THE CASH STUFF FOR THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2026

CHARLOTTE-MECKLENBURG POLICE CHIEF ESTELLA PATTERSON

THREE CHARLOTTE-MECKLENBURG 

POLICE OFFICERS RESIGN AFTER 

INTRNAL PROBE OF RACIST TEXTS

By Cash Michaels

Contributing writer

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Chief Estella Patterson, an African-American woman, expressed “disgust, anger and frustration” after an internal CMPD investigation revealed six CMPD officers engaged in racist and sexist text messages targeting Black residents. Three of those disgraced officers have now resigned from the force. Chief Patterson told reporters that she hopes to soon call the other three “former employees.”

"The allegations against them are serious, they're deeply troubling, and frankly, I'm disappointed that we're even having to talk about this," Patterson, who formerly served as chief of the Raleigh Police Dept., told reporters during a briefing Oct. 15th. "As a Black woman who began my career here in this very department, it's especially painful and disheartening to hear concerns from our community about racism coming from within the ranks of this organization."

Three of the officers accused were hired before Chief Patterson’s tenure, although all of them were hired within the last three years, according to WCNC-TV. Still, she expressed her commitment to ensure citizens that racist and sexist attitudes among CMPD officers would become a “systemic problem.”

"I have not read all the messages," she continued. "I can share with you that the biases show racial [and] sexual [prejudices]. They also show religious biases... My personal reaction is one of disgust, anger, frustration."

Legally, Chief Patterson said she is not allowed to reveal any specific information about the internal investigation, including the text messages. The case is considered a personnel matter, and the offices involved can only be officially terminated by the Civil Service Board. Patterson assured that all traffic stops, data from those traffic stops, along with body-worn video and arrest records were reviewed, along with any public complaints.

Even though there were no public complaints, or evidence of racial or sexual bias beyond the text messages, Chief Patterson said she is asking for a federal investigation into possible civil rights violations by the officers. In the meantime, she is seeking to revoke the law enforcement certifications of the six officers so that they cannot be hired by any other police agency in North Carolina.

"I hope they will not be an officer anywhere in this country," Patterson added.

Even though the CMPD cannot release specific information about the racist/sexist text messages in question, local television outlets in Charlotte have reported at least one of the accused officers sent a message earlier this year saying that “ their "texts sound like a clan rally”, and that one of the text threads "included a contest over who could pull over the most Black drivers,” repeatedly used the N-word while discussing “"using force and firing on Black residents."

Reportedly, the allegations grew out of the probe of CMPD Officer Seth Flock for alleged misuse of the Flock license plate surveillance network, for which he’s now facing criminal charges for. It was his phone that was downloaded by investigators that revealed the the racist/sexist text thread involving other other officers.

The text message case has attracted the attention of several in the civil rights community, including civil rights attorney and North Carolina native Benjamin Crump.

"A badge should NEVER be a license for discrimination!" Crump wrote on X. "These allegations call into question traffic stops and use-of-force incidents involving these officers!"

Other attorneys are suggesting that any cases where the accused officers are involved should be “frozen” until the internal investigation is completed.

The three remaining officers have been suspended from the CMPD without pay.

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THE CASH COMMENTARY FOR OCT. 22, 2026

                                                                 CASH MICHAELS
              

                                                    MIKE AND MARTHA

by Cash Michaels

You know how when we see someone who is in the military out in public, we  instinctively, as Americans, thank them for their service. We tell them that because we understand the tremendous risks and sacrifices that service members endure to be in uniform to defend this nation. To answer the call when needed, despite family or other personal interests, willing to give even their very life to protect the homeland.

There is no question that we owe these people our highest respect and honors.

But I’ve always believed that in addition to our military, historically there have been other Americans who have given their last measure to also serve this nation for unselfish causes we rarely recognize as intrinsic to our national character and legacy. 

         For instance, the brave citizens of all colors, nationalities and faiths who served us well in the civil rights movement. These were brave and defiant people who decided America was headed in the wrong direction when it came to living up to the true meaning of its creed that all men and women are created equal, and with nothing more than love in their hearts for their fellow man, these brave souls, again of all colors, openly challenged the power structure of this nation to become a more inclusive society.

These are people who in my opinion, had every bit as much courage as our military to stand up without weapons, and face down the agents of racial hatred and inequality, and I forever thank them for their service as well.

And then there are dedicated citizens like Mike and Martha, two extraordinary souls I met on October 15th - the first day of early voting in North Carolina - at the Herbert C.Young Community Center in Cary. Mike and Martha are election officials, or more officially known as “poll workers.”

The North Carolina Board of Elections has another moniker for Mike, Martha, and thousands of other dedicated poll workers who man our precincts during early voting and Election Day - they’re called “Democracy Heroes.”

According to the NCSBE website, Democracy Heroes are, “Election officials [who] operate the polls during early voting and on Election Day by providing services such as setting up the voting equipment, checking in voters, processing ballots, assisting voters with special needs, and closing and securing the voting site at the end of the day.”

“To qualify to work as an election official, the applicant must be a registered voter who resides in the precinct where they wish to serve. To serve as an election worker on Election Day, you must be a registered voter or be a high school student who is at least 17 years old and in good academic standing.”

During my many years of voting, most of the poll workers I’ve had the pleasure to meet during either early voting or on Election Day have either been older, retired citizens or younger college students - all extremely helpful. And since I’ve been physically handicapped since the end of the pandemic and have had to use curbside voting regularly since, I’ve really come to appreciate the devotion to duty and detail these Democracy Heroes display when they assist those of us who cannot physically wait on long lines to cast a ballot.

On October 15th at the Herbert C. Young Center in Cary, Mike and Martha were just two of the many dedicated poll workers there making sure that the rules were being followed, and every voter who came to cast a ballot, were properly processed to do so. 

Think about it. We just couldn’t run elections in this state or nation properly without dedicated citizens like Mike or Martha. And it is truly a damn shame when hard working poll workers like these have been unduly accused of  “rigging elections” when certain candidates lose and need somebody to blame for their lackluster showing.

I, for one, am extremely thankful for these Democracy Heroes because in my experience, I’ve learned to trust them having closely watched how hard they’ve worked to make sure our elections are fair, honest and orderly. I would certainly trust any “Mike” or “Martha” election poll worker before I would a lying partisan hack who’s ready at a drop of a hat to yell “rigged election” without any evidence.

In fact, with just a few precious days left to early voting before the November 3rd midterm Election Day, better brace yourself for any and all election tricks coming from the Trump Administration in an attempt to screw up the results so they won’t look as bad as projected to be. 

It’s shame that in what’s supposed to be a free nation, we are all expecting armed troops to show up at various polling places, with one actually seizing ballots  after the vote. We can also expect Republican officials to play games with election results after changing the rules so that any crazy challenge will carry some weight.

When all is said and done, good, honest, trusted people like Mike and Martha are the rock solid foundation our voting system counts on to get it right more times the not.

And that’s why every time I vote, I make sure I thank any and every election poll worker who has helped me fulfill my civic duty. Without a “Mike” or “Martha,” neither I, nor millions of other voters, could get it done.

There’s just a few more days of One Stop Early Voting/Same Day Registration left, ending on Saturday, October 31st at 3 p.m. Election Day is Tuesday, November 3rd with polls opening at 6:30 a.m., closing at 7:30 p.m..

Nothing really gets decided without your vote, so make sure you cast it!

And before I go, please allow me to tip my hat to the hundreds of students who took to the streets of Greensboro from NC A&T University, Bennett College for Women and UNC-Greensboro to march to the polls on Oct.15th, the first day in North Carolina for One Stop Early Voting. It was a sight to see, and sent a strong message to the Republican-led Guilford County Board of Elections - go ahead and shut down our campus polling place, but you will NEVER shutdown our right to vote!

I’m proud of those students! This is their country too!

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THE CASH COMMENTARY FOR OCTOBER 15TH, 2026

                                                           

                                                                    CASH MICHAELS

      

  THE ART OF VOTING

                                            by Cash Michaels

Voting is very precious to me, because voting is very precious to my community.

I still remember, with fondness, when I covered the historic presidential campaign of Barack Obama back in 2008, and how proud many younger, and older African-Americans were to be casting a ballot for the very first time in history for a Black president. Something none of us thought we’d ever see or be able to do in our lifetime. As a result of our vote, and other likeminded Americans, many of our children grew up knowing what it felt like to have a Black man as president. That gave us all tremendous pride. We had fulfilled one of Dr. King's dreams.

It has become cliche to say that courageous people of all colors and genders gave their lives so that future generations would have the privilege of casting ballots for the candidates of their choice, candidates for public office who would wisely guide our cities, states and nation through a myriad of public issues so that we all could benefit.

It should be also said that voting is voice, voting is being heard among the many being served as to what direction the majority of us believe we should be headed in.

But more than anything, voting is pride, it is civic duty carried out to show proof that when done right, our national Constitution is working, and doing so with dignity and honor.

Election Day is the one day we can all point to in our society where there should be no difference between rich or poor, Black or White, Jew or Gentile. When it comes to casting a ballot, all of us should have the same power, the same weight. Every vote should equal another. Every voice that participates should be heard, and every American story should be respected.

I write all of the above because when I take a moment to think about Election Days past, I think of long and winding lines of African-American citizens mostly, patiently waiting for their individual turn to cash that promissory note of freedom they were assured of by those who not too long ago told truth to power that we would be able to do so.

When you look at the faces of people in those lines, of parents holding the hands of their young children; or young people holding the hand of their elder parent or grandparent; or college students proudly casting their first vote ever because of what they learned in class or from a demonstration they participated in on campus; or the working class single mother or truck driver who has listened to all of the politicians, and hope for a better day; or the businessperson who feels that a vote for the right candidate keeps this nation on the right track towards economic prosperity; or  the citizen on public assistance who hopes, through that vote, that one day they and their family can get off of welfare, and begin to build a productive life for the future; or the retired citizen who has always voted, and feels a deep investment in the future and direction of a country they helped to build; or that retired military veteran who understands the meaning of freedom, and has put their life on the line for this country in order to sustain the precious right to vote, and plans to do it again and again when called to….when you think of all of these proud American citizens, and the personal stories and obligations they bring with them to the ballot box in their local communities, you just have to shake your head and smile.

These beautiful people deserve the best country possible. They deserve good government on all levels, regardless of political party, that is functioning properly, in the common best interest and by the rule of law.

Damn it, they deserve government that they can trust!

Ideally, that’s what they’re voting for. Keeping the streets safe, the utilities flowing and a U.S. Constitution that speaks to all - that’s all we ask. As citizens, we’ll take it from there.

That’s what Election Day is all about.  The candidates who can articulate all of that precisely, competently and honestly, have our vote.

It should be that simple, but unfortunately, in this age of the reckless campaign commercial that seeks not to inform us, but to scare us, and make us afraid of one another, it’s not. Based on this unpleasant reality, each and every citizen who plans to vote has to do their homework and decide, “What kind of country, state or city do I want to live in?” Ultimately, the candidate you choose is based on that question. Thus the old tried and true saying, 

“Elections have consequences.”

As for those of you who don’t vote, who don’t participate in the political process or opportunity to choose your leaders, don’t even take the time to read a news story about what’s going on in your country, I feel sorry for you.

You are one of those people who go on through life thinking that what happens in Washington, D.C. or Jones Street in Raleigh doesn’t affect you, but it does. Decisions are being made everyday without you, whether you like it or not. Do you have a say on who is making those decisions, or what is being decided? No? Why not? Did I just hear you say “because it doesn’t make any difference…those people are going to do what they want to regardless of what I say or how I vote.”

Well, then run for political office yourself so that YOU become one of those people making the big decisions. Or better yet, before you even do that, why not see who is saying what in your community about the issues you most care about, and join them in advocacy. Hopefully, that will lead you to a voting booth eventually.

But just sitting there and allowing the world to spin without your input or say so is how we got in the national mess we’re in now. Too many citizens want the fruits of freedom, but don’t want to pay the price to enjoy them. That MUST change, and YOU must change it. You have that opportunity starting from Oct. 15th to the 31st with One-Stop Early Voting/Same Day Registration, so that you can conveniently cast your ballot on a day and time that fits your schedule before Nov. 3rd, Election Day. Go to https://www.ncsbe.gov for all of the information you need to make it happen.

I tell ya, the art of voting is a beautiful thing. Don’t miss your opportunity.

PERSONAL NOTE - Hey, make sure you get your tickets to support the NC SPIN Reunion Live Show, Tuesday, Oct. 20th at the Seby B. Jones Performing Arts Theater, Louisburg College, Louisburg, NC. It’s going to be good! Proceeds go to support Louisburg College. Plus you get dinner. For more info, see the NC SPIN.com front page.

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THE CASH STUFF FOR OCT. 15, 2026

                                                                        

 AS EARLY VOTING BEGINS,

BLACK VOTERS URGED TO

“USE YOUR POWER”

By Cash Michaels

Contributing writer

With One Stop Early Voting/Same Day Registration officially beginning today across North Carolina (Oct. 15-31st), the common theme for this 2026 midterm election on Nov. 3rd is making a change in order to bring gasoline, food and other cost of living prices down, and choosing which political party in Congress and the NC General Assembly should be in the best position to do that going forward.

For African-Americans and other communities of color, voting in the midterms is considered critical, and many in Black leadership are sending the message that the Black community has power in its vote, and can help to change negative policies for the better.

“The 2026 midterm elections will shape the future of our communities, and it starts with a plan,” the national NAACP says on its website. “We, the People” are stronger when we show up together.”

As evidenced of that mantra, the website “Word in Black” published an article titled “The Fight for the Black Vote is Already Underway,” stating in part, “…some of the nation’s most influential Black political and civil rights organizations are pouring money, organizers and old-fashioned shoe leather into an unusually aggressive effort to turn out Black voters — particularly young people, rural residents and people who typically skip elections when the presidency isn’t on the ballot.”

The “Word in Black” article continued that part of that effort came recently when “…the Congressional Black Caucus Institute launched “SO VOTE,” a multimillion-dollar campaign aimed at turning out voters in some of the country’s most competitive congressional races.”

Another important effort to galvanize the Black vote has been launched by Bishop William Barber, former president of the NC NAACP.

Today, as president and senior lecturer of Repairer’s of the Breach, and co-chair of the Poor People’s Campaign, Bishop Barber has launched “100 Days of Voter Mobilization,” a national campaign across the country, including North Carolina, designed to encourage a diversity of communities to “organize their households, streets, and organizations to ensure their voices are heard at the polls.”

During a recent stop in Ashville, Bishop Barber said “…some folks have let the bear sleep. The bear’s awake now,” meaning that people of color particularly realize that they have the power through their votes to make the necessary changes needed in public office to help end the corruption and negative policies.

Congressman Jim Clyburn, 86,  longtime Democrat from South Carolina, warned African-Americans to focus on issues like  affordability when they vote, and not to be “fooled” by President Donald Trump’s promises. He also chided the Republican-led Congress for trying to eliminate Black congressional representation through redistricting , including his own long held seat.

Some advocates say because it is crucial that all of the Black community be engaged for the 2026 midterm elections, they’re concerned that once again, the effort to make that happen has begun too late.

“For decades, Black voters have been among the most reliable constituencies in American politics, especially for Democrats. But reliability should not be confused with automatic enthusiasm, “ cautioned Rev. Aaron Phillips of the Cleveland Clergy Coalition for the website RealPower TV. “I continue to sound the alarm that voter advocacy groups and campaigns wait too late to engage Black Voters. This approach continues to risk turning a dependable base into an under-mobilized one.”

         “Black voters are not a monolith,” Rev. Phillips continued. “Age, geography, gender, education, economic pressure, and trust in political institutions all shape how voters respond in elections. Since Obama, younger Black voters have been showing signs of impatience with traditional appeals based solely on party loyalty or historic civil rights symbolism.”

Rev. Phillips concluded, “In 2026, the message is simple: stop taking Black Voters for granted. Black voters should be courted, heard, and respected. Until this message is seriously received, we will continue to face low voter turnout in our community.”

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WHY AFRICAN-AMERICANS 

MUST GET THE FLU SHOT

IN OCTOBER

By Cash Michaels

Contributing writer

Last week, the North Carolina Dept. of Health and Human Services announced the first known flu-related death of the 2026 influenza season - an adult in the central part of the state. Medical experts say now that the season is here, expect to hear of more flu-deaths, especially among senior citizens and young children.

In the state’s African-American community, this is especially important news, given the unique history Blacks and the influenza virus have with each other.

During the 1918 influenza epidemic which spread throughout the nation, Black people were least likely to get the care they needed because of poverty, poor healthcare and racism, according to a 2010 study titled “African-Americans, Public Health, and the 1918 Influenza Epidemic” by Dr. Vanessa Northington Gamble, a medical historian at George Washington University in Washington, D.C. .

According to the study’s synopsis, “When the 1918 influenza epidemic began, African American communities were already beset by many public health, medical, and social problems, including racist theories of black biological inferiority, racial barriers in medicine and public health, and poor health status. To address these problems, African Americans mounted efforts such as establishing separate hospitals and professional organizations and repudiating racist scientific theories. Contradicting prevailing theories about African Americans' increased susceptibility to disease, it appears that during the 1918 epidemic the incidence of influenza was lower in African Americans. Although the epidemic had a less devastating impact on African American communities, it still overwhelmed their medical and public health resources. Observations about the lower rates of influenza in African Americans did not derail racist theories about the biological inferiority of black people or overturn conceptualizations of black people as disease threats to white people. When the epidemic ended, the major problems that African Americans faced still remained.”

Today, over one hundred years later, poverty, racism and unreliable healthcare in low wealth communities of color still exist, meaning that African-Americans and other people of color must be diligent about protecting themselves from catching the influenza virus. A 2021 study published in 2021 titled, “Rates of Influenza-Associated Hospitalization, Intensive Care Unit Admission, and In-Hospital Death by Race and Ethnicity in the United States From 2009 to 2019” “…took a close look at 113,352 flu hospitalizations between 2009 and 2019 from across the country. Researchers found clear disparities in those hospitalizations…”, particularly among children of color.

Black children under 5 were more than twice as likely to be hospitalized with the flu, according to the report.

So what should Black parents of young children, and black seniors do? 

While everyone in our community should make sure they’re inoculated against flu and COVID virus infections, those two groups are particularly advised to plan on getting their vaccination shots as soon as possible for protection, certainly by the end of October when influenza infections may be at their highest, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Last winter, North Carolina was hit with a “super flu” around the same time.

Both shots are generally free at your health provider, various drug store chains and community health centers. Anyone 6 months of age or older can get a flu shot. Most health insurance plans cover flu vaccinations for those insured.

North Carolina reported 335 flu-related deaths in 2025, including 10 pediatric deaths.

“We encourage everyone to take steps to protect themselves and others this respiratory virus season,” said NCDHHS Secretary Dev Sangvai. “Getting vaccinated, staying home when sick, washing hands regularly and covering coughs and sneezes can all help reduce the spread of seasonal illnesses.”  

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