Compelling tales of summer romance always seem to begin as a surprise. True to fashion, I certainly did not expect it. Perhaps this summer romance could be categorized as ‘unconventional’, but labels aside, the truth is I’ve fallen pretty hard—for North Carolina.
Now my progressive friends who have been paying attention to the legislation coming out of North Carolina lately will probably question my sanity; there has not been much to celebrate: the Racial Justice Act was repealed, reparations that were promised to sterilization victims have been revoked, and workers and women face one of the most hostile political environments in decades. In yet another astonishing disappointment, GOP lawmakers even withheld money that would trigger $4 million dollars in federal funds allocated for the upcoming election— funds that would train poll workers, update voting machines, and other critical designations in order to ensure a smooth election process. The 2012 election may end up being a fiasco. North Carolina, to put it mildly, certainly has room for improvement.
Yet this summer has nourished a deep affection for my home state. Rather than a crystallizing epic moment this affection has been heightened through a series of experiences, pieced together. One piece was found as I watched new citizens sworn in every week at the Charlotte Department of Homeland Security. During each naturalization ceremony the officers announce the countries represented. I have witnessed individuals hailing from every cross section of the globe, some who have witnessed struggle most people could hardly imagine, standing proudly to accept their certificate; a cultural cornucopia that for any individual simply born into citizenship who tends to take the label for granted is deeply moving.
One piece was found in observing a kindling flame, burning brightly within organizers and activists all over this state. From lively discussions about getting the vote out with advocates in Asheville, to watching local leaders passionately argue for passing a budget in Charlotte that fulfills promises to the West and East Side, to meeting with Ms. Gregory, a woman who has worked with the NAACP for almost 50 years and is still as much a force in the party as ever.
One piece has been found in conversations with individuals like Elder Hayes, a legendary civil rights leader who possesses an incredible depth of knowledge of black history in North Carolina and who runs a community radio show; a man who seems to breathe out wisdom in every utterance. These individuals have imprinted North Carolina’s hue as a vibrant purple in my mind—they do not rise and fall with parties, they work on principle, and they always choose people over prestige. Even smaller moments: a few kind strangers offering me water while out registering voters on a sweltering day, these seemingly insignificant fibers in the coarse fabric that is North Carolina, have had a profound effect on me.
It is far too easy to read headlines and paint North Carolina in broad strokes, generalizing it as ‘backwards’ and ‘discriminatory’ much like the South as a whole is often discussed as a monolith. Yet invoking the state’s motto, To Be rather Than to Seem, if one takes the time to dig beneath the surface of preconceived notions and presses upon the pulse of this state, what you find on the ground may surprise you. Every community, every street corner, is rich with chaotic complexity that can be confounding at times but is sincerely beautiful. If you are lucky enough to cross paths with some of the incredible human beings I have crossed paths with, people who fiercely love this place, whose words often linger on my mind long after our conversations have ended, you may happen upon the feeling I have found in NC: a sentiment that no matter how far you may have traveled to get here, you have been home all along. North Carolina, even with all the setbacks and disappointments, is worth fighting for.
Now don’t get me wrong I don’t assume North Carolina is everyone’s cup of tea. However, try not to be surprised when I offer some push back if I hear people talking down my state. You see, I’ve known NC a long time, and this summer fling is looking like it may develop into a serious long-term engagement.
Zaina
Charlotte Team
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