- [Kenia] The historic Magnolia House was once a destination on the famed Negro Green Book, but today, it's a respite for weary travelers from all over.

With its historic legacy, we thought it would be the perfect backdrop for a conversation about what African-Americans want in the upcoming election.

- And its relevance historically, economically, and politically couldn't be stronger.

I'm Deborah Holt Noel.

- And I'm Kenia Thompson.

Join us in Greensboro for part two of our election coverage conversation with Black voters on the next "Black Issues Forum."

- [Narrator] Quality public television is made possible through the financial contributions of viewers like you who invite you to join them in supporting PBS NC.

[upbeat music] ♪ - Welcome to "Black Issues Forum."

I'm your host, Kenia Thompson, and we're here for our second part of our Greensboro conversation with local business owners.

Again, we're joined by Valerie Benton Smith, Gerry McCants, Stephanie Bumpus, and Natalie Pass.

- It's just making it worse.

It's just making the community go down on this side of town.

And I can only speak for the community on my side of town because this is the side of town I live on, the east side of town, and I would love for it to be better, and it saddens me because all I see on my side of town is tobacco and vape stores.

I don't see better options for us to eat.

I see McDonald's, I see Taco Bell, I see Cookout, I see Burger King.

That's all I see.

I don't see Saladworks.

I don't see healthier food options.

It's just The Greasy Spoon, that's it.

Pizza spots.

I would like to see healthier options.

So what it's doing is it's making us feel left out.

To me, it just makes me feel sad.

- Yeah, we've gotta change the narrative.

I think there's some really strong Black companies, Black-owned companies in Greensboro and Guilford County, but we've gotta put more money into this ecosystem as it relates to, CDFIs, Piedmont Business Capital, M&F Bank, African-American owned.

And some organizations like yours and mine, Greensboro business, so we can begin to invest in these communities, work with small companies so organically they can grow.

And so you've got this unique kind of network going on, just like any other community that you may travel to.

I was in Wilmington this past weekend, thriving small business community up and down Front Street and Water Street.

We need that kind of activity here.

And that comes with making sure that we've got the right leadership in place, but also the right funding and investment in some of these communities.

- And more police presence too, because small businesses are afraid.

- Well a lot of what we're talking about obviously can be changed and moved with discussion and conversation, but most of it needs to happen in legislation.

And so I just wanna open up this part of the conversation and ask a very simple question.

And this is a safe space, so be as candid as you want to be.

But I would love to hear, how do you feel about this upcoming election?

- Which one?

[group laughs] - The Presidential election.

The Presidential election.

- I'm supporting Kamala Harris, sitting Vice President.

I just think the message that she has makes a lot of sense.

I don't want to deal with a whole lot of controversy.

People need help.

And if you're gonna destroy the narrative with all this other nonsense that doesn't make any sense and not focus on real kitchen table items that people need to be concerned about.

I'm gonna pay my bills, I'm gonna pay rent, mortgage, food, that's what I want to hear.

I don't wanna hear all this other stuff.

I'm gonna support small business.

All this other stuff that the other side of the aisle is talking about makes absolutely no sense.

- So as business leaders and as business owners always share to keep religion and politics because your focus should be about your product and your service.

And that's like a personal thing because you don't want people to not wanna patronize you because you support this or because you believe that, it should be neutral when it comes to that.

However, in reference to my own personal belief, I not interested in going backwards.

That's very serious for me, not going backwards.

We've made, as women, made some lead way, but there's still a difference as reference to, like we was mentioning about pay.

We couldn't even get a loan, a business loan until the 1980s unless we had a male to co-sign with us.

And it had to be like a husband or a son that was an adult age.

So we've come a long way, but we still got a long way to go.

So not interested in going backwards and in reference to globally, we don't want folks looking at our country like taking it off of, we look at, when you go across seas and different things like that, they have looked at this country extremely positive.

So we don't want to have this look where we're now like a third world country.

If you're not happy with the way an election is going, then you go and try to fight and things like that.

That's not what we are accustomed to seeing.

And that's not democracy.

And that destroys relationships globally.

And so we want that to continue to be an economic power.

I know you was talking about like president, but we have to look at also our local officials.

And I'm speaking, again, we are mothers, we are sisters, we're people that matter.

And so if someone has an agenda to say that women don't matter or things like that, that's a serious problem for me because we do matter.

And so that's really heavy in my heart.

And I'm hearing a lot of male female agendas, and there's no disrespect to any males.

But that's serious too.

We're here talking about African-Americans, but women, we have issues as well.

So it's like double.

When I say issues, meaning like, there's huge disparities.

And so I really want to focus on leadership that has our best interests at heart because we all matter, we are as important, and we are not, not interested in going back.

- Stephanie?

- Honestly, when it comes to this upcoming election, I'm just not sure how I feel.

I've been doing a lot of praying and a lot of soul searching.

- I don't think you're alone.

There's actually a record number of people who don't know.

- But what I can say, I have two sons, I have two grandsons.

And as Valerie stated, I don't wanna go back.

None of us, I don't think wanna go backwards.

So I do agree with Kamala in reference to moving forward.

I wanna move forward.

I am about pro-life.

I am about pro-choice.

So I think that's it for me.

That's it for me.

- Thank you for sharing that.

- How do I feel?

I'll be honest, I'm kind of scared out of my mind, right?

Like I think there's three things.

So we here at Magnolia House have never really ever expressed our views and support for one candidate over the other.

This year is a little different.

So we are very much in support of Kamala Harris.

And I'll tell you why.

So first off, the one thing I do, what her campaign is bringing is this true sense of hope.

And what her campaign is also representing non-verbally is this sense of inclusion.

She and her campaign are inclusive of every party, inclusive of every race, every gender.

And so that is an important message to send, especially where we are today.

The other component about that is let's talk about not going back.

So our organization is a voice for these Black structures.

We like people, we like structures and buildings better.

At least today and this week we do.

And so our work is driven on one key data point.

When we think about these historic sites that are out here across the US, if you are certified and you are on the National Historic Registry by the Department of Interiors, if you're on that list, that is the godfather of certifications for historic sites.

There was a little over 90,000 sites on that list.

A couple of years ago, maybe 3% were represented for being Black and Black and represented Black history and celebrated and honored as such.

So quite frankly, I don't have anything else to go.

We're only at 3%.

We've got a lot of work to do.

So there is no going back.

- And you got the governor's race too.

- There's a lot, there's a lot, right?

And and to be fair, our local races are likely more important or just as important let's say to the national race.

- Yeah, I mean let's talk about it.

Attorney General Josh Stein, I'm supporting him.

We have a Lieutenant Governor Mark Robinson, who's really from Greensboro.

But I just think his platform is more inclusive, certainly is gonna address some of the issues that we face in terms of small companies.

And enough said.

- Just real quick, I just wanna make a point here that I think a lot of people think Black people are gonna vote for the Black person.

And they're not gonna vote for the white person or the person of non-color.

It's not about that, it's not.

And so that race right there is clear that it's not about that.

I didn't mean to interrupt you.

- Oh no, I was just agreeing with Gerry here that example Mark Robinson, who's from Greensboro, happens to be African-American.

And from my observation, it doesn't appear that a lot of African-Americans are supporting him.

So it's not because he happens to be Black, it is because of what he proposes out in the community.

We wanna hear things more like about economy, health.

You don't want to hear, this is what he said, not Valerie, if the reason why you're in that situation because you didn't know how to keep your skirt down, I mean that does sound extremely sexist when we are in the 21st century.

So as a leader, you have to look at, this is the current times, certain things are just inappropriate, what does that have to do with the economy, things like that.

And that's another example of just going backwards.

We're in a different climate now where we are moving or we desire to move forward.

And I'm also hearing this now because I keep my ear to the ground.

People are saying they are not voting.

And to me, that is quite offensive.

Let me tell you why, people died so that we can vote.

African-Americans as women, people lost their lives.

So I think you should exercise your right to vote.

Nobody's telling y'all, I'm not telling you who to vote for, but at least exercise that right.

I think that's very important.

- Thank you for that.

Stephanie, you have anything to add?

- I don't think so.

- It's okay if you don't.

You raised a great point about people not voting.

There are too a lot of voter suppression tactics that are happening.

What is the damage that that tactic has on our community, and what is the further damage that not voting has?

Open it up to anyone, but Gerry.

- There's a lot of disruption.

First of all, if you're paying taxes, you need to vote, bottom line, because that's what the state feeds off of, that's what the federal government feeds off of, and that's what the local government fees is your tax revenue being invested in the system, which should be dispersed equitably.

So if you're not voting, you lose your voice.

And I would tell people, don't lose your voice.

That's your ticket to address some of the issues that are going on in your communities.

So those are my thoughts.

- I think they're torn because they are hearing things from both parties and their indecisiveness.

So they're undecided, and with that, they're just making the decision not to vote.

That's just one one of the reasons.

- Well I have been registered independent for decades now, so obviously, I'm not Democratic nor Republican because my feelings and thoughts are whoever is the best candidate is who I'm gonna vote for.

I don't just vote parties.

So with that being said, so I do understand the undecided, but even if you're undecided, you can still exercise that right to vote.

Because then what happens if you don't have that, you didn't use it, then whose fault is that?

- Your own.

- Right.

- But I do want to focus on, and what we do focus on is voter education.

What I mean is that some of the dynamics have changed.

So you have to have ID.

So okay, what if you don't have driver's license?

No problem, you can still get your North Carolina ID.

So exercise your right by educating yourself what you would need, you're gonna have to have an address, things like that.

You get your mail somewhere.

So the point I'm making is that just provide the information and provide it ahead of time and make sure that you are registered.

- I think one of the other questions you asked was about the impact of some of the interruption.

And so I think one of the responsibilities we have as registered voters, or, well, for those that are not registered to register, but what happened the last time we voted, and we had that interruption and distraction around suppressing votes, quite frankly, it can deter people from going back to the polls because it almost takes their voice away.

They feel like they don't have a voice, so why go to the polls?

And I think that we as a community really need to lean into them and help them to get that voice back and feel empowered to go to the polls and do what needs to be done to keep that fear from happening again.

But I think that that's the big reason or the big impact with your second question.

- Last question to the table.

What is your hope for Greensboro, and where do you see this city going?

And I'll start with you, Gerry.

[group laughs] - Great question.

I see some positive things happening here in Greensboro as it relates to more recruitment of large companies coming in to provide more opportunities and jobs.

But I also see a shift in terms of some of the Black-owned companies here that are coming in to do business.

And I think there's a pipeline from certain parts of the United States where companies are coming in to do business here.

And you can see that by the increasing population over at the university, North Carolina A&T State University.

Even though I didn't go to school there.

- We love y'all The same, Gerry.

- Significant opportunity.

A lot of students come from all over the state in United States, same way with Bennett College.

But I like the direction of what's happening right now.

- Valerie?

- Well I am a fellow alum of North Carolina A&T, which is the largest HBCU and- - This HBCU rivalry is something else.

It's something else.

Keep talking, keep talking.

- So I love Greensboro.

Greensboro is so attractive to so many people because of the culture that it brings.

And people love it.

And like, Gerry saying people come from all over the nation to be even the world's a lot of, you know, they have foreign students too.

So I'm basically saying that that's extremely attractive, being the second only historic African-American college and focusing on women.

Spelman is also, but we have it right here in our city.

Greensboro's known for such rich history like the Greensboro Four.

And people come here to experience the knowledge and the love they get here.

As far as a business person, my best success has been here in Greensboro compared to other places.

So I understand why people are attracted to this area.

And like you move down here from Maryland to North Carolina, to Greensboro.

And I've had like sorority sisters move here for the same reason because it's affordable.

And so that's what's also attracted, I mean yes, we have increased, but it's still affordable still.

- - Civil rights museum as well, which attracts probably one of the number one tourist destinations in Greensboro is the International Civil Rights Museum here, outside of the Magnolia House, obviously.

- But yeah, so that's another thing we do.

Like there's enough money out here that everybody can make money.

And so why not be supportive and why not come and experience the culture experience?

I wouldn't just say go support that business because it's Black.

No, go support that business because it's a great business.

And that's where we promote excellence, and you see a lot of that here in Greensboro.

So I see it continually moving forward, and I feel confident in saying that because since I've been doing business here in Greensboro, it's talking about living your best life.

I have a wonderful life.

So I love Greensboro.

- That's good.

Stephanie, what's your hope for the city?

- For the city alongside the state of North Carolina is the increased minimum wage.

I think that is important.

$7.25, no one can live off of that.

There's clearly, as you stated earlier, the increase in cost of living.

And so you can't afford to live if you can't make the money.

If your salary is not increasing, then how can you afford to live?

So I feel like that's really important just as an individual because I mean, again, I have sons, and sometimes it's challenging for them because they're not making a lot of money.

And a lot of businesses aren't always willing to pay a lot because of this whole minimum wage thing.

So the salary that they're offering is minimum.

It's not a lot.

And I think that they should offer more, like just go according to the knowledge, skill, and ability for when a person is applying for a job.

It shouldn't always be based on if you have a college degree because everyone doesn't have a college degree.

Everyone couldn't afford to go to college.

And so for that reason alone, it should be based on your experience, again, knowledge, skill, and ability.

Howard HU.

[group laughs] And that's for me as an individual.

Now me as an entrepreneur, what I would like to see is guaranteed funding for small businesses.

I would like to see that in Greensboro.

- I'm sure you're not alone.

Natalie, last but not least?

- Yeah, so I think that there is definitely this momentum and this energy about Greensboro and we've got a lot going on in terms of companies coming in, in terms of people moving and relocating here.

And what that is doing is that is putting us in a position us as business owners and then of course the local government and the city and the county officials.

We need to make sure we're ready to receive the influx of what's coming.

And that's just basic pure is our infrastructure setup for that.

Going back to the 10 coffee shops that have been set up within less than a mile perimeter, and then here comes Starbucks, like how as a community can you be strategic about what businesses that we're putting so that we don't feel like we're competing with one another.

- Exactly, the competition.

- Exactly, I think that we're in a position right now where us as businesses, us as non-profits, us as for-profit businesses, we need to start being in a place of collaboration.

When you look at the success of the other metropolitan areas, Charlottes, Atlantas, RDU, how are they successful?

Look at how their businesses play together.

Look at that ecosystem.

That's something that we need to be looking at here and implementing here.

- Well I'm sure we could go on and continue this conversation for the rest of the day, but you all have businesses that you need to get to.

So I just wanna thank you humbly for allowing us number one to be in this space.

It's beautiful.

So thank you, and thank you all for being just transparent and honest in this conversation and hopefully this is just one of the many stepping stones that we'll have in making change and seeing change across this state.

Thank you all so much.

- You're welcome.

Thank you having us.

- Well as election day approaches, PBS North Carolina wants to ensure our viewers are prepared to vote.

You can find information about election day, voter registration deadlines, early voting, voter ID, and so much more.

Make sure you visit pbsc.org/vote for additional details.

Well that's all we have for today's show.

I thank you for joining us for this very special conversation.

If you want more content like this, we invite you to engage with us on Instagram using the hashtag #BlackIssuesForum.

You can also find our full episodes on pbsnc.org/blackissuesforum and on the PBS Video app.

I'm Kenia Thompson.

I'll see you next time.

[upbeat music] ♪ [upbeat music continues] ♪ [upbeat music continues] ♪ - [Narrator] Quality public television is made possible through the financial contributions of viewers like you who invite you to join them in supporting PBS NC.