removed North Carolina A&T State University, the nation’s largest HBCU, as an early voting site, despite its long history of high student turnout and its central role in civic engagement. Students were forced to travel off campus to vote, creating unnecessary barriers for thousands of young voters. 

Removing DEI programs while simultaneously removing polling access at the state’s largest HBCU sends a clear and chilling message:
Certain voices are being pushed out of North Carolina’s future. 

Representative Quick’s Powerful Advocacy for Public Education 

Representative Amos Quick III has long been a champion for public education, but his leadership was especially visible during last week’s heated legislative hearing involving Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools. The hearing devolved into shouting, book-throwing, and personal attacks from committee leadership, behavior that Rep. Quick publicly condemned as unprofessional and deeply troubling. 

He described the spectacle as “secondhand embarrassment” for the General Assembly and called out the hostile treatment of educators who were simply trying to explain their compliance with the law. His presence and remarks made a significant impact, reminding the public that North Carolina’s educators deserve respect, not political theater! 

His advocacy in that moment underscored a truth he has championed for years: Strong public schools are the backbone of a strong democracy. 

Representative Quick: “These Measures Are Regressive, Dangerous, and I Am Disgusted.” 

Representative Quick has been unwavering in his opposition to these attacks on inclusion and democracy. During debate on HB 171, he reminded his colleagues: 

 

“Be not weary in well doing because in due season you will reap if you faint not.” — 

Galatians 6:9 

He continued: 

“Policies and laws that have ensured diversity, equity, and inclusion in all phases of American life have strengthened this nation, and I ask you to vote NO.” 

Today, as DEI programs are dismantled and polling access is stripped from HBCU students, Representative Quick is disgusted by these regressive measures. He intends to fight relentlessly for the people of North Carolina, for their right to opportunity, and for their right to be heard. 

A Regressive Message With Real Consequences 

The message these policies send is unmistakable:
Unless you already belong to the most privileged groups, your presence and participation are unwelcome. 

This is not only morally wrong it is economically self-destructive. 

North Carolina added more than 91,000 new jobs last year, most requiring postsecondary education or specialized training. Eliminating DEI programs directly undermines our ability to fill those jobs with homegrown talent. 

We have seen the consequences of exclusion before. HB2 cost North Carolina at least $3.76 billion in lost business over a dozen years. Companies do not invest in states that make national headlines for discrimination. 

The Path Forward: Sustain the Vetoes and Restore Inclusion 

For the good of our state, the General Assembly must sustain the Governor’s vetoes of HB 171, SB 227, and SB 558. These bills weaken our workforce, damage our institutions, and threaten our economic future. 

If North Carolina wants to continue leading the nation in job creation, innovation, and education, we must lead on inclusion as well. 

Our future depends on it. 

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THE CASH CHRISTMAS STORIES

 

FORMER GOV. JIM HUNT

BLACK STATE LEADERS

PAY TRIBUTE TO GOV.

JIM HUNT & LEGACY

By Cash Michaels

Contributing writer

African-American leaders across North Carolina joined the many who paid heartfelt tribute to former Governor Jim Hunt upon word of his passing at the age of 88.

“Gov. Jim Hunt was one of the greatest governors to ever serve North Carolina. His compassion, care, and commitment to the people of our state will be felt for generations to come,” said Rep. Alma Adams (D-NC-12) in a statement after his daughter, Lt. Gov. Rachel Hunt, announced the former governor’s death on Thursday, December 18th.

“My prayers go out to his family, friends, and loved ones,” Rep. Adams continued. “Gov. Hunt will be missed, but his legacy will never be forgotten.”

Indeed James Baxter Hunt Jr,, North Carolina’s longest serving governor, will forever be remembered for his leadership in improving public education, promoting technology and economic development, and giving African-Americans prime opportunities in advisory and governing roles during his unprecedented 16 years in office.

Hunt was a proponent of the so-called “New South.”

“Governor Jim Hunt was a force of nature that shaped North Carolina for the better," said state Senator Dan Blue (D-Wake). “The Hunt administration was a beacon of progress in the South, showing the region and the country what is possible if we fight for what is right and invest in future generations.”

“I was honored to have worked along side him and to call him a friend,” Blue continued. “My prayers are with his family as we all mourn his passing. Rest easy Governor Hunt.”

Born in Greensboro, Hunt grew up as a farm boy in Wilson County, later becoming perhaps the most skilled, visionary and powerful North Carolina politician in history. After being elected lieutenant governor in 1972, Hunt enjoyed success upon his election as governor in 1976, 1980, 1992 and 1996, and saw himself worthy of the national political stage, like fellow Southern governors Jimmy Carter of Georgia and Bill Clinton of Arkansas, both of whom rose to the presidency.

Under Gov. Hunt, attacking poverty in rural North Carolina was a priority, along with establishing his Smart Start early child education program, and attracting new industries to the state, thus creating new jobs and opportunities. Because of those policies and programs, Hunt, the “education governor,” enjoyed strong support in the black community, particularly after appointing leaders like the late Benjamin Ruffin as a top advisor, and several judicial figures like Henry Frye of Greensboro as the first African-American NC Chief Justice of the NC Supreme Court, and later Cheri Beasley to the District Court. She would later rise to become the first black female Chief Justice. 

That black community support would be tested when in 1977, during his first-term in office, Hunt refused to pardon the Wilmington Ten - nine blacks and one white falsely convicted of firebombing a white-owned grocery store in Wilmington in 1970. In 1972, the ten were tried, convicted and sentenced to a total of over 200 years in prison.

Upon reviewing the case, Gov. Hunt announced on statewide television in January 1977 that he agreed with the controversial trial verdicts, but felt that the sentences were too long, and commuted them. Hunt drew tremendous criticism from both sides of the controversy, with many surmising that by not pardoning the ten but shortening their sentences, he was being politically expedient.

Because of the worldwide attention to the case at the time, the Wilmington Ten controversy would remain part of Hunt’s political legacy, especially in the black community.

Another highlight of Gov. Jim Hunt’s political career was his 1984 battle to unseat conservative Republican US Senator Jesse Helms. The contest is considered one of the most expensive, and most bruising in American history, ending only when Helms, whose racial politics were well-known, predictably played the race card against Hunt condemning his support for affirmative action, culminating a come-from-behind victory.

As bad as that defeat was, Hunt was able to run twice more for governor and win each time.

“Governor Jim Hunt's extraordinary life of public service and lasting contributions to the people of North Carolina include his tremendous impact on the state judiciary,” said Democratic Associate Justice Anita Earls of the NC Supreme Court. “He appointed more African-American judges than any of his predecessors. I will always be grateful for the way he stood with me when I announced my candidacy for the North Carolina Supreme Court in 2018. My condolences to the Hunt family; it is a great loss for all of us."

Funeral services for former Governor James Baxter Hunt Jr. will be held Friday, December 26th at 1 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church in Wilson.           

        The public is invited to sign a book of condolence, which will be available at the North Carolina State Capitol beginning Saturday morning.

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NCCU GETS CLEAN 

FINANCIAL AUDIT

By Cash Michaels

Contributing writer

For the first time in three years, North Carolina Central University in Durham has received a clean financial audit from the NC State Auditor’s office.

The zero findings report covers fiscal year 2025, and is the result, the HBCU says, of a comprehensive new financial structure that was implemented over the past 18 months.

NCCU Chancellor Karrie G. Dixon was more than happy to tout the Eagle success.

"This clean audit is a testament to the effectiveness of the many difficult, yet necessary decisions made to better organize our financial operations," she said.

It was just just last March when an audit revealed that NCCU had racked up a whopping $45 million in financial errors, forcing an immediate course correction by Dixon and her leadership team.

"Part of what makes our university system so great is we hold the institutions to high standards and strive to bring the very best out of our public universities," said State Auditor Dave Boliek then.. "NCCU’s financial reporting fell far short of the standards expected of our high education institutions, but I’ve had productive meetings with university and UNC system leadership and have confidence NCCU is on a better path."

Those “productive meetings” certainly paid off, resulting in zero financial deficiencies this time around.

"North Carolina Central University has posted a welcomed turnaround from the financial errors previously reported by the North Carolina Office of the State Auditor,” wrote State Auditor Boliek. “This year's financial statement audit is a step in the right direction toward managing the University's finances in compliance with accounting standards.”

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CASH CHRISTMAS COMMENTARY FOR DEC. 25, 2025

                                                                 CASH MICHAELS

                                     BE A MIRACLE, BE OF SERVICE

        by Cash Michaels

It’s Christmas! That very special time of the year when we’re all supposed to come together in good spirit and cheer to rejoice the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

However, you may have noticed that for several years now, we’ve done anything but, instead preferring to celebrate our gift-giving prowess and ability to decorate our homes gaudier than a cheap Las Vegas casino.

That’s unfortunate, because while I’m pretty certain that December 25th is not the actual birthday of Christ, the fact that once upon a time we would take a moment to honor the most blessed event in the history of the world with reverence, prayer and song was something that, as a child, I deeply appreciated and looked forward to.

Yes, I too looked forward to the Christmas presents my hardworking mother wrapped and placed under the tree, but back in the day, Christmas seemed to be in closer alignment with the story of Baby Jesus than it is now. Indeed the church seemed to have more influence and engendered much more respect than it does now. And I’m so very happy it did, because I can honestly say that I’ve been “churched.”

No, I wasn’t “churched” to the extent of being a holy roller, speaking in tongues or dancing in the aisles or stuff like that. But “churched” enough to know from where my blessings have come from. Blessings that, hopefully, will allow me to see my 70th birthday on January 3rd. Given my tattered health history, being able to make it that far on this side of an old oak tree root, is truly a blessing.

But one of the things that has weighed heavily on my heart lately with the holiday spirit in the air, is this thing called “being of service.”

Recently, I had the privilege of attending a touching retirement program at the new Dept. of Health and Human Services building near the fairgrounds. A close family friend of ours was being feted for her retirement after 37 years of service to her department, and many of her colleagues, past and present, took the time to come out and pay tribute to her selfless contributions, and helping them better do their jobs over the years.

Helping them provide needed services to the people of North Carolina.

I say that here because they said that there. Being able to do their jobs so that the taxpayer was well served was something each of the speakers said they were proud to do and represent. And it wasn’t just bureaucratic lip service. These folks were genuine. You could feel it.

For me, hearing that, and being among people who saw being of service as their primary mission, whether it was to someone without a home, or in need of mental health counseling, or didn’t have enough food, was both important and refreshing.

If you seriously think about it, what are we here for as human beings but to ultimately be of service to one another, to be there for each other. To share our humanity in countless ways that makes our GOD in heaven smile. To do what Jesus did - wash the feet of His brother and sister - and do so so that they may stand strong on the truth - that GOD loves us all. To relieve them of, and strengthen them for, the burden being tired from slings and arrows of living. To help them feel being an important part of something bigger than themselves.

Given how many times I’ve had to be hospitalized over the years, I’ve said before that while I have deep regard for every one of my doctors, I have an even deeper love and respect for every one of my nurses, because they were the ones who left their own families to come to comfort me, and administer lifesaving food, medicine and humanity to me so that I could live longer.

But the vital caring and concern each nurse gave me were right out of the song of service we all should be singing. To ask, “How may I serve you” or declare to someone that you are at their service, and mean it,  is a blessing from GOD that we should all say and mean more often, because it is what He wants of His children.

And that’s the most important part of all of this, that at this time of year, ALL of GOD’s children, no matter what their race, color, creed, gender or orientation, should be intelligent enough, and spiritual enough, to know that we are part of GOD’s creation, and should always try to act like it.

And one of the ways is by loving one another, and being of service to one another - not because someone told us to, but because we can feel it inside that it’s something our Father in Heaven would have us do every day of our lives.

We all foolishly take a lot for granted. Well let me tell you that life is not guaranteed to anyone. It could all end in the twinkling of an eye at anytime or place. And that’s why Christmas should be about more than just gift-giving, or pagan tree images, and getting drunk at office parties.

Christmas should be about reminding all of us that after another year together by the grace of GOD, we should give Him His due. We should look around, and realize that of all of the things, and all of the people that are no longer with us, He chose to give us another chance to live, to grow, to learn and to love. We are His miracles!

Our GOD in Heaven decided to give us, His children, another chance to be of service! At this very precious time of year, that very special blessing should NOT be overlooked, but be deeply appreciated!

With that, I want to wish any and ALL of you who read this commentary throughout the year, a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!! And I pray that Almighty GOD continues to bless you and your families.

Take care!

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