A Powerful New Campaign Ad From This NC Congressional Candidate

By Susie Madrak — October 5, 2021

Charles Graham, a Democratic state representative and Lumbee Indian from Lumberton, North Carolina, has put out a powerful campaign ad that's spreading through Twitter like wildfire. (He went from 71 followers to 31.8K overnight. Is it enough to help him flip a Republican seat? I guess we'll find out.

When I was just a boy, the KKK announced a night rally in my home county of Robeson, NC -- a poor farming community made up of Black, white, and American Indian folks like my family -- proud members of the Lumbee tribe.

The Klan called us “mongrels” and “half breeds". Despite warnings from the police chief that our community would not tolerate their hate, fifty Klansmen arrived at Hayes Pond on the night of January 18, 1958. Not a bad turnout for a winter evening.

The only problem is they were greeted by 400 Lumbees - barbers, sharecroppers, even expectant mothers -- ready to defend their neighbors and strike back against the Klan’s bigotry and intimidation.

The Battle of Hayes Pond became a forgotten part of history. But I'm bringing the legacy of Hayes Pond with me as I run to become the first Native American to represent North Carolina in Congress. I hope you’ll join us in this historic race and help win this battleground seat.

We know where Republicans stand on health care. Increasing coverage starts with growing the Democratic majority. Help us flip #NC09 by chipping in below 👇 https://t.co/rbPUJTP8MZ

— Charles Graham (@CharlesGrahamNC) October 5, 2021

When I started teaching special needs kids in the 80's, they had no almost no rights in our schools, so I spent 30 years fighting for their equality. Today, under-resourced schools have left ALL kids vulnerable and voiceless. It's time to make education a priority.

— Charles Graham (@CharlesGrahamNC) October 5, 2021

UPDATE: Regarding his vote on NC's anti-trans "bathroom bill":

I really appreciate this statement from @CharlesGrahamNC. As a trans woman, I was very upset when I learned he voted for HB2. However, I'm quite impressed with this thoughtful apology. We should encourage leaders to learn and grow. This is a good thing.https://t.co/vQbygLXYXq pic.twitter.com/3ZHKnAsGUC

— Charlotte Clymer 🏳️‍🌈 (@cmclymer) October 5, 2021

UPDATE: Pete Seeger wrote a song about this:

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