In October 2020, I decided not to seek a second term on the Fayetteville-Cumberland Human Relations Commission (FCHRC) after serving for two years. While the Commission’s official mission was to promote equal opportunity and protect human and civil rights in Fayetteville and Cumberland County, the reality fell far short of this goal.
Rather than being a proactive organization, the FCHRC often felt directionless. There were frequent discussions about Fayetteville’s low score of 32/100 from the Human Rights Campaign for LGBTQ+ inclusivity, but little meaningful action followed. The only notable change in recent years came in 2021, when sexual orientation, gender identity, and veteran status were added as protected categories in discrimination cases within the city.
At the same time, homophobic and transphobic rhetoric has grown both culturally and politically. Initially, I thought the Commission’s stagnation was due to the pandemic, but now I’m less certain. The recent chair, M. Semone Pemberton, a Republican currently running for state legislature, has aligned herself with Lt. Governor Mark Robinson, a figure known for his overt bigotry. I once believed Pemberton supported the Commission’s mission, but now it seems she used the role as a stepping stone for political advancement.
The Commission’s credibility had already been compromised by the presence of Franco Webb, a far-right figure with a criminal history who played a disturbing role during the George Floyd protests, offering armed “security.” Despite credible warnings about Webb’s background, he remained on the Commission.
A committee formed to develop a history curriculum to serve the “repurposing” of the Market House hasn’t met in half a year or more. The committee operates under the auspices of the Human Relations Department, which oversees the Commission
I’ve remained mostly silent about my time on the FCHRC, but my decision not to return was driven in large part by the Commission’s silence following the burning of the Market House and the subsequent police crackdown. Pemberton’s alignment with Robinson—an outspoken homophobe and transphobe—was the final straw. While I hold no personal animosity toward Ms. Pemberton, her political alignment with Robinson is indefensible for anyone claiming to uphold the values of the Commission, particularly since she chaired the body when gender identity and sexual orientation were added as protected categories.
If Pemberton is truly aligned with Robinson, then her time as chair of the Commission was nothing more than cynical means of gaining clout.
An Unhappy Consciousness 
Excellent observation. I had the privilege of observing Pemberton’s actions while she chaired FCHRC. I was surprised by her bid to run for the state Senate. My first inclination was to ask, why??? My question is based on the premise that she appeared to cower and knuckle under the push or pressure of one Commissioner in particular who is a member of the GOP. My only explanation is that maybe she was promised financial support to take on the Democrat incumbent. Personally, I don’t see unity in her future as a Senator, especially after she endorsed Robinson. She will be a puppet that bows to the whim of the right and not for the will of the people.
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