IS FORMER LT. GOV.
MARK ROBINSON
PLANNING TO RE-ENTER
POLITICS?
By Cash Michaels
Contributing writer
Was former Lt. Governor Mark Robinson’s public admission last week that he’s always had “an obsession with pornography,” and that he first denied that obsession after CNN reported about his alleged remarks on an online porn forum to protect the 2024 presidential campaign of Donald Trump, a way for him to re-enter conservative politics?
That remains to be seen, but if it is, the Greensboro native and once viable Republican candidate to become North Carolina’s first black governor, will have a tall order of regrets to live down.
On a 90 minute podcast title After the Call, Robinson spoke about his life growing up in a violent household as a child, and also how he leaned towards conservative politics as an adult, going before the Greensboro City Council in 2018 to speak out against gun control. Video of that appearance, caught the attention of the NC Republican Party, which later recruited the then tough talking blue collar factory worker to run for lieutenant governor in 2020, shocking the political universe when he won.
But little did anyone know, according to Robinson, he had a dark secret. Beyond writing disparaging things online attacking Jews, Muslims, women, blacks, the civil rights movement and LBTGQ+ people, Robinson had a predilection towards pornography. The harsh things he said about other groups came out during his term t lt. governor, fortifying his dominant position in the state Republican Party and the conservative Make America Great Again movement.
When Trump came to North Carolina to campaign, he would invite Robinson to appear with him, and at one time called the black Republican “Martin Luther King on steroids.”
But, with eight weeks to go in his historic run for governor, it was CNN’s special reporting on Robinson’s alleged porn activity on a website titled Nude Africa, where, under an assume name, he wrote about his obsession with porn, identified himself as a “black Nazi,” called slain civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. a “commie bastard,” and shared his sexual fantasies.
Robinson denied the CNN report, and at first sued the news network for $50 million. But after losing to Democrat Josh Stein by 14 points, Robinson disappeared for several months, until last week when he appeared on the podcast to admit that he indeed lied to protect President Trump.
“I certainly don’t want to be the person that costs the president of the United States the election,’ he said during the podcast. “Didn’t want to cost anyone else their election.”
On social media, many critics were underwhelmed by Robinson’s belated admission.
“You chose your side, Uncle Tom,” wrote someone named Mith.
Vanessa rhetorically asked, “Is he in the [Epstein] files too?
Another critic, this one named Robert, posted, “Well duh, we’ve already figured that out!”
And a poster named Michael wrote, “He lied and threatened to sue CNN knowing he was lying The whole time? Shameful!”
But many Robinson supporters remained loyal after his admission.
“I would still vote for him,” posted Cindy. “He has good values.”
John, another apparent supporter, was also understanding.
“Confession is good for the soul. Transparency is a political rarity. Improving ourselves a Godly endeavor. Forgiveness is Devine (sic). I trust that those who have courage to change for the better instead of obfuscation of past responsibility.”
John, apparently addressing Robinson’s critics, continued,“…You failed to see that’s exactly how he wins herts and ends by boldly declaring his sins asking forgiveness and instigating change in his character and becoming a better person. I say we need his integrity, strength and leadership in these battles against tyranny and terrorism.”
Still, a Robinson critic named Joyce seemed to sum up the majority opinion of the social media posters when she wrote, “Sounds stupid to me, and guess what? Trump doesn’t give a poo poo about you. He would never protect you. STUPID!
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EXPLORE NC BLACK
HISTORY WITH
THE FAMILY
By Cash Michaels
Contributing writer
Now that Spring has officially arrived, and temperatures have stabilized in the 70’s and 80’s, now may be the best time of year to explore North Carolina’s Black history sites to learn more about the proud contributions made to the state’s history. Each historic site has a website of more information.
THE INTERNATIONAL CIVIL RIGHTS CENTER/MUSEUM
Located in downtown Greensboro, this is the historic former Woolworth store where on February 1, 1960, four black students from North Carolina A & T State University boldly went intending to challenge the state’s racial segregation law by ordering food at the “whites only” counter . That “sit-in”action reinvigorated the ’60’s civil rights movement across the South and nation. The center/museum maintains many of the artifacts, photographs and other interactive memorabilia of the time. Please go to https://www.sitinmovement.org for more information.
FREEDOM PARK
Located in downtown Raleigh, Freedom Park is a beautiful one-acre monument to the African-American spirit and struggle in North Carolina, featuring a greenspace and 20 “ Voices of Freedom” inscribed on its walkways. The park is free and open to the public. Please go to https://aahc.nc.gov/north-carolina-freedom-park for more information.
ASHEVILLE BLACK CULTURAL HERITAGE TRAIL
As North Carolina’s most popular mountain city, Asheville offers a rich cultural and historic experience when it comes to the African-American community. The Black Cultural Heritage Trail offers important landmarks that pays tribute to that history, an those contributions. Please go to https://bcht.exploreasheville.com for more information.
CHARLOTTE HAWKINS BROWN MUSEUM
Located in Gibsonville, Dr. Charlotte Hawkins Brown founded Palmer Memorial Institute in 1902, where over 2,000 African-American women students were educated and graduated from. The historic campus has been preserved for visitors to go to see and learn more about the illustrious achievements of this important educational institution. Please go to https://historicsites.nc.gov/all-sites/charlotte-hawkins-brown-museum for more information.
NORTH CAROLINA CIVIL RIGHTS TRIAL
Interested in visiting a variety of places across the state where activists gathered to plan and organize in their fight for freedom, justice and equality? Then go to https://aahc.nc.gov/programs/civil-rights-trail to see what areas of the state interest you and your family so that you can plan a trip.
All of these locations and more are maintained by the North Carolina Department of Natural & Cultural Resources.
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