“THE MOVEMENT” A Night to Remember – GDN Exclusive

Tracey Morrison

Tuesday, November 8th, Election Watch Party was a memorable night for four newly elected African American women. Frances Jackson, North Carolina House, District 45; Rosalyn Hood, District Court Judge; Veronica Jones, County Commissioner At-Large; and Val Applewhite, NC State Senate, District 19.

The night started as guests assembled at the Metropolitan Room in downtown Fayetteville. Cheers and applause greeted the four women as they entered the room. The crowd socialized while watching the numbers with anticipation on the screen projector awaiting the results.

Amid the crowd waiting, the precinct’s reporting was finally complete. Watch Party Organizer, Swan Davis, revealed the election results. One by one, Davis announced the four ladies as winning the election. Hugs! Camera’s flashing! Gleaming Smiles! Cheers! Joy! The excitement that filled the room from the crowd was indescribable.

“It’s amazing when you dream about it, pray about it, but to hear it is wow. It’s not even an “I did it. It’s a “We did it.” I believe in the power of the vote. We need to find out our superpower. We can change the community when we come together collectively with our vote. What happened here today is huge, it is huge because so many people on the campaign trail felt that their vote didn’t matter. I’m proof that it does matter,” shared Val Applewhite, who defeated Wesley Meredith for District 19 NC Senate seat.

“It’s been a long journey being on the campaign trail. When you file for office, you never know the outcome. I know I had a passion for service and was willing to take that chance. The community believes in me, not just serving on the city council but working in the community, non-profit organizations, Democracy NC, and Advanced Carolina, doing COVID-19 outreach for the community during the pandemic. I believe I resonated with the community. It’s a sense of trust they had in me.” Applewhite shared with Greater Diversity News (GDN).

As each woman celebrated their win, it was a celebration of the movement. Frances Jackson defeated challenger Susan Chapman for NC House, District 45. Afterward, Jackson said, “I am so excited. We were all on the campaign trail together, and we won together. I’m very excited and happy that I was a part of a wonderful group of women. This win is history in the makings because I’m the first woman to hold a position in District 45.” She says she is honored by this win and plans to engage her constituents in the process when she goes to Raleigh. Jackson has almost 30 years of experience as a Transportation & Community Planner, Zoning Administrator, Transit Analyst, Educator, Magistrate, and Transportation Director. She also served on the Hope Mills Zoning Commission and Cumberland County Alcohol and Beverage Control Board.

“It’s really about the people and entrusted in myself, Frances, Rosalyn, and Val to work together and collaboratively from the top down. That’s what we plan on doing. We plan on bridging the government to help one another get things we need for the community,” said newly elected County Commissioner At-Large Veronica Jones.

They’re eager to be in their newly elected roles and ready to work in their elected positions. Rosalyn Hood defeated Jonathan Strange for District Court Judge. She’s a combat veteran of 20 years. She served for Cumberland County as an Assistant District Attorney for 14 years. “I’m ready to go to work and show this community everything I discussed in my campaign—justice without bias, political influences, and fairness across the board. I’m a woman of passion. I’m ready to go to work,” stated Hood to GDN.

“I’m looking forward to being on the Board of County Commissioners, bringing some new ideas, working with the other Commissioners. My specialty is mental health. We need to do more for the community regarding health care, but education is also my passion and affordable housing. Many more things are on the platform but healthcare, education, affordable housing are priorities. I’m just happy to be here tonight. I won the primary and thank God that the community believes in me enough to bring it home for the General Election. Now it’s really time to do the work. I’m not afraid to do the work, I’ve been an advocate for several years,” said Jones to GDN.

Applewhite shared that now that she won, it’s up to her to deliver on her campaign promises. “Healthcare for 600,000 people, helping fund public education, and our teachers. These are the things people want. I’m focused on that and want to deliver. I want people to hold me accountable. I wake up in the morning and still look for the newspaper to say, “Did That Really Happen Last Night?” because it has been a long campaign. I’m just grateful. I’m ready to go to Raleigh and serve,” said Applewhite.

The watch party was an exceptional opportunity for the four women to celebrate their diligent campaign work and for the attendees to witness their celebratory win. As Applewhite stated to supporters, “This is not a moment. This is a movement.”

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