Local legislator tapped to lead Black Caucus

A state senator who represents Edgecombe and Pitt counties was recently appointed chairwoman of the North Carolina Legislative Black Caucus.

N.C. Sen. Kandie D. Smith’s appointment on June 26 comes after serving one year as the caucus first vice chairwoman. Smith is a Democrat who represents the 5th District.

She succeeds the former chairman, N.C. Rep. Kelly Alexander of Charlotte, who stepped down from the post. Alexander had previously announced he wasn’t running for re-election after serving for more than eight years in the N.C. House.

“I’ve been running (the caucus) in his absence for some time, but he made the decision to go ahead and resign, so I’m taking the reins and doing what I have to do. I have already been doing the work,” Smith said.

The caucus is a legislative association composed of North Carolina lawmakers of African American, American Indian and Asian-American heritage. Since its inception in 1983, the caucus has advocated for the rights and freedoms of marginalized communities across North Carolina, focusing on issues including advancing civil rights, equal access to education, economic development and voting equality.

“The primary focus over the next several months, as it is always, is making sure we are adequately representing minorities in the state of North Carolina and what their thoughts and desires are as well as keeping them informed on what is happening with our state legislature,” Smith said.

The N.C. General Assembly ended its short session last month after the House and Senate failed to approve a comprehensive budget adjustment plan. However, the two chambers plan to reconvene periodically, with the next session scheduled for July 29.

Smith said she doubts there will be many additional sessions in the summer when legislators have scheduled vacations. It also is an election year, and legislators seeking re-election will be campaigning.

“We’re still going to be working and urging people to do what they need to do to get out the vote and things of that nature,” Smith said.

The caucus has about 30 members.

“I am honored to step into this role and with the willingness to make sure I am adequately serving the citizens of Pitt and Edgecombe counties and North Carolina as a whole,” Smith said. “I am honored and take this seriously. I will make sure I am effective in this role.”

Smith said that she would work to continue to advocate for North Carolinians, especially minority residents in the state.

Smith said if her constituents have concerns, questions or issues, “I am going to be open to hear those, so we can work with our constituents of North Carolina to help us move forward.”

Smith, who is seeking reelection to serve a second two-year term in the Senate, is being challenged by Republican Alexander J. Paschall in the November election.

Smith said if voters return her to office she will run for the caucus chair position.